Phytoprospection, ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, and pharmacological potentials of Solanum torvum Swartz: A comprehensive phytotherapeutic review

Abstract

Phytotherapy has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine for millennia and has gained increased recognition. Recent phytomedicine research emphasizes plant medicinal benefits, prioritizing natural product chemistry in novel drug development. Natural products are increasingly popular for treating various diseases, considered safer than pharmacotherapy due to fewer adverse effects. Moreover, natural compounds from plants offer abundant bioactive compounds, making them promising alternative medicines. Solanum torvum Swartz is one such plant from the Solanaceae family, traditionally used for both food and medicine. Its leaves, fruits, roots, and other parts are known for their ethnomedicinal properties. It contains flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, and tannins, etc. These bioactive compounds play a key role in phytotherapy research as alternative medicine. Although multiple pharmacological studies have shown Solanum torvum Sw. has anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. However, partial validation of ethnomedicinal properties with limited pharmacological exploration of S. torvum phytocompounds constrains their potential benefits. Hence, further research is needed, particularly on long-term toxic effects. This review is an effort to compile and update major information on the ethnomedicine, phytochemical, pharmacological, toxicity, and nutritional benefits of Solanum torvum.