An erect subshrubby or shrubby up to 3 m tall, with short curved prickles. Leaves ovate to lanceolate, margins entire, apex acute, base rounded, tomentose beneath. Flowers white, borne in dense lateral racemes; calyx glandular-hairy, lobes lanceolate, acuminate; corolla shite, stellate-pubescent outside. Fruit berry, globose, smooth, yellow or orange red when ripe. Seeds smooth.

The plant has sedative, diuretic and digestive properties; alleviates spasms and stimulates the cardiovascular system and respiration (aerial part). The leaves have haemostatic properties.

PIER
Solanum torvum

Ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, niacin, riboflavin, solasodine, thiamin (fruit); solasonine, jurubine, torvonin and jurubidine (fruit and leaf); caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid (plant).

For enlargement of the spleen (fruit). A decoction of the fruits is given to relieve coughs. The powdered seeds, mixed with mustard oil, are used as a massage oil for treating skin eruptions. The roots are used in the form of poultice to promote healing of cracks in the feet.

Chandel et al., Biodiversity in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India.