Eggplant salve is a topical preparation derived from specific extracts of the eggplant. This salve represents a traditional approach to skin care that has been explored for its potential benefits, and its use spans historical and folk medicine.
What is Eggplant Salve?
Eggplant salve is a topical ointment or cream created from specific varieties of eggplant, such as Solanum melongena or Solanum sodomaeum. It typically incorporates eggplant extract alongside carrier oils like grape seed, sunflower, or coconut oil, often combined with beeswax and other botanical ingredients such as rosemary or frankincense. The compounds responsible for its effects are solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides (SRGs), which are naturally occurring glycoalkaloids. These SRGs are sometimes referred to as BEC or BEC5. These glycoalkaloids are extracted from the eggplant fruit, with some formulations containing a low concentration, such as 0.005% of the glycoside mixture in products like Curaderm BEC5.
Primary Applications for Skin Health
Eggplant salve has been investigated for its use in addressing specific skin conditions, particularly non-melanoma skin cancers. Its most researched applications involve basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), along with precancerous lesions like actinic keratosis (AK). These are the forms of skin cancer that primarily impact the outermost layers of the skin. Some studies suggest that topical application of specific eggplant-derived creams, such as Curaderm BEC5, has shown efficacy in treating these lesions. Eggplant salve has also been anecdotally used for general skin irritations or to improve the appearance of discolored, thickened, or scaly skin.
Scientific Understanding and Safe Use
The proposed mechanism by which solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides (SRGs) function involves inducing programmed cell death, known as apoptosis, in abnormal skin cells. These compounds are believed to selectively bind to specific receptors found on the surface of cancer cells, which then allows them to enter these cells and initiate their destruction, while generally sparing healthy cells.
Current scientific research on eggplant salve, particularly formulations containing SRGs like CuradermBEC5, indicates promising results from in vitro studies and early clinical trials. Studies on basal cell carcinoma have reported clearance rates ranging from 66% to 78% after several weeks of treatment. However, larger-scale, peer-reviewed human trials are still needed to definitively confirm the efficacy and safety across broader populations.
Eggplant salve, or any product containing eggplant extracts, is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cancer. Using such products for serious conditions without medical supervision carries risks, including delayed diagnosis and potential progression of the condition. Possible side effects include local irritation, redness, and ulceration at the application site. It is important to distinguish eggplant salve from “black salve,” which contains different, highly corrosive ingredients and is associated with severe adverse outcomes like permanent disfigurement and tissue necrosis. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable before using any alternative treatment, especially for diagnosed skin conditions, as it is not a substitute for conventional medical therapies.