Phytochemical screening of Solanum xanthocarpum and its xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity

Pharmacological features and chemical compounds derived from Solanum xanthocarpum are often investigated. S. xanthocarpum has been widely used to treat a variety of ailments as traditional medicine. Different parts of the plant are being studied to find more new uses for the herb. Xanthine oxidase inhibition is important in many vascular, renal, and bone disorders as this super enzyme causes an increase in uric acid formation and oxidative stress. With this perspective and current literature, further studies are required to be conducted to highlight new features that may be derived from the plant. This study aimed to explore the fruits of Solanum xanthocarpum for their phytochemical constituents and their xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. Fruits from S. xanthocarpum were identified and collected. We performed alcoholic extraction in the Soxhlet apparatus and fractionation using column chromatography. Furthermore, we analyzed phytochemical properties using fingerprinting chromatography, NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance), Mass-spectrometry, Ultraviolet (UV), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The NMR spectrum revealed new chemical moieties which were validated using mass spectrometry. Later on, we conducted bioassays for xanthine oxidase Inhibitory activity on individual fractions. Three new chemical compounds were discovered (Eicosa -11, 14-dienoic acid, Docosa-7, 10, 13, 16, 19-pentanoic acid, and Glyceryl Tri Palmitoleate). These compounds were fatty acids in nature. Bioassay results obtained were positive and encouraging. Our study findings provide evidence of new chemical compounds that can be derived from Solanum xanthocarpum and can be used to treat renal diseases and gout by inhibiting excessive enzyme catalyzation of xanthine oxidase. The results suggest S. xanthocarpum as a possible candidate for a new therapeutic approach.