Solanaceae
Tomato Leaf
Solanum lycopersicum
✗ High Risk
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Western South America
Also known as: Common Tomato Herb, Tomato Plant Leaf
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Leaf
Therapeutic Uses
PRIMARILY EXTERNAL USE — insect repellent, antimicrobial topical. Leaves TOXIC internally due to tomatine. Fruit (tomato) is the safe, medicinal edible part — rich in lycopene for cardiovascular and prostate health.
Herbal Actions
Insect repellent (topical), antimicrobial
Active Constituents
Glycoalkaloids (tomatine — toxic), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), chlorogenic acid, volatile sulfur compounds
Preparation Methods
🌿 Poultice
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | NOT FOR INTERNAL USE — toxic glycoalkaloids |
| Tincture | AVOID — toxic |
| Notes | LEAVES TOXIC INTERNALLY — use tomato FRUIT for medicinal purposes. Lycopene from cooked tomatoes: strongest carotenoid for prostate cancer prevention and cardiovascular health. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✗ High Risk
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Leaves toxic — solanine-like glycoalkaloids. Only the ripe fruit is safe and medicinal.
Side Effects: GI toxicity from leaf consumption. Neurological effects. Use tomato fruit instead.