Phytochemical and cytotoxicity analysis of flowers of Solanum viarum Dunal: A minor medicinal food of India

Solanum viarum Dunal, a minor medicinal food of India, has been traditionally used to treat various ailments. However, the phytochemical and cytotoxicity profiles of its flowers remain unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the qualitative phytochemical composition and cytotoxicity of S. viarum flower extracts. The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, phenolic compounds, and reducing sugars in the flower extracts. The cytotoxicity analysis showed that all three extracts (aqueous, ethanol, and methanol) exhibited significant cytotoxicity against brine shrimp larvae, with the ethanol and methanol extracts showing 100 % mortality. The study suggests that the flowers of S. viarum possess bioactive compounds with potential medicinal uses. The findings of this study provide a foundation for further research on the pharmacological and therapeutic potential of S. viarum flower extracts. Future studies can focus on isolating and characterizing the bioactive compounds responsible for the observed cytotoxicity and medicinal properties. Additionally, in vivo studies can be conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the extracts in animal models. The results of this study highlight the importance of exploring the medicinal properties of underutilized plant species like S. viarum, which can contribute to the development of new drugs and therapies.