Anti-obesity and anticancer activity of Solanum xanthocarpum leaf extract: An in vitro study

Abstract

Background: Solanum xanthocarpum grows in parts of India as a wild herb. The active principles of this plant are Solasodine, Carpesterol, β-Sitosterol, and Diosgenin. Pharmacological effects such as hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective and hypotensive activity of S. xanthocarpum have been reported. Solasodine, an active component of this plant is reported to have antioxidant activity. Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the anticancer and anti-obesity property of S. xanthocarpum. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in Department of Pharmacology, Government Kilpauk Medical College, with laboratory support from Life Teck Research Center, Chennai. Both dry and fresh leaves of S. xanthocarpum were taken and evaluated for anticancer property using MCF cell line and anti-obesity activity using Pancreatic Lipase inhibition activity. Results: There was significant decrease in cell viability with increase in concentration of both dry and fresh leaves which shows anticancer activity. With increase in concentrations of leaf extracts, the inhibition of pancreatic lipase was found but in comparison to Orlistat the standard treatment, the effect was very less. Conclusion: Based on above results, it is concluded that S. xanthocarpum has good anticancer and minimal anti-obesity activity. Further investigations are required to identify the actual phytoactive component.