Path of Science: International Electronic Scientific Journal

Solanum nigrum is a tropical plant sometimes used as a vegetable for consumption in some communities where they grow in the wild, with anecdotal reports of its usefulness as a medicinal plant, especially in treating asthma. This present study aimed to determine the phytochemical constituents of the leaf, fruit, and seed of Solanum nigrum Linn. extracts and evaluate its pharmacological activities via ATBS and DPPH assays evaluate its pharmacological activities of the chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts.

The researcher collected fresh leaves and fruits of privately cultivated Solanum nigrum Linn. from FCT Abuja, Nigeria, extracted them using solvents (chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol), and evaluated the pharmacological activities of the various extracts via ATBS and DPPH assays.

Alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, steroids, flavosterols, fixed oils, terpenoids, and saponins were present in both the leaf and fruit extracts of Solanum nigrum. The fruits, however, have higher concentrations of phenols, flavonoids, and vitamins B1, B2, and C. Our Study further showed that the ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts exhibited high ABTS and DPPH scavenging capacity. The high ABTS and DPPH scavenging capacity by the ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts suggests that the plant has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties and authenticate its traditional use in the treatment of asthma. Therefore, future research on the effect of plant extracts on smooth muscles and, subsequently, clinical trials on asthma patients is recommended. 

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