Antiinflammatory activity of Solanum trilobatum

Chemistry and bioactivities of natural steroidal alkaloids

Steroidal alkaloids possess the basic steroidal skeleton with a nitrogen atom in rings or side chains incorporated as an integral part of the molecule. They have demonstrated a wide range of biological activities, and some of them have even been developed as therapeutic drugs, such as abiraterone acetate (Zytiga^®), a blockbuster drug, which has been used for the treatment of prostate cancer. Structurally diverse natural steroidal alkaloids present a wide spectrum of biological activities, which are attractive for natural product chemistry and medicinal chemistry communities. This review comprehensively covers the structural classification, isolation and various biological activities of 697 natural steroidal alkaloids discovered from 1926 to October 2021, with 363 references being cited.

The powerful Solanaceae: Food and nutraceutical applications in a sustainable world

The Solanaceae family is considered one of the most important families among plant species because, on one hand encompasses many staple food crops of the human diet while, on the other hand, it includes species rich in powerful secondary metabolites that could be valorized in medicine or drug formulation as well as nutraceuticals and food supplements. The main genera are Solanum, Capsicum, Physalis, and Lycium which comprise several important cultivated crops (e.g., tomato, pepper, eggplant, tomatillo, and goji berry), as well as genera notable for species with several pharmaceutical properties (e.g., Datura, Nicotiana, Atropa, Mandragora, etc.). This chapter discusses the nutritional value of the most important Solanaceae species commonly used for their edible fruit, as well as those used in the development of functional foods, food supplements, and nutraceuticals due to their bioactive constituents. The toxic and poisonous effects are also discussed aiming to highlight possible detrimental consequences due to irrational use. Finally, considering the high amount of waste and by-products generated through the value chain of the main crops, the sustainable management practices implemented so far are presented with the aim to increase the added-value of these crops.

Leucine-Rich, Potent Anti-Bacterial Protein against Vibrio cholerae, Staphylococcus aureus from Solanum trilobatum Leaves

A 24 kDa leucine-rich protein from ion exchange fractions of Solanum trilobatum, which has anti-bacterial activity against both the Gram-negative Vibrio cholerae and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria has been purified. In this study, mass spectrometry analysis identified the leucine richness and found a luminal binding protein (LBP). Circular dichroism suggests that the protein was predominantly composed of α- helical contents of its secondary structure. Scanning electron microscopy visualized the characteristics and morphological and structural changes in LBP-treated bacterium. Further in vitro studies confirmed that mannose-, trehalose- and raffinose-treated LBP completely inhibited the hemagglutination ability towards rat red blood cells. Altogether, these studies suggest that LBP could bind to sugar moieties which are abundantly distributed on bacterial surface which are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of bacteria. Considering that Solanum triolbatum is a well-known medicinal and edible plant, in order to shed light on its ancient usage in this work, an efficient anti-microbial protein was isolated, characterized and its in vitro functional study against human pathogenic bacteria was evaluated.

Neoxanthin prevents H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells by activating endogenous antioxidant signals and suppressing apoptosis signals

BACKGROUND

The liver has a solid inbuilt antioxidant defense system to regulate oxidative stress. However, exposure to an excessive level of ROS causes liver injury. This study examined the cytoprotective effect of neoxanthin, a xanthophyll antioxidant molecule isolated from Solanum trilobatum in stress-induced HepG2 cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The cytotoxic effect of H₂O₂ and cytoprotective potential of β-carotene, lutein, and neoxanthin was analyzed by WST-1 assay. The intracellular ROS level and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured using DCFH-DA (2', 7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate) and JC-10 MMP assay. The expression of anti-oxidant and apoptotic markers was measured by western blot analysis. Neoxanthin pretreatment exhibited better protection than β-carotene and lutein against cell death caused by H₂O₂. It significantly arrested H₂O₂-mediated elevation of intracellular ROS levels and protected MMP. The intracellular antioxidant enzymes HO-1 and SOD-2 were upregulated by neoxanthin pretreatment. Neoxanthin also activated the protein expression of redox-sensitive transactivation factors, Nrf2 and NF-kB. The cytoprotective effect of neoxanthin was associated with increased expression of the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2 and decreased pro-apoptotic protein Bax.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, our results demonstrate that neoxanthin offers adequate protection against stress-mediated cytotoxicity in hepatocytes by activating the intracellular antioxidant defense system and blocking apoptosis.

Risk assessment of glycoalkaloids in feed and food, in particular in potatoes and potato-derived products

The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific opinion on the risks for animal and human health related to the presence of glycoalkaloids (GAs) in feed and food. This risk assessment covers edible parts of potato plants and other food plants containing GAs, in particular, tomato and aubergine. In humans, acute toxic effects of potato GAs (α-solanine and α-chaconine) include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. For these effects, the CONTAM Panel identified a lowest-observed-adverse-effect level of 1 mg total potato GAs/kg body weight (bw) per day as a reference point for the risk characterisation following acute exposure. In humans, no evidence of health problems associated with repeated or long-term intake of GAs via potatoes has been identified. No reference point for chronic exposure could be identified from the experimental animal studies. Occurrence data were available only for α-solanine and α-chaconine, mostly for potatoes. The acute dietary exposure to potato GAs was estimated using a probabilistic approach and applying processing factors for food. Due to the limited data available, a margin of exposure (MOE) approach was applied. The MOEs for the younger age groups indicate a health concern for the food consumption surveys with the highest mean exposure, as well as for the P95 exposure in all surveys. For adult age groups, the MOEs indicate a health concern only for the food consumption surveys with the highest P95 exposures. For tomato and aubergine GAs, the risk to human health could not be characterised due to the lack of occurrence data and the limited toxicity data. For horses, farm and companion animals, no risk characterisation for potato GAs could be performed due to insufficient data on occurrence in feed and on potential adverse effects of GAs in these species.

Interactive Effects of Wide-Spectrum Monochromatic Lights on Phytochemical Production, Antioxidant and Biological Activities of Solanum xanthocarpum Callus Cultures

Solanum xanthocarpum is considered an important traditional medicinal herb because of its unique antioxidant, and anti-diabetic, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory potential. Because of the over exploitation linked to its medicinal properties as well as destruction of its natural habitat, S. xanthocarpum is now becoming endangered and its supply is limited. Plant in vitro culture and elicitation are attractive alternative strategies to produce biomass and stimulate biosynthesis of medicinally important phytochemicals. Here, we investigated the potential influence of seven different monochromatic light treatments on biomass and secondary metabolites accumulation in callus culture of S. xanthocarpum as well as associated biological activities of the corresponding extracts. Among different light treatments, highest biomass accumulation was observed in white light-treated callus culture. Optimum accumulation of total flavonoid contents (TFC) and total phenolic contents (TPC) were observed in callus culture kept under continuous white and blue light respectively than control. Quantification of phytochemicals through HPLC revealed that optimum production of caffeic acid (0.57 ± 0.06 mg/g DW), methyl-caffeate (17.19 mg/g ± 1.79 DW), scopoletin (2.28 ± 0.13 mg/g DW), and esculetin (0.68 ± 0.07 mg/g DW) was observed under blue light callus cultures. Compared to the classic photoperiod condition, caffeic acid, methyl-caffeate, scopoletin, and esculetin were accumulated 1.7, 2.5, 1.1, and 1.09-folds higher, respectively. Moreover, high in vitro cell free antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory activities were closely associated with the production of these secondary metabolites. These results clearly showed the interest to apply multispectral light as elicitor of in vitro callus cultures S. xanthocarpum to promote the production of important phytochemicals, and allow us to propose this system as an alternative for the collection of this endangered species from the wild.

Therapeutic value of steroidal alkaloids in cancer: Current trends and future perspectives

Discovery and development of new potentially selective anticancer agents are necessary to prevent a global cancer health crisis. Currently, alternative medicinal agents derived from plants have been extensively investigated to develop anticancer drugs with fewer adverse effects. Among them, steroidal alkaloids are conventional secondary metabolites that comprise an important class of natural products found in plants, marine organisms and invertebrates, and constitute a judicious choice as potential anti-cancer leads. Traditional medicine and modern science have shown that representatives from this compound group possess potential antimicrobial, analgesic, anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, systematic and recapitulated information about the bioactivity of these compounds, with special emphasis on the molecular or cellular mechanisms, is of high interest. In this review, we methodically discuss the in vitro and in vivo potential of the anticancer activity of natural steroidal alkaloids and their synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives. This review focuses on cumulative and comprehensive molecular mechanisms, which will help researchers understand the molecular pathways involving steroid alkaloids to generate a selective and safe new lead compound with improved therapeutic applications for cancer prevention and therapy. In vitro and in vivo studies provide evidence about the promising therapeutic potential of steroidal alkaloids in various cancer cell lines, but advanced pharmacokinetic and clinical experiments are required to develop more selective and safe drugs for cancer treatment.

RNA sequencing and de novo assembly of Solanum trilobatum leaf transcriptome to identify putative transcripts for major metabolic pathways

Solanum trilobatum L. is an important medicinal plant in traditional Indian system of medicine belonging to Solanaceae family. However, non-availability of genomic resources hinders its research at the molecular level. We have analyzed the S. trilobatum leaf transcriptome using high throughput RNA sequencing. The de novo assembly of 136,220,612 reads produced 128,934 non-redundant unigenes with N50 value of 1347 bp. Annotation of unigenes was performed against databases such as NCBI nr database, Gene Ontology, KEGG, Uniprot, Pfam, and plnTFDB. A total of 60,097 unigenes were annotated including 48 Transcription Factor families and 14,490 unigenes were assigned to 138 pathways using KEGG database. The pathway analysis revealed the transcripts involved in the biosynthesis of important secondary metabolites contributing for its medicinal value such as Flavonoids. Further, the transcripts were quantified using RSEM to identify the highly regulated genes for secondary metabolism. Reverse-Transcription PCR was performed to validate the de novo assembled unigenes. The expression profile of selected unigenes from flavonoid biosynthesis pathway was analyzed using qRT-PCR. We have also identified 13,262 Simple Sequence Repeats, which could help in molecular breeding. This is the first report of comprehensive transcriptome analysis in S. trilobatum and this will be an invaluable resource to understand the molecular basis related to the medicinal attributes of S. trilobatum in further studies.

Effect of traditional plants in Sri Lanka on skin fibroblast cell number

This article describes the effects of extracts of several plants collected in Sri Lanka on the cell number of human skin fibroblasts. This study especially focuses on the plants traditionally used in indigenous systems of medicine in Sri Lanka, such as Ayurveda, as described below (English name, "local name in Sri Lanka," scientific name). Bougainvillea plant, "bouganvilla," Bougainvillea grabla (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [1], purple fruited pea eggplant,"welthibbatu," Solanum trilobatum (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [2], country borage plant, "kapparawalliya," Plectranthus amboinicus (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [3], malabar nut plant, "adhatoda," Justicia adhatoda (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [4], long pepper plant,"thippili," Piper longum (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [5], holy basil plant, "maduruthala," Ocimum tenuiflorum (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [6], air plant, "akkapana," Kalanchoe pinnata (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [7], plumed cockscomb plant, "kiri-henda," Celosia argentea (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [8], neem plant,"kohomba," Azadirachta indica (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [9], emblic myrobalan plant, "nelli," Phyllanthus emblica (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [10]. Human skin fibroblast cells were treated with various concentration of plant extracts (0-3.0%), and the cell viability of cells were detected using calcein assay. The cell viabillity profiles are provided as line graphs.

Solanum trilobatum L. Ameliorate Thioacetamide-Induced Oxidative Stress and Hepatic Damage in Albino Rats

Solanum trilobatum L. (Solanaceae) has been well known as nightshade, commonly used by diverse populations to heal several disorders. Earlier studies in Solanum trilobatum were focused on different pharmacological activities and a few were concerned with antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. Thus, the current study was focused to evaluate the antioxidant potential and hepatoprotective effects of S. trilobatum L. on thioacetamide (TAA) intoxication in Wistar albino rats. The rats were kept into four groups and six animals each. Group A was normal control. Group B was the TAA treated control. Groups C and D were pretreated with the aqueous extract from the leaves of S. trilobatum (100 mg, 200 mg/kg bw p.o.) once daily for 10 consecutive days administration followed by a single dose infusion of TAA (100 mg/kg s.c.). After 10 days, blood and livers were collected. The biochemical assay was carried out in the GSH (reduced glutathione), TBARS(thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase, and antioxidant enzymes viz., SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), GPx (glutathione peroxidase), GST (glutathione-S-transferase), and GR (glutathione reductase) were analyzed in samples of blood and liver. Treatment with S. trilobatum reduced blood and liver TBARS, and Na⁺ K⁺ ATPase activity in TAA (thioacetamide)-induced hepatotoxicity rats. Furthermore, the above antioxidant enzymes were increased in the pretreatment of S. trilobatum in TAA intoxicated rats. Finally, we concluded that S. Trilobatum displayed potent antioxidant properties and alleviate oxidative stress induced hepatotoxic effects and possible engross mechanisms related to free radical scavenging properties.

Solanum paranense Extracts and Solanine Present Anti-Inflammatory Activity in an Acute Skin Inflammation Model in Mice

The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the S. paranense crude extract, S. paranense alkaloid fraction, and solanine alkaloid. These samples reduce the croton oil-induced ear edema in a dose-dependent manner and a maximum inhibition of 81%, 98%, and 80% in the doses of 1.0, 0.73, and 0.37 mg/ear, respectively. Moreover, the samples inhibit the MPO activity with an inhibition maximum of 51%, 40%, and 46% in the doses of 1.0, 0.73, and 0.37 mg/ear, respectively. Similar results were found for dexamethasone 0.10 mg/ear (positive control), which showed inhibitions of ear edema and MPO activity of 100% and 65%, respectively. These results found probably are related to the presence of solanine which is present in significant quantity in the alkaloid fraction and others as rutin and rosmarinic, chlorogenic, and gallic acids. These results support the use of S. paranense for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders.

Diuretic and serum electrolyte regulation potential of aqueous methanolic extract of Solanum surattense fruit validates its folkloric use in dysuria

BACKGROUND

Solanum surattense Burm. (Solanaceae) is traditionally used for management of various ailments. The study was conducted for provision of pharmacological justification for folkloric uses of Solanum surattense in the treatment of dysuria.

METHODS

Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, each of (n = 6). Aqueous methanolic fruit extract of S. surattense were also administered intraperitoneally to the rats at doses of 50, 70 and 100 mg/kg. Furosemide (10 mg/kg i.p) was used as standard drug whereas controls were given saline solution (40 mL/kg i.p). The electrolytes in urine were measured using a flame photometer whereas serum sodium, potassium, calcium, bicarbonate and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were determined by using an automatic analyzer. Urine osmolality was assayed by the micro-osmometer.

RESULTS

The extract S. surattense induced diuretic effects in a dose-dependent manner as compared with control. Upon administration of extract (70 and 100 mg/kg), we observed the prominent (p < 0.01) increase in the urine volume and osmolality in comparison to control group. However, plant extract (100 mg/kg) significantly increase the urinary electrolyte excretion especially calcium (p < 0.05) to that of the furosemide whereas level of magnesium remains constant. Moreover, our results showed a decrease in serum levels of sodium, potassium, calcium and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), but concentration dependent increase in bicarbonate was found in the test groups. There was no substantial change in the pH of urine samples of the extract-treated groups.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that S. surattense investigated exert its action by causing diuresis in the treatment of dysuria.

Topical anti-inflammatory activity of Solanum corymbiflorum leaves

Solanum corymbiflorum is popularly known as "baga-de-veado" and its leaves are applied on inflamed legs, scabies, tick bite, boils, mastitis, low back pain and otitis. The aim of this study was evaluate anti-inflammatory in vivo activity and relate this activity with antioxidant compounds present in the extract of S. corymbiflorum leaves. The extract from S. corymbiflorum leaves topically applied was able to reduce the croton oil-induced ear edema and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity with maximum inhibition of 87±3% and 45±7%, rescpectively in the dose of 1mg/ear. Similar results were found for positive control dexamethasone, which presented inhibitions of ear edema and MPO activity of 89±3% and 50±3%, respectively in a dose of 0.1mg/ear. These findings are due, at least in part, the presence of polyphenols (195.28mg GAE/g) and flavonoids, as chlorogenic acid (59.27mg/g), rutin (12.72mg/g), rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and gallic acid found by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. This species showed potencial antioxidant by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and carbonyl groups in proteins methods which may be related with the presence of this compounds. This species possess anti-inflammatory activity confirming their popular use for the local treatment of skin inflammatory disorders.

Therapeutic Potential of Steroidal Alkaloids in Cancer and Other Diseases

Steroidal alkaloids are a class of secondary metabolites isolated from plants, amphibians, and marine invertebrates. Evidence accumulated in the recent two decades demonstrates that steroidal alkaloids have a wide range of bioactivities including anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, etc., suggesting their great potential for application. It is therefore necessary to comprehensively summarize the bioactivities, especially anticancer activities and mechanisms of steroidal alkaloids. Here we systematically highlight the anticancer profiles both in vitro and in vivo of steroidal alkaloids such as dendrogenin, solanidine, solasodine, tomatidine, cyclopamine, and their derivatives. Furthermore, other bioactivities of steroidal alkaloids are also discussed. The integrated molecular mechanisms in this review can increase our understanding on the utilization of steroidal alkaloids and contribute to the development of new drug candidates. Although the therapeutic potentials of steroidal alkaloids look promising in the preclinical and clinical studies, further pharmacokinetic and clinical studies are mandated to define their efficacy and safety in cancer and other diseases.

Development and validation a liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for determination of solasodine in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study

Solasodine is a poisonous alkaloid chemical compound that occurs in plants of the Solanaceae family. A simple and selective liquid chromatography mass spectrometry method for determination of solasodine in rat plasma was developed and validated over the range of 3-1,000 ng/mL. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 (2.1 mm×50 mm, 3.5 μm) column with acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid in water as mobile phase with gradient elution. The flow rate was set at 0.4 mL/min. After addition of midazolam as internal standard (IS), liquid-liquid extraction by ethyl acetate was used as sample preparation. An electrospray ionization source was applied and operated in positive ion mode; selective ion monitoring mode was used for quantification with target ions m/z 414 for solasodine and m/z 326 for IS. Mean recoveries of solasodine in rat plasma were in the range of 87.6-94.1%. Matrix effects for solasodine were between 94.9% and 102.3%. Coefficient of variation of intra-day and inter-day precision were both <13%. The accuracy of the method ranged from 94.4% to 105.3%. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of solasodine after oral administration of 20mg/kg in rats.

Phytochemical and biological studies of Solanum schimperianum Hochst

Chemical reinvestigation of the aerial parts of Solanum schimperianum Hochst led to the isolation of ten compounds, lupeol (1), β-sitosterol (2), β-sitosterol glucoside (3), oleanolic acid (4), teferidin (5), teferin (6), ferutinin (7), 5-hydroxy-3,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone (8), retusin (9) and kaempferol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (10). Compounds 5-7 were isolated for the first time from Solanaceae and compounds 1-4 and 8-9 for the first time from Solanum schimperianum. The structure elucidation of the isolated compounds was based on careful inspection of spectral data including 1D ((1)H and (13)C NMR), 2D ((1)H-H COSY, HMQC and HMBC, ROESY), UV, MS and IR, in addition to, comparison with literatures. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts as well as the isolated compounds was tested. Only hexane extract showed activity against Bacillus subtilus and Staphylococcus aureus.

Structure elucidation and NMR assignments of new spirosolane alkaloids from Solanum campaniforme

From the leaves of Solanum campaniforme, two new spirosolane alkaloids β-acetoxyl-(25S)-22βN-spirosol-4-en-3-one (1) and β-hydroxyl-(25S)-22βN-spirosol-4-en-3-one (4) were isolated along with two other known alkaloids of the same class (25S)-22βN-spirosol-1,4-dien-3-one (2) and (25S)-22βN-spirosol-4-en-3-one (3), which are reported for the first time as natural products. The structures of all alkaloids were established after an extensive analysis by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy (COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY) as well as HRESIMS.

Prebiotic effect of diosgenin, an immunoactive steroidal sapogenin of the Chinese yam

This study investigated the effect of diosgenin, a yam-derived phytochemical, on the growth of enteric lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The in vivo effect of diosgenin on the density of intestinal flora was examined in a murine model of food allergy. Oral administration with diosgenin markedly restored the diminished density of faecal LAB associated with allergic reactions. The direct effect of diosgenin and several structure-related steroidal compounds on the growth of faecal anaerobes isolated from diosgenin-administered mice was also investigated. The presence of diosgenin significantly enhanced the growth of Lactobacillus murinus and Lactobacillus reuteri, but not enterococci. Structure-activity relationship analysis showed that the prebiotic activity of steroidal sapogenins might require structural elements of the C5-C6 double bond and intact E- and F-rings. Collectively, these results indicate that steroidal sapogenins may be a novel class of prebiotics to LAB.

Solanum trilobatum in the management of atopy: Through inhibition of mast cell degranulation and moderation of release of interleukins

Solanum trilobatum is a widely used plant in the Indian indigenous systems of medicine. It is mainly used in the treatment of respiratory diseases like bronchial asthma. In our present study, we report that the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of S. trilobatum exhibited inhibition of mast cell degranulation. Further, aqueous and alcoholic extracts of S. trilobatum significantly decreased the release of IL1α and increased the release of IL8 from the cultured keratinocytes. Oral administration of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of S. trilobatum stabilized mast cells in experimental rats.

Antiophidic solanidane steroidal alkaloids from Solanum campaniforme

Three new solanidane alkaloids bearing a 22,23-epoxy ring (1-3) and four known compounds were isolated from leaves of Solanum campaniforme. The structures were determined using spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR, and HRESIMS experiments. The antiophidic activity of the alkaloids was tested against Bothrops pauloensis venom. Compounds 1-3 completely inhibited myotoxicity without inhibiting phospholipase A2 activity of the venom, while hemorrhage and skin necrosis were significantly reduced in the presence of alkaloids 1 and 2.

Steroidal alkaloid saponins and steroidal saponins from Solanum surattense

A rare 16β-H steroidal alkaloid saponin (1), an avenacoside-type saponin (2), two steroidal saponins (4, 5), one revised-structure steroidal saponin (3) and six known compounds (6-11) were isolated from aerial parts of Solanum surattense Burm. f. Their structures were established on the basis of physical data, as well as by using spectroscopic (HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR), and chemical analysis methods. Compounds 1 and 11 showed cytotoxicity against A549 cell line with IC(50) values of 20.3 and 15.7μM, respectively.

Anticonvulsant activity of solasodine isolated from Solanum sisymbriifolium fruits in rodents

CONTEXT

Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. (Solanaceae), commonly known as sticky nightshade, is traditionally used for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Although solasodine has been isolated from this plant, little is known about its anticonvulsant and CNS depressant actions.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated anticonvulsant and CNS depressant effects of solasodine isolated from S. sisymbriifolium using several experimental models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Swiss albino mice (n=6) were employed for pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and picrotoxin (PCT)-induced convulsions and thiopental-induced sleep time. Different groups of Wistar albino rats (n=6) were subjected to maximal electroshock (MES) test. Solasodine, a steroidal glycoalkaloid, was isolated from dried fruits of S. sisymbriifolium and identified by GC-MS.

RESULTS

The results showed that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of solasodine (25 mg/kg) significantly delayed (p < 0.01) latency of hind limb tonic extensor (HLTE) phase in the PCT-induced convulsions. In the MES model, solasodine significantly reduced (p < 0.001) duration of HLTE at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p. in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, solasodine did not produce any significant reduction in PTZ-induced convulsions. Prior treatment of solasodine (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly potentiated thiopental-provoked sleep in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our study, for the first time, shows potent anticonvulsant and CNS depressant activities of solasodine. It is likely that solasodine, in part, is responsible for the anticonvulsant and sedative properties of S. sisymbriifolium. The future study should focus on the exact mechanism of action of solasodine.

Antinociceptive activity of steroid alkaloids isolated from Solanum trilobatum Linn

Solasodine (1) was isolated for the first time from the roots of Solanum trilobatum Linn., a member of the Solanaceae, and assessed for its presumed antinociceptive activity using several experimental murine models, viz. the writhing, formalin, and hot plate tests. When used at doses of 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg, this steroidal alkaloid caused a significant and dose-dependent decrease in the nociception induced by an intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid (p < 0.001). It also led to a significant reduction of the painful sensation caused by formalin in both phases of the formalin test (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the alkaloid produced a significant increase in the reaction time in the hot plate test (p < 0.001). These results suggest that solasodine elicited antinociceptive activity through both central and peripheral mechanisms.

Chemoprotective Effect of Sobatum against Lithium-Induced Oxidative Damage in Rats

Lithium therapy mainly used in curing some psychiatric diseases responsible for numerous undesirable side effects on different organs in humans. The present study explores the beneficial effect of sobatum, a purified compound of Solanum trilobatum, on lithium carbonate (Li(2)CO(3))-induced multiple organ toxicity in rats. Li(2)CO(3) (150 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally in drinking water for a period of 30 days to induce toxicity in rats. Li(2)CO(3) could induce lipid peroxidation to a significant extent that was accompanied by marked reduction in reduced glutathione, SOD, CAT, GST, GPX activities, and parallel decline in ATP in tissues. Toxicity resulted in abnormal elevation of lipids such as cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, and fatty acids in liver tissues. Treatment with sobatum affords substantial protection in liver and heart by altering all the parameters to near normal levels that were further confirmed by histological examination. Sobatum prevents Li(2)CO(3)-induced oxidative damage of DNA by reducing DNA fragmentation indicating its block on cell death. However, these results demonstrated that sobatum has the ability to suppress the drug-induced toxicity.

Toxic Chemical Compounds of the Solanaceae

The Solanaceae is comprised of some 2500 species of cosmopolitan plants, especially native to the American continent. They have great value as food, like the well-known potato, tomato and eggplants, and medicines, like species of Atropa, Withania and Physalis, but many plants of this family are toxic, and sometimes lethal to mammals, in particular to man. Some of them also produce hallucinations and perceptual changes. The toxic species of this family are characterized by the occurrence of a variety of chemical compounds, some of which are responsible for the toxicity and lethality observed after ingestion, while others are suspected to be toxic. In this review, the following toxic compounds belonging to different members of the Solanaceae family are described: Tropane alkaloids ( Atropa, Datura, Hyoscyamus, Mandragora); pyrrolidine and pyrrolic alkaloids ( Nierembergia, Physalis, Solanum); protoalkaloids ( Nierembergia); glycoalkaloids ( Lycopersicon, Solanum); nicotine ( Nicotiana); cardenolides ( Cestrum, Nierembergia); capsaicinoids ( Capsicum); kaurene-type tetracyclic diterpenes ( Cestrum); steroidal glycosides ( Cestrum, Solanum); 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and vitamin D3 ( Cestrum, Solanum, Nierembergia); and withasteroids, withanolides ( Withania), and physalins ( Physalis). Other bioactive chemical constituents of members of this family are sugar esters and lectins. Phenylpropanoids are not included in this paper.