Solanaceae

Among flowering plants, family Solanaceae is well known as ‘nightshade’ or ‘potato family’; comprising more than hundred genera and above 2500 species of trees, shrubs and herbs. Various species of Solanaceae contain valuable alkaloids. Many solanaceous members are valuable part of our food in the form of vegetables, salads and spices. Various parts of many plant species are used as medicines to cure health problems. A few species express toxic effects when eaten raw or unprocessed. Solanum xanthocarpum, Datura stramonium, D. innoxia, Hyocyamus niger, Capsicum annuum, Withania somnifera, Nicotiana tabacum, Atropa belladonna are most important species with ethno-medicinal uses. Various parts of these plant species are extensively used in the preparations of many ayurvedic medicines. Due to loss of natural habitat, overexploitation and less conservation practices, these plant species are soon going to be distributed in limited regions. In vitro conservation via tissue culture technique has been undertaken for these species so that increasing demand of raw material by pharmaceutical producers can be satisfied. This article highlights the medicinal importance and reviews the tissue culture efforts in the above solanaceous species.