Wolf apple
StarSolanum lycocarpum
Synonyms: Solanum lycocarpum var. macrocarpum, Solanum lycocarpum var. genuinum, Solanum lycocarpum var. decalvatum, Solanum grandiflorum var. pulverulentum, Solanum lycocarpum var. paraguariense, Solanum grandiflorum f. paraguariensis, Solanum lycocarpum subsp. macrophyllum, Solanum grandiflorum var. macrocarpum, Solanum lycocarpum f. eumacrocarpum, Solanum lycocarpum f. angustifolium, Solanum grandiflorum f. apaense, Solanum rupincola var. macrocarpum, Solanum grandiflorum var. angustifolium
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In Brazilian folk medicine Solanum lycocarpum (fruta-do-lobo) is widely used, principally to manage diabetes, with the green fruit ground in water and the dried starchy "polvilho-de-lobeira" taken to lower blood sugar; it is also employed for hypertension, obesity and gastrointestinal complaints such as abdominal pain, and traditionally regarded as a sedative, diuretic, antispasmodic and antiepileptic, and as a hypocholesterolemic agent (Dall'Agnol & von Poser; Maranho et al.). CAUTION: the unripe green fruit is rich in toxic solanine-type glycoalkaloids and is poisonous if eaten raw.
Gallery
Botanical Description
Solanum lycocarpum, the wolf apple or fruta-do-lobo, is a large shrub or small treelet of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) characteristic of the Brazilian Cerrado, where it is one of the most conspicuous woody plants of savanna and disturbed open ground, also extending into Paraguay and Bolivia. It grows to about 2–4 m and is covered throughout with dense, star-shaped (stellate) hairs giving the stems and foliage a greyish, velvety appearance, and the stems often bear scattered prickles. The large leaves are elliptic to ovate with wavy, lobed margins. The showy flowers are violet to purple with five spreading, pointed lobes and prominent yellow anthers in the typical solanaceous form. The fruit is a large, rounded, greenish-yellow berry up to about 13 cm across, which constitutes a major part of the diet of the maned wolf. The unripe green fruit contains toxic glycoalkaloids (solanine) and is poisonous if eaten raw. It is a fast-growing pioneer of open Cerrado.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Wolf apple.
No notes yet.