Turkey berry (also known as Solanum torvum) is a widely cherished ingredient not just as a food item but also as a traditional herbal remedy deeply rooted in various ancient medicinal practices. Found across the globe, this humble berry sparks curiosity regarding its optimal uses and safety considerations.

This article delves into the fascinating world of turkey berry, shedding light on its nutritional benefits and the scientific foundation supporting its most renowned applications.

What is Turkey Berry?

Turkey berry, known scientifically as Solanum torvum, is a fascinating spiny flowering shrub characterized by its prolific clusters of yellow-green, pea-sized berries. These berries find their way into numerous culinary dishes, horticultural practices, and even medicinal applications.

Commonly referred to by various names, turkey berry is also called:

• prickly nightshade
• devil’s fig
• shoo shoo bush
• wild eggplant
• pea eggplant
• susumber

This resilient plant flourishes in diverse climates, although it thrives best in sunny, temperate areas. Its ability to spread rapidly allows it to establish itself in many regions worldwide, including the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Due to its widespread presence, the exact origin of turkey berry remains uncertain. Nonetheless, numerous experts suggest that it is likely indigenous to Central and South America. Turkey berry, a spiny shrub, yields small green berries that serve multiple culinary and medicinal purposes, making it a valuable addition to various cuisines.

Potential Health Benefits

Turkey berry, known for its dual role as both a food source and an herbal remedy, has been traditionally utilized to address a myriad of physical ailments, ranging from high blood pressure to digestive issues and even bacterial infections. However, it's important to note that the scientific investigation into the medicinal properties of turkey berry remains scarce. Despite this, initial findings from studies conducted in test tubes and on animals imply that certain nutrients and plant compounds found in turkey berry could contribute significantly to its many claimed health benefits.

May Prevent and Treat Anemia

Iron deficiency is a prevalent nutritional issue affecting people globally. Iron deficiency anemia, a common concern, arises from insufficient iron intake, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

Turkey berry is particularly abundant in plant-based iron and is often consumed to combat or prevent iron deficiency anemia. However, recent animal studies reveal that the iron in turkey berry might not be absorbed effectively in the digestive system. Therefore, simply adding turkey berry to your diet does not guarantee a significant improvement in your iron levels. To enhance iron absorption from plant-based sources, pairing turkey berry with foods rich in vitamin C—like strawberries, bell peppers (capsicum), or citrus fruits—may be beneficial. Nevertheless, there is currently no research confirming whether this method enhances the potential of turkey berry to treat anemia.

May Help Lower Blood Pressure

In Australia, nearly half of the adult population experiences high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Preliminary research indicates that the compounds found in turkey berry may naturally assist in lowering blood pressure. Turkey berry is packed with various unique compounds, including gallic acid and ferulic acid, which have shown considerable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory studies. Furthermore, one animal study indicated that turkey berry extract led to a notable reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive rats. However, it is crucial to highlight that no studies currently exist to confirm whether turkey berry can lower blood pressure in humans, thus no specific outcomes can be assured.

May Promote Healthy Immune Function

Laboratory studies have demonstrated that turkey berry possesses strong antimicrobial properties that may enhance healthy immune function in several ways. One particular study noted its potential effectiveness against the herpes simplex virus. Additionally, the antimicrobial characteristics of turkey berry have been recognized for their ability to keep wounds clean and aid in the healing of cuts and ulcers. While this initial data appears promising, further rigorously designed studies involving humans are necessary to ascertain whether turkey berry can consistently promote healthy immune function in people.

Safety Precautions and Potential Side Effects

The turkey berry plant, which is utilized across various cultures for both medicinal and culinary applications, encompasses all its parts—roots, stems, leaves, and fruit. This fascinating plant is particularly notable for its fruit, which is commonly fried in oil or ghee and enjoyed in its entirety. Meanwhile, the leaves, stems, and roots can be dried and transformed into a powder, tea, or tincture, showcasing its versatility.

While turkey berry is frequently employed and generally regarded as safe, there remains a significant gap in robust data concerning its precise dosage and the potential risks of side effects following consumption. Turkey berry belongs to the same family of plants as nightshade vegetables, which includes popular items like potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant.

Similar to other nightshades, turkey berry contains a group of compounds known as glycoalkaloids. When ingested in excessive amounts, these glycoalkaloids can lead to adverse digestive and neurological symptoms, such as nausea, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, dizziness, and confusion. It's important to note that the concentration of glycoalkaloids in turkey berry naturally decreases as the plant matures, making it advisable to consume only fully ripe turkey berry fruit for safety.

That being said, some individuals may exhibit heightened sensitivity to glycoalkaloids compared to others. If you have a history of difficulty digesting nightshade vegetables, it might be wise to avoid turkey berry. The existing scientific literature does not provide strong evidence regarding the safety of turkey berry for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Nonetheless, in certain countries like Ghana, it is common for pregnant and nursing women to consume raw turkey berry to enhance iron levels and support lactation. Given the limited research and the fact that toxic varieties of turkey berry may closely resemble non-toxic ones, it is prudent to seek medical advice before incorporating turkey berry into your diet—especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have any underlying health issues.

The Bottom Line

Turkey berry, known as solanum torvum, is a widely-utilized plant recognized globally for its exceptional nutritional and medicinal benefits. This versatile fruit belongs to the same botanical family as familiar vegetables such as eggplant (brinjal), tomato, and peppers, contributing to its popularity.

This remarkable plant is traditionally employed to address a variety of health issues, including hypertension, wounds, anemia, and both bacterial and viral infections. However, it's worth noting that most contemporary research validating its effectiveness primarily stems from test-tube and animal studies, with limited human clinical trials available.

For the majority of individuals, turkey berry can be safely included in the diet; however, it is crucial to ensure that the berries are fully ripe before consumption, as unripe turkey berry may lead to adverse neurological and digestive reactions. Considering the current gaps in research, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider before integrating turkey berry into your health and wellness regimen, particularly if you have any existing medical conditions.