Thuthuvalai also called as Thoothuvalai Keerai in Tamil Nadu, it belongs to Solanaceae family. Thuthuvalai is used for medicinal purpose and also called as purple fruited pea egg plant and Nightshade.
The purple-fruited pea eggplant, also known as Thuduvelai or Solanum trilobatum, is a species of nightshade plant native to Asia and Africa. It belongs to the Solanaceae family, which includes other popular vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers.
Here are some key points about the purple-fruited pea eggplant:
- Appearance: The purple-fruited pea eggplant typically grows as a small shrub, reaching up to 1-2 meters in height. It produces clusters of small, round, purple berries that resemble miniature eggplants or peas.
- Culinary Uses: In some regions, the purple-fruited pea eggplant is used as a culinary ingredient. The berries are often cooked and incorporated into various dishes, such as curries, stews, soups, and stir-fries. They have a slightly bitter taste and absorb the flavors of the dishes they are cooked with.
- Traditional Medicine: In traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Siddha, various parts of the purple-fruited pea eggplant, including the leaves, berries, and roots, are used for their medicinal properties. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, and antipyretic properties.
- Health Benefits: The purple-fruited pea eggplant is believed to offer a range of health benefits. It is used to treat respiratory ailments such as coughs, colds, and asthma. It is also used to alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders, including indigestion, flatulence, and constipation. Additionally, it is sometimes applied topically to treat skin conditions like rashes and wounds.
- Cultural Significance: In some cultures, the purple-fruited pea eggplant holds cultural significance and is used in religious rituals or ceremonies.
- Cultivation: The purple-fruited pea eggplant is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of soil types and growing conditions. It is often grown as a perennial in tropical and subtropical regions but can also be grown as an annual in temperate climates.
- Caution: While the purple-fruited pea eggplant has culinary and medicinal uses in traditional practices, it's essential to exercise caution, especially when using it for medicinal purposes. Some parts of the plant may contain toxic compounds, and improper use or ingestion of large quantities may lead to adverse effects.
Overall, the purple-fruited pea eggplant is a fascinating plant with culinary and medicinal value, deeply rooted in traditional cultures across Asia and Africa. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or herbalist before using it for medicinal purposes.
Botanical Name - Solanum trilobatum
NUTRITION IN THUTHUVELAI
- Fiber - 2.3 g
- Sugar - 4.6 g
- Calcium - 334 Mg
- Fat - 0.7 g
- Calories - 40
- Water content - 84.7
- Protein - 3.9 g
- Mineral Salts - 3.8 g
- Iron - 5.0 Mg
- Phosphorus - 52 Mg
- English - Climbing Brinjal
- Tamil - Thoothuvalai, Thuthuvalai, Tuduvalai, Nittidam, Sandunayattan and Surai.
- Hindi - Kantakaari-Latta
- Malayalam - Tutavalam, Putricunta, Puttacunta, Tudavalam and Putharichunda.
- Telugu - Alarkapatramu, Mullamustil and Kondavuchinta
- Sanskrit - Kantakaari-Latta, Agnidamani, Agnidamini, Alarka, Vallikantakarika and Achuda
- Kannada - Ambusonde, Ambusondeballi, Chitbadane, Hebbu Sonde Gida, Hebbu Sunde Gida, Mullu Kaaka Munchi, Mullu Mushta and Kakamunji.
- Marathi - Mothiringnee and Thoodalam
- Oriya - Bryhoti
- Good for asthma patients
- Helps to cure lungs disorders, respiratory problems.
- Helps digestion
- Thuthuvalai with cow milk is taken in morning for relieving cough.
- Relieves stomach pain.
- Thuthuvalai leaves produce blood and prevent the thickening of the blood
- Its leaf cures dullnessof hearing.
- Improves mental ability.
- Good for tuberculosis.
- Good for constipation and gastric problems.
- Good for sinus problem.
- Prevents cancer.
Thoothuvalai as a mosquito repellent
