Studies on the phytochemical screening and free radical scavenging potentials of Solanum nigrum leaves extract

Abstract

Objective: Solanum nigrum is paramount in medicinal perspective and belongs to family Solanaceae. From different parts of the plant, significant pharmacological and biological activities have been reported previously. This study was aimed to analyze the presence of various phytoconstituents and to determine the antioxidant potential, in vitro. Methods: The ethanolic extract of leaves was investigated for phytochemical analysis, vitamin, and mineral content. The antioxidant (free radical scavenging) activity of the extract was determined against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), nitric oxide (NO), and superoxide scavenging assays. Results: Phytochemical analysis of the leaves revealed the presence of phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, phytosterols, and triterpenoides. The leaves extract was found to contain appreciable amounts of flavonoids and phenols. The extract showed the presence of vitamins such as ascorbic acid, folic acid, and niacinamide. It has been found that the leaves of S. nigrum are rich in minerals such as copper, magnesium, manganese, vanadium, chromium, calcium, zinc, sodium, and potassium. S. nigrum leaves extract was found to be antioxidant in nature which is evident from DPPH, ABTS, NO, and superoxide radical scavenging assays. Conclusion: The results of the present findings suggest that S. nigrum contains biologically important phytoconstituents, significant amounts of vitamins and minerals. In addition, S. nigrum leaves extract exert free radical scavenging potential in vitro.