Traditionally used edible Solanaceae plants of Mizoram, India have high antioxidant and antimicrobial potential for effective phytopharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations

Abstract

\n Background\n\nSolanaceae plants are incredible sources of proteins and minerals; some even have high medicinal value recognized traditionally. The present study was designed to explore and document the ethnobotany, phytochemical and mineral nutrient composition, antimicrobial properties, antioxidant potential and identify functional groups from edible species of Solanaceae from Mizoram, India.\nMethods\n\nField surveys and samples collection were conducted from Aizawl District, Mizoram, India. All the studied samples were extracted using Soxhlet apparatus for analysis of bioactive compounds. The total phenol, total flavonoid and total anthocyanin content were determined using standard methods. The antioxidant activity was done using DPPH free radical scavenging activity, Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. The proximate analysis and mineral contents were also determined. The antibacterial potential was determined by agar well diffusion method. The functional groups present in plants were analyzed using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). All the results were reported as the mean\u2009±\u2009standard deviation. The linear regression coefficient (R2) for total flavonoid and phenolic content with antioxidant activity was then analysed using Graph Pad Prism Version 5.\nResults\n\nThe phytochemical screenings showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids and saponins. The highest total phenolic content was found in Solanum anguivi Lam. (29.51 mg GAE/g), and Capsicum annuum L. contained the highest total flavonoids (35.15\u2009±\u20090.03 mg/g). Proteins and carbohydrates contents were found to be the highest in Solanum melongena L. (28.49 mg/g) and Physalis angulata L. (35.64 mg/g) respectively. Elemental analysis showed the presence of Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg) and Sodium (Na) in high proportion in all the studied samples. All the plants extracts showed effective antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. FTIR spectra revealed the presence of multiple functional groups, which could be used to identify bioactive compounds that can be subsequently utilized as herbal remedies for various ailments.\nConclusions\n\nOur findings suggest that considerable amount of nutrients, biologically active and therapeutic compounds are present in the studied samples and these plants could be potential sources for new phyto-pharmaceutical and nutraceutical preparations.