An Assessment of Antioxidant Properties of Solanum nigrum and Tribulus terrestris

Abstract

Tribulus terrestris L. and Solanum nigrum L. have been used in traditional practices for centuries. The objective of this study is to analyse the phytoconstituents of hydroalcoholic and ethyl acetate extracts from the fruits of Tribulus terrestrisL. and Solanum nigrum, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of these extracts will be estimated. Various techniques were used for the analysis of phytochemicals. The antioxidant capability was assessed using several methods including total antioxidant capacity test, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, DPPH radical-scavenging activity, nitric oxide radical scavenging activity, and reducing power assay. The qualitative analysis of the fruits of Tribulus terrestris L and Solanum nigrum L. revealed the presence of many phytoconstituents such as tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Quantitative analysis showed that the fruits of Tribulus terrestris L. included 5.01%w/w flavonoids, 0.70%w/w saponins, and 0.013%w/w terpenoids. On the other hand, the fruits of Solanum nigrumL. contained 10.46%w/w flavonoids, 11.02%w/w saponins, and 0.034%w/w terpenoids. Both the extracts of Tribulus terrestris L and Solanum nigrum L exhibit significant antioxidant activity.

Keywords: Tribulus terrestris, Solanum nigrum, phytoconstituents, anti-oxidant activity.