Phytochemical, nutraceutical and oxidative stress modulation activities of Solanum villosum Mill. leaf and berry extracts

Abstract

The present work depicted the pharmacological and nutritional importance of Solanum villosum Mill. based on its traditional value. It is an ethnomedicinal plant of the family Solanaceae used to treat edema and sore eyes, apart from its use as salad and fruit. Leaves and berries of Solanum villosum were explored for the bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and nutritional potential. Plant extract of both parts i.e., leaves and berries were prepared in methanol and chloroform solvent, then subjected to analysis. Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and tannins were quantified as major phytochemicals. Antioxidant activity was tested by DPPH radical scavenging, Phosphomolybdate and reducing power assay. Brine shrimp lethality assay was employed to study cytotoxic activity of extracts. Assessment of nutritional value was done by proximate analysis. Alkaloids and saponins were present in significant quantities i.e., 7.6 mg g⁻¹, 3.48 mg g⁻¹, 5.67 mg g⁻¹, and 1.98 mg g⁻¹ in leaves and berries respectively. Methanol extracts exhibited noticeable antioxidant activity, as compared to chloroform extracts. Higher antioxidant activity of leaves was reported as compared to berries with IC₅₀ values of 196.86 µg mL⁻¹ by Phosphomolybdate assay. Methanol extract of leaves demonstrated promising cytotoxic activity with LD₅₀ value of 74.44 μg mL⁻¹. Results for nutritional analysis indicated presence of carbohydrates, proteins, and crude fiber in both extracts, while protein content was higher in berries. Results of the study suggest that the plant can be utilized as a source of balanced nutraceutical products having benefits of food and medicine.