Phytochemical Screening, in vitro Anti-bacterial, and Antioxidant Efficacy of Solanum virginianum L. Aerial Vegetative Parts Extracted in Four Solvents

Background: Solanum virginianum is a key component of Ayurveda's "Dasmul Asava," used to treat inflammation, respiratory, and gastric problems. Being a repository of countless bioactive compounds, the plant is well known for its traditional medicinal value. Modern pharmacological properties like anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory have also claimed its traditional uses. Objectives: The current research was designed to perform a comparative assessment of in vitro anti-bacterial, and antioxidant potential as well as the phytoconstituents make up of plant extracts prepared in four solvents. Materials and Methods: Freshly prepared plant extracts were subjected to standard qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening protocols to identify significant phytocompounds. Different functional groups and chemical entities in plant extracts, were identified using FTIR spectroscopy. Anti-bacterial potential was assessed using disc diffusion and micro broth dilution assay. DPPH decolorization assay was adopted to determine free radical scavenging potential of plant extracts. Results: Methanolic plant extract exhibited highest number of total phenols and flavonoids. Plant extracts were also found to be effective against some ampicillin-resistant bacterial strains. Methanolic extract showed highest DPPH scavenging ability comparable to ascorbic acid. Conclusion: Although all plant extracts were endowed with good antioxidant and anti-bacterial activity but methanolic extract was found to be more potent free radical scavenger and anti-bacterial agent as it possessed appreciable levels of phenols and flavonoids. The current research could facilitate researchers to identify and isolate new bioactive compounds of medicinal importance and their predicted mode of action against various biological activities.