Objective: Solanum torvum swartz, a Solanaceae family plant is used by traditional systems of medicine. The aim of this study is to determine the phytochemical content and antioxidant potential of the fruits of Solanum torvum of Malaysian origin. Method: A preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out for the analysis of important phytochemicals present in Solanum torvum Fruit. Anti-oxidant potential of S. torvum Fruit was evaluated by various scavenging models including DPPH, FRAP and HPLC method used for Identification of polyphenolic compounds. Elemental analysis and Functional group analysis were done by Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) methods respectively. Results: Phytochemical screening was done for the aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic extracts of S. torvum. Quantitative assessment of total phenols and flavonoid content, DPPH and FRAP assay was done in the ethanolic extracts of S. torvum. Qualitative analysis of each extract showed the presence of reducing sugars, saponins, alkaloids, phenols and flavonoids except anthraquinones. Quantitative determination of total phenols and flavonoids in STE showed 16.4 mg GAE/g extract of S. torvum and 2.8 mg QE/g extract of S. torvum respectively. In DPPH radical scavenging assay, the IC50 value of the extract was found to be 1.62 mg/ml and in FRAP assay, FRAP value of ethanolic fruit extract was found to be 470 mg FeSO4 E/gr of S. torvum fruit extract. Extract analyzed by High performance liquid chromatography revealed presence of polyphenolic compounds such as gallic acid, rutin, quercetin and ascorbic acid. Elemental determination by Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) showed the presence of essential elements. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) report shows the presence stretching vibrations of OH groups in phenyl, CH2 asymmetric stretch of methyl groups, C-O stretching vibrations ring of phenyls, CH bending vibration. Based on the above obtained data, it can be concluded that fruits are a rich source of antioxidants. Conclusion: S. torvum a local Malaysian medicinal plant fruit ethanolic extract possesses good amount of phenols and flavonoids responsible for the antioxidant property.
Key words: Polyphenolic compounds, Antioxidant property, HPLC, AAS, FTIR.