For generations, the humble มะแว้งต้น (mawaengton), a native shrub found across much of rural Thailand, has held a prominent place in pharmacy cabinets and folk wisdom. Today, as health-conscious Thais turn back to herbal remedies for gentle relief and global researchers re-examine ancient cures, Solanum indicum L. stands at a fascinating crossroads—its pungent, bitter berries long trusted for soothing coughs now being verified and expanded upon by modern scientists.
มะแว้งต้น is known by several regional names—มะแค้งขม and มะแค้งดำ in the North and Northeast—and its distinctive round, greenish-black fruit is a familiar sight in fresh markets and traditional medicine shops throughout Thailand. Sometimes intermingled with closely related species like มะแว้งเครือ (Solanum trilobatum), the มะแว้งต้น is a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which also includes eggplant, potato, and tomato. It is the fruit of this plant, often simply called “mawaeng” in Thai pharmacies, that’s prized as a gentle expectorant, cough soother, and phlegm reliever in the traditional Thai pharmacopoeia (thaiherbinfo.com).
But is this remedy, cherished by generations, truly effective—beyond the comfort of memory and tradition? Modern research is now shining a light on the medicinal secrets hidden in the berries of this storied shrub.
The ancient uses of มะแว้งต้น reflect a holistic approach deeply rooted in Thailand’s cultural history. In local communities, elders, and traditional medicine practitioners have long recommended the bitter fruit—chewed raw, brewed as herbal tea, or incorporated into lozenges—as a primary remedy for coughs and sore throats. Thai herbal lozenges featuring mawaengton are registered with the Thai Food and Drug Administration and combine the fruit with other indigenous botanicals such as holy basil and turmeric (thaiherbinfo.com). These preparations are especially common during seasonal shifts when respiratory ailments are prevalent. The laid-back “grandmother’s medicine” approach—take a few berries, brew a cup of herbal tea for your sniffles—remains a staple in many households.
Historical and ethnobotanical analyses, both in Thailand and neighboring Asian cultures, confirm this longstanding relationship. In the North and Northeast, where bitter foods are culturally esteemed for their supposed “cooling” and detoxifying properties, มะแว้งต้น has value not only as medicine but also as a food—a green fruit added to curries and local dishes. In the broader context of Southeast Asian healing, Solanum indicum L. is repeatedly cited for its roles in addressing cough, sore throat, asthma, fever, and even digestive complaints (BBC Thai; ScienceDirect).
But what is it, at a biological and chemical level, that gives mawaengton its revered place in both kitchen and clinic? And how do these folk uses align with the findings of global phytochemical research?
Modern pharmacology has begun to peel back the mystery of มะแว้งต้น, focussing on its rich reserve of alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, and flavonoids—compounds known for a range of medicinal qualities (PMC9519333). Researchers have identified the steroidal alkaloids solasodine, solamargine, solanine, and others as primary active principles in the fruit and other parts of the plant, substances that exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and even anticancer actions. Particularly noteworthy is solasodine, a precursor in the synthesis of steroid hormones used in pharmaceuticals.
A 2022 review in the Journal of Tropical Medicine details how various Solanum species—including S. indicum—demonstrate efficacy in in vitro and animal studies against respiratory infections, with anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties substantiating their traditional uses. Animal models and cell cultures have shown that extracts of the fruit can reduce bronchial inflammation, decrease cough reflex sensitivity, and help clear airway secretions—mechanisms matching the folk applications as a cough suppressant and mucus expeller (PMC9519333).
In traditional Indian Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine, which often overlaps with Thai herbal traditions, S. indicum is described as “kantakari,” a major ingredient of ancient cough syrups and respiratory formulas. Clinical observations in these systems support its use for bronchitis, hoarseness, shortness of breath, and mild asthma (ResearchGate).
Scientific validation, however, is still at an early stage. Human clinical trials are limited, and most available evidence comes from animal studies, pharmacological tests, and traditional medical texts. Nonetheless, the wide variety of bioactive phytochemicals in มะแว้งต้น holds promise. Beyond respiratory complaints, preliminary studies have also documented antimicrobial activity, possible blood sugar modulation, liver-protective effects, and—in laboratory conditions—antitumor potential (ScienceDirect; ResearchGate).
A striking element of the mawaengton story is how folk and formal medicine in Thailand continue to intersect. Registered traditional remedies like มะแว้ง lozenges draw on both kitchen table practice and laboratory evidence, blending the fruits with other “cold” and “bitter” herbs to tackle not just symptoms, but the underlying energetic imbalances identified in Thai traditional diagnostics. Elder herbalists—often referenced in televised interviews and cultural reporting—emphasize that “taking มะแว้ง as a fresh fruit or tea is like sweeping out phlegm naturally” (BBC Thai). Thai consumers, aware of the slow pace of scientific validation, continue to rely on these generational remedies for mild complaints, especially when seeking gentle alternatives to synthetic cough syrups.
From a historical perspective, the enduring place of มะแว้งต้น in Thai society illustrates not just efficacy but also adaptability. In Lanna and Isan regions, where resources were once scarce and access to biomedical healthcare was limited, plants like มะแว้ง became vital for community self-care. The ritual and habit of chewing the berries—despite their strong, persistent bitterness—were passed down as acts of preventive medicine and hope.
But how should modern users approach this ancient remedy? As with all powerful herbs, caution is key. The nightshade family contains both culinary staples and toxic species: some compounds found in S. indicum, if consumed in excessive quantities, can cause nausea, gastrointestinal upset, or in rare cases more severe reactions (PMC9519333). Particular risk may exist for young children, pregnant women, and individuals with sensitive constitutions. For these groups, professional medical advice is essential before using any Solanaceae-based preparation. Even in professionally prepared lozenges, dosage and frequency must be observed closely.
Importantly, no current clinical evidence supports replacing prescribed asthma inhalers, antibiotics, or other essential medicines with มะแว้งต้น products. Think of this berry not as a cure-all, but as a supportive remedy for minor symptoms of cough and mild respiratory distress. Anyone experiencing persistent, severe, or unexplained cough should seek prompt medical evaluation—a principle in both biomedical and traditional Thai healthcare.
What of the future for this storied shrub? Ongoing international research continues to explore the pharmacological breadth of S. indicum. Scientists are particularly interested in isolating new steroidal alkaloids, optimizing extraction techniques, and evaluating synergistic blends with other Thai and Indian botanicals. The hope is that, through deeper study, standardized mawaengton-based preparations could offer safe and effective adjunct therapy for respiratory and inflammatory diseases. Thai traditional medicine practitioners and pharmacy regulators are closely watching for advances—striving for a balance between ancestral knowledge and modern safety standards (PMC9519333).
Meanwhile, in local communities, the resilient mawaengton shrub remains rooted in daily life. Whether as a component of sought-after herbal lozenges, a star ingredient in restorative village teas, or a symbol of generational wisdom, Solanum indicum continues to bridge the worlds of farm, pharmacy, and cutting-edge science.
For health-conscious Thai readers, the message is clear: cherish your family’s folk remedies, and observe the preventative rituals of your ancestors—but always embrace new findings with a spirit of curiosity and self-protection. When considering the use of mawaengton or any herbal medicine, consult savvy pharmacists with specialized training in traditional Thai medicine, discuss any herbal self-care openly with your primary healthcare provider, and stay informed of emerging research.
Herbal medicines are powerful allies when approached with respect, knowledge, and guidance. มะแว้งต้น’s journey, from ancient household cure to subject of global investigation, demonstrates the enduring relevance of traditional Thai phytotherapy in a modernizing world.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical consultation. Always speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new herbal remedy, especially if you have chronic illness, are pregnant, or are taking prescription medication.
Sources:
- “Medicinal Plants of Solanum Species: The Promising Sources of Phyto-Insecticidal Compounds,” Journal of Tropical Medicine
- Ma Waeng Lozenges Product Information, Thai Herb Info
- BBC Thai: งานวิจัยเกี่ยวกับความหมายทางสังคมของ “เว้นระยะห่างทางสังคม”
- Medicinal plants used by rural Thai people to treat non-communicable diseases, ScienceDirect
- Solanum indicum L. ethnobotany and pharmacology review, ResearchGate