Protective role of α-tomatine against oxidative stress induced reactive oxygen species: In vitro radical scavenging assays

Oxidative stress is important in the pathophysiology of several chronic diseases by inducing cellular damage via the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals. Organic compounds are attracting much attention for their antioxidant effects, providing preferable remedies in contrast to manufactured medicines. α-tomatine, a steroidal glycoalkaloid primarily found in green tomatoes, has demonstrated several biological actions, such as anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties; nevertheless, its antioxidant capacity is less investigated. The present study examines the free radical scavenging ability of α-tomatine through a series of in vitro antioxidant assays, including DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, superoxide, and reducing power tests. α-tomatine exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant properties by efficiently neutralizing free radicals and increasing electron-donating capacity. The IC₅₀ values obtained from the respective assays were 22.73 μg/mL and 57.64 μg/mL in DPPH, 28.86 μg/mL and 63.38 μg/mL in ABTS, 32.8 μg/mL and 56.75 μg/mL in superoxide, 35.6 μg/mL and 66.4 μg/mL in hydroxyl, 38.5 μg/mL and 70.7 μg/mL in nitric oxide, 37.4 μg/mL and 59.3 μg/mL in H₂O₂, and 40.2 μg/mL and 61.14 μg/mL in reducing power assays, respectively, indicating moderate antioxidant efficacy compared to the standard ascorbic acid. α-tomatine exhibited notable antioxidant potential by effectively scavenging free radicals and enhancing reducing power in a dose-dependent manner. Although its activity was lower than that of ascorbic acid, these results highlight its potential role in reduce oxidative stress and protecting against ROS-induced cellular damage.