The antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of Solanum nigrum against oxidative stress

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical screening and in vivo antioxidant potential of Solanum nigrum against phenylhydrazine induced liver injury. The Solanum nigrum extract has significant in vitro antioxidant activity. Moreover, HPLC analysis of ethanolic Solanum nigrum extract showed revealed the presence of phenolic compounds. The Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups for in vivo analysis: G1 (negative control group), G2 (positive control group), G3 (rats receiving standard drug), and G4 (rats receiving Solanum nigrum extract i.e.1.0g/kg b.w.). The Solanum nigrum also reduced the level of liver enzyme, and bilirubin. An opposite trend was seen in the case of albumin, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. Histology slides also showed the normal cell structure of hepatocytes. Gene expression analysis demonstrates the upregulation of antioxidant and anti-apoptosis genes. Conclusively, Solanum nigrum has the ability to alleviate liver toxicity in an animal model by reducing oxidative stress and downregulating the apoptosis genes.