ABSTRACT:
The solanaceae is a large varied family of trees, shrubs and herbs including 90 genera and more than 2000 species. Solanaceae are known for possessing a diverse range of alkaloids. Therapeutically, these are the most powerful known anticholinergics in existence, meaning they inhibit the neurological signals transmitted by the endogenous neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Medicinally important species of the family Solanaceaes belong to following genera namely: Solanum, Atropa, Capsicum, Datura, Withania, Hyoscymus, Nicotiana and Miscellaneous. These species are extensively used for medicinal purpose throughout the country. The Solanaceae family is characteristically ethnobotanical, that is, extensively used by humans. It is important source of food, spice and medicine. However, solanaceae species are rich in alkaloids whose toxicity to humans and animals ranges from mildly irritating to fatal in small quantities.