Manathakkali (both the berries and the spinach) is a ‘go-to’ home remedy to combat mouth ulcers. It was my grandmother’s first prescribed solution even before we reached out for any tablets with Vitamin B12 or riboflavin and it usually worked. Manathakkali is rich in riboflavin, calcium, niacin, iron, phosphorous and Vitamin C. It’s known to cure urinary infections and as a remedy for constipation.
The fresh spinach and berries are not available round the year even in traditional markets in Chennai. But you can get the sun-dried, packaged version of the berries in many supermarkets and online. This is the version that is mostly used for the gravy.
Manathakkali Nutritional Value:
100 grams of manathakkali has around 68 calories, 8.9 grams of carbohydrates, 2.1 grams of minerals, 1.0 grams of fat, 5.9 grams of protein, 410 mg of calcium, 70 mg of phosphorus, and 20.5 mg of iron.
Manathakkali Chemical Constituents:
Manathakkali plant contains alkaloids (glycosides, solamargine, alpha and beta solanigrine), tannins, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, proteins (glycine & proline), carbohydrates and phytosterols. The important compound found in both unripe and ripe fruits are solasodine and manthakkali oil isolated from the plant is a rich source of linoleic acid.
Manathakkali Medicinal Uses:
1. Antioxidant Properties
2. Anti Cancer Properties
3. Anti Diabetic Properties
4. Anti Inflammatory Properties
5. Anti Asthma Properties
6. Anti Ulcer
7. Anti Seizure Properties
8. Anti Viral Properties
9. Mosquito Larvicidal Properties
10. Hepato Protective Properties