Wild relatives of potato or less known representatives... of the nightshade family (Solanaceae Juss.)

Nightshade family (Solanaceae Juss.) is represented in the domestic flora by both native species and of the foreign origin, including invasive. Characteristic feature of many taxa of the nightshade family is the presence of different kinds of active substances from the group of alkaloids (nicotine, atropine, scopolamine), responsible for their toxic properties. Not many people are aware that it embraces vegetables (e.g., potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant) as well as stimulants (e.g., tobacco) and poisonous plants. From the last group noteworthy polish species are: bittersweet nightshade, henbane and deadly nightshade. Solanaceae for centuries have been used in folk medicine in many regions of the world, and the substances contained in them were also used in many sectors of conventional medicine. They were also bound with many folk beliefs.