Comparative Free Radical Scavenging Potentials of Different Parts of Solanum torvum

Abstract

Aim: An attempt has been made to evaluate phytochemicals and free radical scavenging efficacy of different parts of Solanum torvum. Methods: The herbal powder obtained from various plant parts i.e.dry leaves, dry fruits and fresh fruits were extracted with various solvents. The extracts were analysed for phytochemicals and antioxidants, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, total phenol, proteins, reducing sugars and sterols. Free radical scavenging capacity was analysed in terms of superoxide radial scavenging assay and reducing power assay. Result: Phytochemical characterization of the different extracts revealed the presence of the phytochemicals-alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, sterol, saponin glycosides, reducing sugars, proteins, cardio active aglycones and cardinolides. Discussion: Excellent superoxide radical scavenging ability found in almost all extracts of S. torvum. In the present study superoxide radical reduces nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) to a blue colored formazan that is measured at 560 nm. Antioxidant activity has been reported to be concomitant with development of reducing power. This shows that extracts might contain reductones like ascorbic acid, reducing sugar, thiol group containing protein which could react with free radicals to stabilize and terminate radical chain reaction. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the promising phytonutrients of the plant could be exploited against oxidative stress, cancer, ageing, Ischemic heart disease in dissolving thrombus, microbial infections and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) justifying their use in traditional medicine as nutraceuticals.