Solanum anguivi

Other Names

AboliAdavi-uchintaAfrican eggplantAkajabaraAmponimpoAnguiviAnnsureewiaAnnsuroewiaBahupatraBahupatriBakatuleBanbhantaBarhantaBatulaBawntayBhantakiBirhattaBokamboBotakaBouisueguliBrahatiBrhatiBrihatibush tomatoCerucuntaCeruvalutinachildren's potatochildren's tomatoCiepfuCittimulagaCulutaDaa-tenoDiakhatuDoraliDotchokDushpradharshaDuspradharsiniEloloEnqui enquaiEntakaraforest bitterberryFuta-fulaGramjiHinguliHjagiIndian nightshadeItehieJangli wangaKahi sundeKakamunciKantataniKarimulliKateriKatheli-badhiKinyajuKshudrabhantaakiKsudrabrhatiLosoloLupangalaLusuMagboleiMahatiMahavartakiniMahoshriMainaMansarin nyateilaMiyauMoti-RinganiMtungujaMullamkattiMullikkattiriN'djektiN'omboroNdagalaNdakaraNderehNgm'ngmbakuNodasiNsusaNsusuaNtulaNtula-KatunkumaNtulwa-ShambaaNzuaObuturaOcokOmutakaraPapparamulliPiturkkattiripoison berryPuttiriccuntaPuttiriccuntaiRambegunRamgulaSimhiSolanum aethiopicum subsp. anguivi (Lam.) Banfi, Galasso & BartolucciSolanum albidum De Wild.Solanum albiflorum De Wild.Solanum anghivi Bojer ex DunalSolanum anguivi Herb.Lamb. ex DunalSolanum anguivi Hook.Solanum anguivi Lam.Solanum anomalum auct. non Thonn.Solanum aurantiacobaccatum De Wild.Solanum batangense DammerSolanum buettneri DammerSolanum carvalhoi DammerSolanum cultum De Wild.Solanum dichroanthum DammerSolanum dinklagei DammerSolanum distichum Schumach. & Thonn.Solanum flamignii De Wild.Solanum grotei DammerSolanum indicum L.Solanum indicum Roxb.Solanum indicum subsp. clinocarpum BitterSolanum indicum subsp. distichum (Schumach. & Thonn.) BitterSolanum indicum subsp. grandifrons BitterSolanum indicum subsp. mesodolichum BitterSolanum indicum subsp. newtonii BitterSolanum indicum subsp. rohrii (C.H.Wright) BitterSolanum indicum var. brevipedicellatum BitterSolanum indicum var. eldamae BitterSolanum indicum var. immunitum BitterSolanum indicum var. lividum (Link) BitterSolanum indicum var. maroanum BitterSolanum lividum LinkSolanum olivaceum DammerSolanum orthocarpum Pic.Serm.Solanum richardii DunalSolanum ruwenzoriense De Wild.Solanum scalare C.H.WrightSolanum scalare Scott-ElliotSolanum schroederi DammerSolanum senegambiacum DunalSolanum sodomeum L.Subalu xunkureSubhiringaniSubuluSufuraSulu jatoSulujatoTellamulakaTerong paitThasu-thasu-kehTilingaTuleleTuraUbhi Bhoy-RinganiUkwoUmboyUmukarishyaUndjektiVad-RinganiVanavrntakiVarattalakuVartakiVrihati

Synopsis

Solanum anguivi Lam. — Comprehensive Reference Article

1. Identity and Botanical Description

1.1 Nomenclature and Taxonomy

Solanum anguivi is a plant indigenous to non-arid parts of Africa, commonly known as "forest bitterberry" or "African eggplant," although the latter term is most commonly associated with Solanum aethiopicum. The plant belongs to the family Solanaceae. It is also referred to in the scientific literature as S. indicum Auct., and is a member of the Solanaceae family. In Indian pharmacopoeial tradition, it is recognised under the synonym Solanum indicum L. (syn. Solanum violaceum Ortega), and is an important medicinal plant in Indian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani.

The question of synonymy is contested. Solanum indicum Linn. has been reported as a synonym for Solanum anguivi Lam. by some authors, while others have described them as different species. This nomenclatural ambiguity means that some research studies on S. indicum in Ayurvedic and pharmacological literature may refer to the same plant or a closely related taxon.

1.2 Morphology and Growth Habit

The plant is a shrub up to 3 m tall with spreading branches; the stem is often prickly, bearing small, sessile stellate hairs with 4–8 arms. Leaves are alternate and simple, with petioles 2–6 cm long, and blades that are elliptical-ovate, 10–20 cm × 5–10 cm, sinuate to distinctly lobed. The inflorescence is a raceme-like cyme comprising about 5–15 flowers per inflorescence. The fruit is a subglobose berry, 7–18 mm in diameter, smooth, green or white when young and red when ripe, usually occurring in clusters of up to 20 fruits.

The species exhibits tremendous variation in prickliness and pubescence, and in its inflorescence. This variation is possibly partly due to domestication and selection. There has been a shift from prickly, many-flowered and small-fruited types to prickleless, few-flowered and large-fruited types.

1.3 Geographic Distribution

The species has been recorded from West Africa, as well as Central Africa, East Africa, southern Africa, and Madagascar, but it probably occurs in all non-arid regions throughout tropical Africa. It grows mostly in the wild, but sometimes — for example in Uganda and Côte d'Ivoire — it is a semi-cultivated vegetable. The plant prefers relatively humid localities, being rare in arid ones, and is usually found as a weed in gardens or disturbed areas.

1.4 Evolutionary Significance

Solanum anguivi is most likely the wild progenitor of the scarlet eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.), commonly cultivated in tropical Africa, possibly via the semi-domesticated Solanum distichum Schumach. Solanum aethiopicum was domesticated from the wild Solanum anguivi Lam., via the semi-domesticated Solanum distichum Schumach. & Thonn. Both are found throughout tropical Africa, Solanum anguivi in disturbed vegetation and Solanum distichum in gardens.

1.5 Common Forms and Preparations

The plant is used in various forms across different traditions. The root is the major officinal part, but fruits and leaves — and occasionally the whole plant — are used. The green fruits of Solanum anguivi are collected and consumed as a vegetable. In Ghana they are used as an appetizer. In Cameroon, the small bitter fruits are an important ingredient of a dish called nkwi. Fruits are also used fresh, or dried and ground, as medicine against high blood pressure. The dried powders of the fruits were used in the medication for high blood pressure. The domesticated species are consumed as leafy and/or fruit vegetables that are rich in essential minerals and vitamins, and are recommended as a dietary staple or supplement for nursing mothers, the young, the aged, and anaemic patients.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

2.1 African Traditional Medicine

Solanum anguivi Lam. (whose local Afan Oromo name is "Hiddii seexanaa") is a rare ethnomedicinal herb that belongs to the family Solanaceae and can be found throughout the non-arid parts of Africa. The species has been recognised to possess medicinal properties, and its use in traditional systems of medicine has been on record for a long time.

The plant is an ethnomedicinal plant. Local traditional practitioners believe that it reduces the risk of diabetes and atherosclerosis diseases. The plant belongs to the family Solanaceae and can be found as a wild plant in many places throughout the non-arid parts of Africa. The fruit of S. anguivi is used in folklore medicine for the treatment of high blood pressure, ulcer, nerve disorder, and diabetes.

Although the plant is in use for the treatment of trypanosomiasis in Ethiopia, laboratory-based evidence for the effectiveness and safety of this application was historically lacking at the time of reporting. Solanum anguivi fruits are sold in local markets across parts of tropical Africa, underpinning both its dietary and medicinal roles in these communities.

2.2 Indian Traditional Medicine (Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani)

Solanum anguivi (as Solanum indicum) is an important medicinal plant in Indian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. It is an important ingredient of the dasamoola (a group of ten root drugs) group of plants and is used in vitiated conditions of vata, pitta, and kapha, and is held to cure vomiting, heart diseases, poisonous affections, skin diseases, ulcers, difficult breathing, abdominal pain, cough, and dyspepsia.

S. anguivi roots are used for Hrdroga (heart disease), Jvara (fever), Svasa (dyspnoea/asthma), Sula (colic pain), and Agnimandya (dyspepsia) in Ayurveda. It is one of the ingredients of Dashmula and has shown anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema models.

Solanum anguivi Lam. (African Eggplant) is a rare ethno-botanical plant used in the 'Dashmula' formulation — one of the most well-known Ayurvedic polyherbal preparations classically used for musculoskeletal, respiratory, and neurological conditions. In commercial Dashamula preparations, Solanum anguivi aerial parts (identified as "Bruhati") are combined with nine other root drugs including Aegle marmelos, Premna serratifolia, Oroxylum indicum, and others.

The plant is used as a therapeutic agent for various diseases. The roots are carminative and expectorant, useful in coughs, catarrhal affections, dysuria, colic, nasal ulcers, as an ingredient of dasamula, asthma, difficult parturition, toothache, cardiac disorder, worm complaints, spinal guard disorder, nervous disorder, and fever.

3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds

3.1 Overview of Chemical Classes

Multiple parts of the plant — stem, fruits, roots, flowers, and leaves — have been examined for their phytochemical composition. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the crude extracts obtained from the fruits of the plant indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, and tannins. The analysis of the hydroethanolic root extract also identified the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, steroids, and terpenoids.

3.2 Signature Steroidal Glycoalkaloids: Anguivine and Isoanguivine

In addition to solamargine, two new steroid alkaloid glycosides, anguivine and isoanguivine, have been isolated from the roots of Solanum anguivi. Their structures have been elucidated as (25R)-3β-[O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy]-22αN-spirosol-5-ene (anguivine) and the corresponding galactose-bearing isoanguivine. These are regarded as signature compounds unique to this species.

3.3 Steroidal Saponins and Glycosides (Anguiviosides)

Phytochemical reports on S. anguivi indicate that the stem, fruits, roots, flowers, and leaves contain glycoalkaloids (anguivine and isoanguivine), steroidal alkaloids (solamargine and solasoline), and steroidal glycosides (anguiviosides A–C, anguiviosides 1–4). Triterpenoid saponins and steroidal saponins or glycosides, such as anguiviosides A to C, III, XI, XV, and XVI, have also been reported to be present in the fruit.

Anguiviosides XV and XVI are based on a 16,22-dicarbonyl aglycone. The biogenetic pathway of these compounds may be considered to proceed via a 17R-hydroxy spirostanol such as pennogenin, or via a 3β,16β,22,26-tetrahydroxycholesterol glycoside such as anguivioside A.

3.4 Polyphenols: Phenolic Acids and Flavonoids

Various researchers have reported the presence of phytochemicals in S. anguivi fruit, which include phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, coumarins, and vitamin C. The phenolics include gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, phenolic acids, and tannins, as well as rutin and quercetin as representatives of the flavonoids.

Total phenolics have been measured in the range of 7.6–22.6 mg gallic acid equivalent/g DW, flavonoids at 1.3–4.1 mg quercetin equivalent/g DW, and saponins at 44.8–152.5 mg diosgenin equivalent/g DW depending on accession and ripeness stage. Phytochemical screenings showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins in all tested samples; the highest total phenolic content among traditionally edible Solanaceae plants studied was found in Solanum anguivi Lam. at 29.51 mg GAE/g.

3.5 Nutritional Composition

S. anguivi fruit comprises approximately 83% moisture, and the proximate analysis on a dry basis showed that the fruit is rich in protein (11.26 ± 0.1%), crude fiber (16.36 ± 0.05%), and ash (16.23 ± 0.2%). The fruit also reveals substantial amounts of minerals including calcium (321 ± 1.7 mg), sodium (350.1 ± 2.007 mg), potassium (423.33 ± 2.3 mg), phosphorus (223.1 ± 0.2 mg), zinc (5.56 ± 0.2 mg), iron (18.46 ± 0.02 mg), and copper (18.45 ± 0.02 mg).

S. anguivi L. fruit is also considered a highly nutritious fruit in terms of protein, ash, crude fiber, copper, calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus.

4. Mechanisms of Action

4.1 Antioxidant Mechanisms

The antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of Solanum anguivi fruit (SAG) have been evaluated for their possible effect on the mitochondrial permeability transition pore as well as mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) isolated from rat liver. Antioxidant activity was assayed using DPPH, reducing power, iron chelation, and ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation in both liver and brain homogenate of rats. The effect on mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial swelling was also determined.

SAG exhibited potent and concentration-dependent free radical-scavenging activity (IC₅₀/DPPH = 275.03 ± 7.8 µg/mL). Reductive and iron chelation abilities also increased with increasing SAG concentration. SAG also inhibited peroxidation of cerebral and hepatic lipids subjected to iron oxidative assault.

The brain-specific in vitro antioxidant role of S. anguivi saponin was investigated in the P2 synaptosomal fraction of rat brain. Using the MTT reduction assay, S. anguivi saponin at concentrations of 10–200 µg/mL concentration-dependently reversed Fe²⁺ and sodium nitroprusside-induced decreases in mitochondrial activity via inhibition of ROS production, ROS-induced oxidation of protein and non-protein thiol-containing molecules, and lipid peroxidation as measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels.

4.2 Antidiabetic / Hypoglycaemic Mechanisms

Solanum anguivi fruit saponin has demonstrated antidiabetic properties via interference with cellular energy metabolism and inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were reported to increase with saponin administration from Solanum anguivi, countering oxidative stress associated with hyperglycaemia.

As S. anguivi fruit also contains phenolics, flavonoids, and alkaloids, its antidiabetic effect may also involve those compounds, which have been shown to decrease blood glucose levels through — for example — up-regulation of GLUT-4 and PPARγ, restoration of enzymatic antioxidants, and β-cell regeneration in other settings.

4.3 Analgesic Mechanisms

The observed analgesic effects of the root extract appear to operate through mechanisms that influence central nervous system pathways. The extract may mediate analgesia by interacting with endogenous opioid systems and neurotransmitter pathways, including biogenic amines like serotonin. Such interactions indicate that components within the extract could inhibit the transmission of pain signals.

4.4 Glycoalkaloid Bioactivities

Solanum steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs), characterised by nitrogenous steroidal aglycone and glycoside residues, mainly occur in Solanum species including economically important edible plants such as potato, tomato, and eggplant. SGAs have unique structures and display significant pharmacological activities such as cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and anticholesterol properties, and some are well-known poisons.

5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

5.1 Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidaemic Activity

Evidence level: Preclinical (in vivo animal studies and in vitro); no human clinical trials identified.

One published study evaluated the hypoglycaemic, antiperoxidative, and antihyperlipidaemic activities of saponins from Solanum anguivi fruits in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were treated with saponin at doses of 20–100 mg/kg for 21 days. Results indicated that administration of saponins significantly reduced elevated levels of glucose, decreased total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the serum towards normalcy compared to the diabetic control (p < 0.05). In addition, saponins exhibited strong inhibition of lipid peroxidation and increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) in the serum, liver, and pancreas compared to the diabetic control (p < 0.05).

Solanum anguivi fruits have been reported to be a very good and rich source of polyphenols such as flavonoids that can be exploited. Flavonoids are plant secondary metabolites widely found in vegetables, fruits, and seeds and are known to be of medicinal significance in a range of diseases including diabetes. One published study involved in vitro and ex vivo assays on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties of flavonoid-rich fractions of the fruit.

However, only one class of phytochemicals present in the fruit — saponin — has been studied for its antidiabetic effects. Since the fruit also contains other phytochemicals such as phenolics, flavonoids, and alkaloids, the antidiabetic effects may refer to these compounds as well, but this has not yet been established. To unravel the precise underlying mechanisms of the potential antidiabetic effects of the fruit, further studies are essentially needed. No human clinical trials have been identified for this indication.

5.2 Antioxidant Activity

Evidence level: In vitro and ex vivo; no human trials identified.

Previous studies have shown that S. anguivi fruit extract (SALF) possesses antioxidant abilities in vitro, including radical scavenging capacity, reducing properties (Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺), and iron-chelating abilities. SALF extracts have also been reported to inhibit lipid peroxidation, which may be due to the presence of saponins as they have been reported to inhibit lipid peroxidation in diabetic rats through the restoration of SOD and CAT.

Several studies have indicated that the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) is involved in cellular responses to oxidative stress. Over-accumulation of calcium, overproduction of ROS, high pH, low membrane potential, and oxidised pyridine nucleotides — which are associated with oxidative stress — can cause opening of the MPTP, resulting in a marked increase in inner membrane permeability as well as a decrease in membrane potential, leading to mitochondrial swelling, release of cytochrome c, cell damage, and apoptosis. Induction of MPTP has been reported to be prevented by antioxidants such as catalase and free radical scavengers. The fruit extract of S. anguivi has been shown to inhibit Ca²⁺-induced mitochondrial swelling in isolated rat liver mitochondria, suggesting a potential cytoprotective role via this pathway.

Conclusively, S. anguivi fruit saponin has been proposed to represent a class of natural compounds with the ability to reverse synaptosomal disruption and loss of mitochondrial integrity and function, often associated with the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease. This observation is preliminary and derives entirely from in vitro work.

5.3 Antibacterial Activity

Evidence level: In vitro only; no human trials identified.

One published study showed that all fruit extracts of S. anguivi possessed significant antibacterial activity, which provides possible rationalisation for the traditional use of this plant for the treatment of health problems like ulcer. The fruit extracts of S. anguivi had better activity toward gram-positive bacteria compared to gram-negative bacteria.

All crude extracts showed a weaker inhibition zone than that of gentamycin (standard antibiotic) used as a positive control. Phytochemical groups extracted in each solvent were considered responsible for these antibacterial activities. Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and other secondary metabolites have antibacterial activity.

5.4 Analgesic Activity

Evidence level: Preclinical (animal models); no human trials identified.

A study conducted by Ameena Mehaboob and Binulal C. evaluated the analgesic activity and performed preliminary phytochemical screening of the hydroethanolic root extract of Solanum anguivi Lam. Treatment post-administration significantly increased the reaction times of the test subjects, indicating that the extract effectively inhibited pain responses. These findings align with the traditional uses of Solanum anguivi in alleviating discomfort due to pain. In conclusion, the hydroethanolic root extract of Solanum anguivi Lam. presents a promising source of analgesic compounds, supported by its phytochemical composition. The research validates the plant's traditional use as a natural remedy for pain relief and emphasises the need for further studies to isolate and characterise the active compounds.

5.5 Antitrypanosomal Activity

Evidence level: Preclinical (in vivo mouse model); no human trials identified.

Although the plant is in use for the treatment of trypanosomiasis in Ethiopia, laboratory-based evidence for the effectiveness and safety of the plant had historically been lacking. To address this, an in vivo study used 80% methanol extracts of S. anguivi fruits prepared by cold maceration technique. In vivo curative tests were carried out to check the effect of the plant extract against Trypanosoma congolense in Swiss albino mice. Plant extracts were administered at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/body weight. The study indicated that the extract did not exhibit any sign of acute toxicity up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. In the curative test, extracts reduced parasitaemia, preventing the drop in packed cell volume and body weight significantly (p < 0.05) compared to controls. Groups provided with the extract before infection experienced a prolonged incubation period, with a chemoprophylactic effect at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. The extract showed promising curative results; however, further effort is required to isolate and purify the specific compounds responsible for the antitrypanosomal activity.

5.6 Anticancer / Cytotoxic Activity

Evidence level: Preclinical (in vitro and in vivo); no human trials identified.

Pharmacological studies on the Solanum genus have focused on antioxidant and anticancer activities. A total of 17 species — including the whole plant parts of S. anguivi — have been explored for anticancer activities and have exhibited significant results. Solanum saponins have been reported to possess various bioactivities, including cytotoxic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, antimelanogenesis, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, and antiviral activities. The specific anticancer results for S. anguivi remain at the preclinical stage, and no characterisation of cell-line-specific or mechanism-specific data for this species alone was found in the peer-reviewed literature identified.

5.7 Cardiovascular / Antihypertensive Effects

Evidence level: Traditional use documented; one animal-model study noted in review literature; no human trials identified specifically for S. anguivi.

Local traditional practitioners believe that the plant reduces the risk of diabetes and atherosclerosis diseases. Fruits are used fresh, or dried and ground, as medicine against high blood pressure. A PMC-indexed 2021 review of S. anguivi fruits and type 2 diabetes mellitus references a study demonstrating that a subspecies-related extract (Solanum indicum ssp. distichum) is effective against L-NAME-induced hypertension in rats, but the authors note the uncertain taxonomic relationship between this taxon and S. anguivi.

6. Body Systems and Health Areas Associated with Solanum anguivi

Metabolic/Endocrine System: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder of glucose homeostasis. Consuming fruits and vegetables rich in phytochemicals with potential antidiabetic effects may prevent T2DM and/or support conservative T2DM treatment while being safer and more affordable for people from low-income countries. S. anguivi fruit is a candidate in this area based on preclinical work.
Cardiovascular System: Traditional use for high blood pressure is documented across West and East Africa; the fruit has been used in dried and powdered form for this indication.
Nervous System / Neuroprotection: Traditional medicine relies heavily on the therapeutic properties of the plant, and Solanum anguivi is recognised for its potential to treat numerous ailments, particularly nervous disorders and pain relief. In vitro evidence also suggests neuroprotective potential via mitochondrial protection.
Gastrointestinal System: The plant is used to address abdominal pain, cough, and dyspepsia in Ayurvedic practice. Roots are used as carminatives.
Respiratory System: Roots are described as expectorant and useful in coughs and asthma in both African ethnomedicine and Ayurveda.
Immune/Infectious Disease: Antibacterial and antitrypanosomal activities have been investigated preclinically.
Hepatic System: Oxidative damage has been linked to the onset and progression of numerous liver diseases, including fibrosis, liver cancer, and cirrhosis. In vitro antioxidant data on the fruit extract suggest a possible hepatoprotective role, though no in vivo hepatoprotection study specific to S. anguivi was identified.

7. Dosage Forms and Dosages Reported in Studies

No standardised clinical dosages for Solanum anguivi have been established, as no human clinical trials have been identified. The following dosages are drawn exclusively from preclinical studies as reported in the source literature:

Saponin extract (oral, rat, antidiabetic study): Diabetic rats were treated with saponin at doses of 20–100 mg/kg for 21 days.
Saponin (in vitro, neuroprotective study): Concentrations of 10–200 µg/mL were tested in rat brain synaptosomal fractions.
Hydromethanolic fruit extract (oral, mouse, antitrypanosomal study): Extracts were administered at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight.
Acute toxicity assessment: Acute toxicity of the extracts at 2000 mg/kg was performed according to OECD guidelines.

8. Safety Considerations

8.1 Acute Toxicity Findings

One in vivo study indicated that the hydromethanolic fruit extract of S. anguivi did not exhibit any sign of acute toxicity up to 2000 mg/kg body weight in Swiss albino mice. This is a reassuring preliminary finding but does not constitute full safety characterisation.

8.2 Presence of Steroidal Glycoalkaloids — Toxicological Considerations

Solanum steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) are characterised by nitrogenous steroidal aglycone and glycoside residues. SGAs have unique structures and display significant pharmacological activities such as cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and anticholesterol properties; however, some are well-known poisons.

Different glycoalkaloids and aglycones possess various, specific biological activities, and toxicity depends on their structural characteristics. Solanidanes seem to be more toxic than their corresponding spirosolanes, α-solamargine, α-solasonine, and solasodine. The glycoalkaloids found in S. anguivi — particularly solamargine, anguivine, and isoanguivine — are spirosolane-based; biological and toxicological properties of eggplant glycoalkaloids such as solasonine and solamargine have been studied less extensively than those of potato glycoalkaloids; solasodine-derived alkaloids do not have a marked toxicity as do solanidine-derived compounds.

8.3 Nomenclatural Ambiguity and Product Misidentification Risk

There is controversy about whether Solanum indicum Linn. is the same as Solanum anguivi Lam. S. indicum has been reported as a synonym for Solanum anguivi by some authors, while others have described them as different species. This taxonomic uncertainty means that safety and activity data from studies labelled as S. indicum may or may not be directly applicable to S. anguivi, and products derived from this plant should be authenticated carefully.

8.4 Absence of Human Safety Data

No published human safety studies or clinical toxicology data specific to Solanum anguivi extracts or supplements were identified in the peer-reviewed literature. The long history of dietary consumption of the fruit in tropical Africa and its use in the Indian Ayurvedic tradition as a component of Dashmula preparations provides historical precedent for a degree of tolerability at customary food intake levels, but no formal safety profile for concentrated extracts or supplemental dosages has been established. Further study is needed to identify and study different classes of compounds of S. anguivi fruit and their biological activity.

8.5 Research Gaps and Evidence Limitations

The entire body of specific pharmacological evidence for Solanum anguivi is preclinical (in vitro and animal models). No randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, or systematic reviews of human evidence have been identified for any therapeutic indication. The principal limitations of the existing evidence base include: small sample sizes in animal studies; use of alloxan-induced diabetic models (which imperfectly mimic human type 2 diabetes); reliance on crude extracts rather than isolated, characterised, and standardised compounds; and the lack of pharmacokinetic, bioavailability, or dose-ranging data in humans.

References

Health Conditions

Health conditions that Solanum anguivi may help support.

No conditions available.

Body Systems

Body systems that Solanum anguivi may help support.

No body systems available.