Pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation of the Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. (Litchi Tomato) fruit

Abstract

The present investigation aimed to establish the qualitative, quantitative parameters for Solanum sisymbriifolium (Family: Solanaceae) fruit through pharmacognostical, physicochemical and phytochemical studies. It is commonly known as Litchi tomato. This plant is perennial under shrub with maximum height of 2 meter. Stem is sub erect with glandular hairs and prickled, bearing small, white, actinomorphic flowers. The pharmacognostical evaluation results showed useful characters for the recognition of S. sisymbriifolium fruit. Transverse section showed presence of lignified, non-lignified fibers, scalariform vessels and oil globules in mesocarp region. Lignified stone cells, endosperm and endocarp are observed in powder microscopy. Physicochemical studies of fruit powder shows, total ash (6.4%), acid insoluble ash (0.5%), alcohol soluble extractive values (23.37%), and water soluble extractive values (26.52%) respectively. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, phenols, terpenoids, carbohydrates and glycosides.