Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Potential of Solanum torvum Swartz: An Integrated Review

Abstract

Solanum torvum Swartz, also known as turkey berry, is a medicinal herb in the Solanaceae family traditionally
used to treat infections, hypertension, and liver diseases. Due to increasing concerns about the safety of
synthetic antioxidants, interest in plant-based alternatives has grown, and this turkey berry has garnered
attention due to its impressive phytochemistry and strong antioxidant properties. This review covers the plant's
taxonomy, modern ethnomedicine, phytochemical profile, and antioxidant activity, based on existing
literature. All parts of turkey berry (leaves, fruit, roots, and seeds) have been examined for antioxidant activity
through extraction methods and various assays, including DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, hydrogen peroxide, nitric
oxide, lipid peroxidation, and total antioxidant capacity. The plant contains several phytochemicals, such as
alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, steroidal glycosides, saponins, and vitamins. It has long been used in
traditional medicine to treat a range of health conditions, including ulcers, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer,
and is known for its neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and antimicrobial
effects. This review consolidates findings from 22 studies on S. torvum, all highlighting its significant
antioxidant activity. In conclusion, turkey berry shows great potential as a natural source of antioxidants,
aligning with its traditional medicinal uses. Further research should focus on isolating and characterizing
phenolic and flavonoid compounds and validating these findings through clinical studies.