An updated ethnobotany, phytochemical and pharmacological potential of Solanum indicum L.

Abstract

Solanum indicum L. (Family Solanaceae), also known as poison berry in English, is a thorny, heavily branched perennial under shrub that can grow up to 1 metre in height and reach heights of up to 1 metre in height. This wonderful medicinal plant is extensively used in folk and traditional Indian systems of medicine to treat toxic affections, skin problems, ulcers, difficulties breathing, stomach aches, coughing, and dyspepsia, among other conditions. It is native to India and can be found throughout the country, primarily in warmer climates up to an elevation of 1500 metres. It is a well-known Indian medicinal plant that has been utilised extensively in the Ayurvedic system of medicine of treatment for many years in various ailments. It is a key component of the dasamoola group of plants' composition. Solasodine, Solasonine, Solamargine, Solanidine, and Solanine are some of the active steroidal alkaloids/glycoalkaloids found in S. indicum. The presence of various phytoconstituents in the plant has been documented, including steroidal saponins, sesquiterpenoids, hydroxycoumarins, phenolic compounds, coumarins, coumarinolignoids alkaloids, saponin, fatty acids, glycerides of the oil, and triterpenes, among other substances. Various pharmacological effects of the plant, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anthelmintic, antiplasmodial, hepatoprotective, anticancer, laxative, cardiotonic activity, CNS depressant and anti-hypertensive, hepatoprotective qualities, have been discovered in the plant. So, the aim of the present review is to provide comprehensive information from recognized sources on the ethnobotany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological efficacy and of the medicinal plant, S. indicum. These reports are very encouraging and indicate that herb should be studied more extensively for its therapeutic benefits. Clinical trials using Solanum for a variety of combinations in different formulations should also be conducted.
 Keywords: Solanum indicum, Solanaceae, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, phytopharmacology.