Solanum nigrum L. berries extract ameliorated the alcoholic liver injury by regulating gut microbiota, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Solanum nigrum L. (SN) berry is an edible berry containing abundant polyphenols and bioactive compounds, which possess antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. However, the effects of SN on alcohol-induced biochemical changes in the enterohepatic axis remain unclear. In the current study, a chronic ethanol-fed mice ALD model was used to test the protective mechanisms of SN berries. Microbiota composition was determined via 16S rRNA sequencing, we found that SN berries extract (SNE) improved intestinal imbalance by reducing the Firmicutes to Bacteroides ratio, restoring the abundance of Akkermansia microbiota, and reducing the abundance of Allobaculum and Shigella. SNE restored the intestinal short-chain fatty acids content. In addition, liver transcriptome data analysis revealed that SNE primarily affected the genes involved in lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, SNE ameliorated hepatic steatosis in alcohol-fed mice by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α). SNE reduced the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor-88 (MyD88) nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), which can indicate that SNE mainly adjusted LPS/TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway to reduce liver inflammation. SNE enhanced hepatic antioxidant capacity by regulating NRF2-related protein expression. SNE alleviates alcoholic liver injury by regulating of gut microbiota, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This study may provide a reference for the development and utilization of SN resources.

Mycorrhizal Symbiosis Can Change the Composition of Secondary Metabolites in Fruits of Solanum nigrum L.

Solanum nigrum is a common weed in arable land, while being used in traditional medicine around the world due to its remarkable levels of valuable secondary metabolites. Agronomic and biological techniques can alter the production of a specific metabolite by influencing plant growth and metabolism. The effects of colonization with three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), including Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizoglomus intraradices, and Rhizoglomus fasciculatum, on the chemical composition of S. nigrum fruits were evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. More than 100 different chemical constituents were evaluated by GC-MS. Our study revealed that the levels of phenols (quinic acid), benzenes (hydroquinone), sulfur-containing compounds, lactone and carboxylic acids were improved by R. intraradices. In contrast, hydroxymethylfurfural increased by 68 % in R. fasciculatum inoculated with uninoculated S. nigrum plants, and this species was also the most efficient in inducing sugar compounds (D-galactose, lactose, and melezitose). Our results suggest that AMF colonization is an effective biological strategy that can alter the chemical composition and improve the medicinal properties of S. nigrum.

Solanum nigrum Toxicity and Its Neuroprotective Effect Against Retinal Ganglion Cell Death Through Modulation of Extracellular Matrix in a Glaucoma Rat Model.

Purpose: Glaucoma is a complex degenerative optic neuropathy characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) leading to irreversible vision loss and blindness. Solanum nigrum has been used for decades in traditional medicine system. However, no extensive studies were reported on its antiglaucoma properties. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of S. nigrum extract on RGC against glaucoma rat model. Methods: High performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze the phytochemical profile of aqueous extract of S. nigrum (AESN). In vitro, {3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide} (MTT) and H2DCFDA assays were used to determine cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in Statens Seruminstitut Rabbit Cornea cells. In vivo, AESN was orally administered to carbomer-induced rats for 4 weeks. Intraocular pressure, antioxidant levels, and electrolytes were determined. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis was carried out to evaluate the neurodegeneration of RGC. Results: MTT assay showed AESN exhibited greater cell viability and minimal ROS production at 10 µg/mL. Slit lamp and funduscopy confirmed glaucomatous changes in carbomer-induced rats. Administration of AESN showed minimal peripheral corneal vascularization and restored histopathological alterations such as minimal loss of corneal epithelium and moderate narrowing of the iridocorneal angle. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed increased expression of positive BRN3A cells and decreased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activation in retina and cornea, whereas western blot analysis revealed downregulation of extracellular matrix proteins (COL-1 and MMP-9) in AESN-treated rats compared with the diseased group rats. Conclusions: AESN protects RGC loss through remodeling of MMPs and, therefore, can be used for the development of novel neurotherapeutics for the treatment of glaucoma.

New Solasodine-Type Glycoalkaloids Isolated from Solanum nigrum and Their Cytotoxic Activity.

Three undescribed solalodine-type glycoalkaloids, named solanigrinoside A-C (1-3), and six known compounds (4-9) were isolated from the whole plants of Solanum nigrum. Their structures were elucidated based on analysis of HR-ESI-MS, 1D- and 2D-NMR spectral data, and comparison with those reported in literatures. The solanigrinoside A-C (1-3), solasodine (4), and 3-acetoxysolasodine (5) exhibited cytotoxic effects against LU-1, Hep-G2, and MCF-7 cells with IC50 values in range from 4.6 µM to 56.2 µM. Compound 2 showed the significant cytotoxic activity with corresponding IC50 values of 5.7 µM, 7.9 µM, and 4.6 µM, respectively.

Steroidal constituents from Solanum nigrum.

Three previously undescribed steroidal constituents including two sterols (1-2) and one pregnane-type steroidal glycoside (6), along with nineteen known ones (3-5, 7-22), were isolated from the 80% alcohol extraction of Solanum nigrum L. Their structures and the absolute configurations were established by analysis of the extensive spectroscopic data (1H/13 NMR, 1H1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY), and/or by comparisons of the experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra with those calculated ones by TDDFT method. Further, a MTT assay was applied to demonstrate that compounds 1-4, 6-12, 18, and 22 exhibited significant cytotoxic activities against SW480 cells, and compounds 1-4, 6-14, and 16-22 showed significant cytotoxic activities against Hep3B cells.

Anti-inflammatory steroids from the stems of Solanum nigrum L.

Sixteen previously undescribed steroidal sapogenins along with two known ones were isolated from the stems of Solanum nigrum L. (Solanaceae). Their structures were identified using a combination of 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS spectroscopy, the Mosher method, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1-8 have an unusual F ring and 9-12 have a derived A ring, both of which are rare skeletons found in natural products. The biological evaluation showed that the isolated steroids exhibited inhibition of nitric oxide in the LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC50 values from 7.4 to 41.3 µM. Further studies revealed that compounds 6 and 10 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by blocking the nuclear translocation of NF-κB, and down-regulating the expression of iNOS, COX-2, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that the stems of S. nigrum may serve as a source of anti-inflammatory agents for use in healthy or medicinal products.

Analysis of steroidal glycoalkaloids and their metabolites in Solanum nigrum fruits based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and molecular networking.

Solanum nigrum fruit is like a treasure house for anticancer drugs because of its steroidal alkaloids. However, the clinical treatment of cancer mainly uses immature fruits, which can cause a toxic reaction if eaten directly, while mature fruits are eaten as fruit. In order to clarify the reasons for the differences in pharmacodynamics and toxicity between them, we studied the composition and metabolism of steroidal alkaloids in fruits of different maturities based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and molecular networking. As a result, 114 steroidal glycoalkaloids were identified. During fruit ripening, the aglycones of steroidal alkaloids mainly undergo hydroxylation and carboxylation, and the sugar side chains mainly undergo acylation and glycosylation reactions. Furthermore, 219 steroidal alkaloids were identified in a metabolism experiment in rats. Metabolic processes include deglycosylation, redox, sulfuric acid binding, acetyl binding, and glucuronic acid-binding. Steroidal alkaloids in mature fruits have high molecular weight and polarity, which are difficult to absorb, and most of them are excreted through feces and urine, which may be the reason for their poor efficacy. This study lays a foundation for research on the biosynthesis of steroidal alkaloids and provides potential candidates for the discovery of new steroidal alkaloid anticancer drugs.

[Two new steroidal alkaloids from ripe berries of Solanum nigrum].

Two previously undescribed steroidal alkaloids, compounds 1-2, along with two known ones(3-4), were isolated from the 80% ethanol extract of ripe berries of Solanum nigrum by chromatographic methods, including silica gel, ODS, and HPLC. Based on spectroscopic and chemical evidence, including IR, NMR, and HR-ESI-MS data, the structures of the isolated compounds were identified as 12ß,27-dihydroxy solasodine-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside(1), 27-hydroxy solasodine-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)]-ß-D-glucopyranoside(2), solalyraine A(3), and 12ß,27-dihydroxy solasodine(4). Compounds 1-2 were tested for their potential effects against the proliferation of A549 cells, which revealed that compounds 1-2 had weak cytotoxic activity.

Steroidal alkaloids from Solanum nigrum and their cytotoxic activities.

Eight undescribed, along with five known steroidal alkaloids were isolated from Solanum nigrum L., a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. Their structures were elucidated by NMR, HR-ESI-MS, and IR spectroscopy. Two compounds displayed an unusual structure in steroidal alkaloids with an open E-ring and without an F-ring present. To evaluate their bioactivities, nine compounds were selected to intervene five human cancer cell lines including H1299, HepG2, HeLa, HCT116, and MCF7 respectively. All compounds exhibited inhibitory effects for the five cell lines, revealing potential anti-tumor activities from Solanum nigrum.

Aqueous extract of Solanum nigrum attenuates Angiotensin-II induced cardiac hypertrophy and improves cardiac function by repressing protein kinase C-ζ to restore HSF2 deSUMOlyation and Mel-18-IGF-IIR signaling suppression.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Solanum nigrum, commonly known as Makoi or black shade has been traditionally used in Asian countries and other regions of world to treat liver disorders, diarrhoea, inflammatory conditions, chronic skin ailments (psoriasis and ringworm), fever, hydrophobia, painful periods, eye diseases, etc. It has been observed that S. nigrum contains substances, like steroidal saponins, total alkaloid, steroid alkaloid, and glycoprotein, which show anti-tumor activity. However; there is no scientific evidence of the efficacy of S. nigrum in the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy. AIM: To investigate the ability of S. nigrum to attenuate Angiotensin II - induced cardiac hypertrophy and improve cardiac function through the suppression of protein kinase PKC-ζ and Mel-18-IGF-IIR signaling leading to the restoration of HSF2 desumolyation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cardiomyoblast cells (H9c2) were challenged with 100 nM Angiotensin-II (AngII) for 24 h and were then treated with different concentration of S.nigrum or Calphostin C for 24 h. The hypertrophic effect in cardiomyoblast cells were determined by immunofluorescence staining and the modulations in hypertrophic protein marker along with Protein Kinase C-ζ, MEL18, HSF2, and Insulin like growth factor II (IGFIIR), markers were analyzed by western blotting. In vivo experiments were performed using 12 week old male Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) separated into five groups. [1]Control WKY, [2] WKY -100 mg/kg of S.nigrum treatment, [3] SHR, [4] SHR-100 mg/kg of S.nigrum treatment, [5] SHR-300 mg/kg of S.nigrum treatment. S. nigrum was administered intraperitoneally for 8 week time interval. RESULTS: Western blotting results indicate that S. nigrum significantly attenuates AngII induced cardiac hypertrophy. Furthermore, actin staining confirmed the ability of S. nigrum to ameliorate AngII induced cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, S. nigrum administration suppressed the hypertrophic signaling mediators like Protein Kinase C-ζ, Mel-18, and IGFIIR in a dose-dependent manner and HSF2 activation (restore deSUMOlyation) that leads to downregulation of IGF-IIR expression. Additionally in vivo experiments demonstrate the reduced heart sizes of S. nigrum treated SHRs rats when compared to control WKY rats. CONCLUSION: Collectively, the data reveals the cardioprotective effect of S. nigrum inhibiting PKC-ζ with alleviated IGF IIR level in the heart that profoundly remits cardiac hypertrophy for hypertension-induced heart failure.

Biological Activity of Extract Solanum nigrum on some Biological Aspects of the Blue Fly Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

The current research evaluated the efficiency of alcoholic and alkaloid extracts of the leaves and fruits of the Solanum nigrum and investigated their effectiveness against the immature stages of the blue fly with 24-hour age at concentrations of 5, 10, 15, 20 mg/ml at the temperature of 30±1°C and relative humidity of 60±5%. It was revealed that the alcoholic extract of the fruits had the highest effect on killing the eggs of blue fly at all concentrations; accordingly, the death rates were estimated at 89.11% and 42.43% at the concentrations of 5 and 20 mg/ml, respectively, compared to that in the control, accounting for 9.27% mortality. It was also found that the alkaloid extract of the leaves of the plant outperformed in recording the highest rates of killing the eggs of blue fly, with death rates of 88.83% and 31.14% in the concentrations of 5 and 20 mg/ml, compared to the control group, amounting to 10.40%. Regarding the larval stages, the first stage was more sensitive than the other larval stages to all extracts of leaves and fruits of the plant. The highest mortality rates of the three larval stages were achieved by using the alcoholic extract of the fruits with the highest concentration of 20 mg/ml, compared to the alcoholic extract of the leaves; accordingly, the death rates of the third larval stage reached the highest rates of 57.11%, 68.20%, and 88.69% for the alcoholic extract of fruits and 53.19%, 68.64%, and 89.11% for that of leaves. The recorded data showed that the alkaloid extract of the S. nigrum leaves led to the highest mortality rates, compared to the alkaloid extract of the fruits, for all larval instars and at all concentrations. The mortality rates of the third larval stage with the highest concentration were 58.13% and 67.64%, respectively. The results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to investigate the chemical compounds in the alcoholic and alkaloid extracts of the leaves and fruits showed the presence of chemical compounds of varying numbers. The numbers of chemical compounds in the alcoholic extract of the leaves and fruits were 10 and 9, respectively, while it reached 17 and 23 for the alkaloid extract of the leaves and fruits of the plant, respectively.

Solanum nigrum Extract and Solasonine Affected Hemolymph Metabolites and Ultrastructure of the Fat Body and the Midgut in Galleria mellonella.

Glycoalkaloids, secondary metabolites abundant in plants belonging to the Solanaceae family, may affect the physiology of insect pests. This paper presents original results dealing with the influence of a crude extract obtained from Solanum nigrum unripe berries and its main constituent, solasonine, on the physiology of Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) that can be used as an alternative bioinsecticide. G. mellonella IV instar larvae were treated with S. nigrum extract and solasonine at different concentrations. The effects of extract and solasonine were evaluated analyzing changes in carbohydrate and amino acid composition in hemolymph by RP-HPLC and in the ultrastructure of the fat body cells by TEM. Both extract and solasonine changed the level of hemolymph metabolites and the ultrastructure of the fat body and the midgut cells. In particular, the extract increased the erythritol level in the hemolymph compared to control, enlarged the intracellular space in fat body cells, and decreased cytoplasm and lipid droplets electron density. The solasonine, tested with three concentrations, caused the decrease of cytoplasm electron density in both fat body and midgut cells. Obtained results highlighted the disturbance of the midgut and the fat body due to glycoalkaloids and the potential role of hemolymph ingredients in its detoxification. These findings suggest a possible application of glycoalkaloids as a natural insecticide in the pest control of G. mellonella larvae.

Solanum nigrum Line inhibits osteoclast differentiation and suppresses bone mineral density reduction in the ovariectomy­induced osteoporosis model.

Bone homeostasis is maintained by osteoclasts that absorb bone and osteoblasts that form bone tissue. Menopausal osteoporosis is a disease associated with aging and hormonal changes due to menopause causing abnormal activation of osteoclasts, resulting in a decrease in bone density. Existing treatments for osteoporosis have been reported to have serious side effects, such as jawbone necrosis and breast and uterine cancer; therefore, their use by patients is decreasing, whilst studies focusing on alternative treatments are increasingly popular. Solanum nigrum Line (SL) has been used as a medicinal plant that possesses several pharmacological effects, such as anti­inflammatory and hepatotoxic protective effects. To the best of our knowledge, however, its effects on osteoporosis and osteoclasts have not been demonstrated previously. In the present study, the anti­osteoporotic effect of SL was investigated using a postmenopausal model of osteoporosis in which Sprague­Dawley rat ovaries were extracted. In addition, the inhibitory effects on osteoclast differentiation and function of SL was confirmed using an osteoclast model treated with receptor activator of NF­κB ligand (RANKL) on murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. In vivo experiments showed that SL reduced the decrease in bone mineral density and improved changes in the morphological index of bone microstructure, such as trabecular number and separation. In addition, the number of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase­positive cells in the femur and the expression levels of nuclear factor of activated T­cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) and cathepsin K protein were inhibited. In vitro, SL suppressed RANKL­induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption ability; this was mediated by NFATc1/c­Fos, a key transcription factor involved in osteoclast differentiation, ultimately inhibiting expression of various osteoclast­associated genes. These experimental results show that SL may be an alternative treatment for osteoporosis caused by abnormal activation of osteoclasts in the future.

A network pharmacology perspective for deciphering potential mechanisms of action of Solanum nigrum L. in bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Solanum nigrum L. decoction has been used as a folklore medicine in China to prevent the postoperative recurrence of bladder cancer (BC). However, there are no previous pharmacological studies on the protective mechanisms of this activity of the plant. Thus, this study aimed to perform a systematic analysis and to predict the potential action mechanisms underlying S. nigrum activity in BC based on network pharmacology. METHODS: Based on network pharmacology, the active ingredients of S. nigrum and the corresponding targets were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicines for Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database, and BC-related genes were screened using GeneCards and the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database. In addition, ingredient-target (I-T) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using STRING and Cytoscape, Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted, and then the pathways directly related to BC were integrated manually to reveal the pharmacological mechanism underlying S. nigrum-medicated therapeutic effects in BC. RESULTS: Seven active herbal ingredients from 39 components of S. nigrum were identified, which shared 77 common target genes related to BC. I-T network analysis revealed that quercetin was associated with all targets and that NCOA2 was targeted by four ingredients. Besides, interleukin 6 had the highest degree value in the PPI network, indicating a hub role. A subsequent gene enrichment analysis yielded 86 significant GO terms and 89 significant pathways, implying that S. nigrum had therapeutic benefits in BC through multi-pathway effects, including the HIF-1, TNF, P53, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, apoptosis and bladder cancer pathway. CONCLUSIONS: S. nigrum may mediate pharmacological effects in BC through multi-target and various signaling pathways. Further validation is required experimentally. Network pharmacology approach provides a predicative novel strategy to reveal the holistic mechanism of action of herbs.

The Cytotoxic, Apoptotic Induction, and Cell Cycle Arrest Activities of Solanum nigrum L. Ethanolic Extract on MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cell.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the cytotoxic, cell cycle arrest, and apoptotic induction activities of the fruit of S. nigrum L. ethanolic-70% extract against MCF-7 human breast cancer cell. METHODS: S. nigrum L. ripe fruit was blended and macerated with ethanol 70% and the filtrate was evaporated. The semisolid extract was then analyzed phytochemically. Cytotoxic analysis was performed using MCF-7 cancer and Vero normal cell by MTT method and followed by apoptotic and cell cycle arrest analysis using flow cytometry. RESULTS: The phytochemical analysis resulted that extract contained total phenolic and flavonoid compounds with the level of 1.545±0.080% and 0.212±0.002%, respectively. Glycitin was the highest level of isoflavone compound, namely, 375.0844 mg/100 g extract. The cytotoxic evaluation revealed that the extract exhibited a selectively toxic effect between cancer and normal cell. The extract inhibited MCF-7 proliferation with IC50 value about 40.77±4.86 µg/mL and conversely toward Vero cell at lower cytotoxic activity with an IC50 value of 298.96±27.28 µg/mL. Evaluation of MCF-7 cell cycles demonstrated that the extract arrested the cell cycle in the S phase and continued to the G2/M phase at the half of the IC50 value. The extract induced apoptotic of MCF-7 cell about 43.31% in which this activity was nearly the same with doxorubicin as a positive control (59.14%). However, solamargine was predicted as the most active anticancer compounds by a molecular docking study so that it was suggested to measure the level of this compound. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the fruit of S. nigrum L. ethanolic-70% extract demonstrated cytotoxic activity toward MCF-7 breast cancer cell and nontoxic on Vero normal cell. Solamargine was predicted as the most active anticancer compound. This extract had an opportunity to be developed as a potential anticancer agent to overcome breast cancer diseases.

Immunomodulatory effects of a polysaccharide from Solanum nigrum Linne through TLR4-MyD88 signaling pathway.

Solanum nigrum Linne polysaccharide (SNLP), an active ingredient from Solanum nigrum Linne, has been proposed to inhibit tumor growth and display immunomodulatory activity. However, the molecular mechanism related to immune regulation remains unclear. In the present study, a homogeneous polysaccharide (SNLP-1) was extracted, the immune effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated. The immunomodulatory activity assay in vitro showed that SNLP-1 promoted the release of NO and TNF-α and IL-6 secretion in macrophages. In tumor-bearing mice, SNLP-1 could improve immune function including increasing the spleen index, thymus index and inducing Th1 responses mediated by IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF, as well as decreasing the tumor weight. Furthermore, SNLP-1 elevated the expression of the critical nodes in the TLR4-Myd88 signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo. These results indicated that TLR4-MyD88 signal pathway may be one of the signal pathways of immune regulation of SNLP-1.

Solanum nigrum Linne improves DNCB­induced atopic dermatitis­like skin disease in BALB/c mice.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Solanum nigrum Linne (SNL) in a model of 1­chloro­2,4­dinitrobenzene (DNCB)­induced atopic dermatitis (AD) and in TNF­α/IFN­Î³­stimulated HaCaT cells. AD is a chronic inflammatory skin disease and is characterized by erythema, edema, increased pruritus and eczema. Steroids are most commonly used for anti­inflammatory therapy; however, their long­term use is limited due to side­effects, such as osteoporosis, brittle skin, muscle weaknesses and diabetes. Therefore, patients with AD require alternative treatment strategies. In previous studies, SNL has been reported to be effective against oxidants and cancer. However, to the best of our knowledge, the effects of SNL on AD have not yet been investigated. The present study examined the effects of SNL ethanol extract on a model of DNCB induced AD and on TNF­α/IFN­Î³­stimulated HaCaT cells. The skin tissue was sectioned to measure the thicknesses of the epidermis and dermis, as well as the numbers of eosinophils, mast cells and CD8 infiltration by H&E, toluidine blue, Masson's trichrome and IHC staining. ELISA was performed using serum to measure IgE levels. The present study also examined the expression of various inflammatory cytokines, MAPK and NF­κB in TNF­α/IFN­Î³­stimulated HaCaT cells. SNL significantly reduced the levels of cytokines released from HaCaT cells stimulated with TNF­α/IFN­Î³. SNL also significantly reduced the levels of p­p38 at 30 min and significantly reduced the activation of NF­κB in a time course experiment. In addition, SNL significantly reduced the level of serum IgE and dermal thickness and the infiltration of mast cells and CD8 in the BALB/c mouse model of DNCB­induced AD. The results of the current study suggest that SNL exerts a suppressive effect on pro­inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo through the regulation of the immune system.

Solanum Nigrum Fruit Extract Increases Toxicity of Fenitrothion-A Synthetic Insecticide, in the Mealworm Beetle Tenebrio Molitor Larvae.

Synthetic insecticides are widely used for crop protection both in the fields and in the food stored facilities. Due to their toxicity, and assumptions of Integrated Pest Management, we conducted two independent experiments, where we studied the influence of Solanum nigrum unripe fruit extract on the toxicity of an organophosphorus insecticide fenitrothion. In the first variant of the experiment, Tenebrio molitor larvae were fed with blended fenitrothion (LC50) and the extract in four concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10%) in ratio 1:1 for 3 days. In the second variant, a two-day application of fenitrothion (LC40) was preceded by a one-day extract treatment. The first variant did not show any increase in lethality compared to fenitrothion; however, ultrastructure observations exhibited swollen endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes in the midgut and nuclear and cellular membranes in the fat body, after application of blended fenitrothion and extract. An increased amount of heterochromatin in the fat body was observed, too. In the second variant, pre-treatment of the extract increased the lethality of larvae, decreased the level of glycogen and lipids in the fat body and disrupted integrity of midgut cellular membranes. S. nigrum extract, applied prior to fenitrothion treatment can be a factor increasing fenitrothion toxicity in T. molitor larvae. Thus, this strategy may lead to decreased emission of synthetic insecticides to the environment.

Antiulcerogenic effects of selected African nightshades (Solanum nigrum Linn. ) genotypes on the rat stomach: a morphologic and morphometric study / Efectos antiulcerogénicos de genotipos seleccionados de solanáceas Africanas (Solanum nigrum Linn. m) en el estómago de ratas: un estudio morfológico y morfométrico

Solanum nigrum (SLN), commonly known as African nightshade, is used as a vegetable as well as in the management and treatment of various ailments including gastric ulcers. We analyzed, both grossly and microscopically using H&E, Masson's trichrome and PSA staining methods, the protective effects of aqueous leaf extracts of three Kenyan SLN genotypes namely S. scabrum (SSB), S. sarrachoides (SSR) and S. villosum (SVL) on ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats. There was evidence of gastro-protection by all the three genotypes with the SSB showing the highest ulcer inhibition score (76.37 %) followed by SSR (72.51 %) and SVL (63.30 %). SLN-pretreated rats showed less areas of gastric mucosal surface erosion. Additionally in the pretreated animals, the depth of the ulcers were markedly reduced, reaching only the gastric pit region except in those treated with SVL where the ulcers penetrated slightly more deeply to affect the gastric glands. Compared with controls, the mean microscopic ulcer index decreased 5.07, 3.55 and 2.37-fold in rats pretreated with SSB, SSR and SVL extracts respectively. Results of this work show extracts of the three SLN genotypes to have antiulcerogenic potential but at varied strengths, thus confirming earlier reports that phytoconstituents and hence the efficacy of a medicinal plant may be influenced by genetic factors.

Solanum nigrum (SLN), comúnmente conocida como la solanácea africana, se usa como vegetal, para el tratamiento de diversas dolencias incluyendo las úlceras gástricas. Analizamos de forma macro y microscópica, de forma macroscópica y microscópica, utilizando para ello tinciones de H&E, tricrómico de Masson y PSA los efectos protectores de extractos acuosos de hojas de tres genotipos SLN de Kenia: S. scabrum (SSB), S. sarrachoides (SSR) and S. villosum (SVL) en lesiones gástricas inducidas por etanol en ratas. Hubo evidencia de gastroprotección por parte de los tres genotipos con el SSB mostrando el puntaje más alto de inhibición de la úlcera (76,37 %) seguido de SSR (72,51 %) y SVL (63,30 %). Las ratas tratadas previamente con SLN mostraron menos áreas de erosión de la superficie de la mucosa gástrica. Además, en los animales pretratados, la profundidad de las úlceras se redujo notablemente, llegando solo a la región del fondo gástrico, excepto en aquellos tratados con SVL donde las úlceras penetraron un poco más profundamente para afectar las glándulas gástricas. En comparación con los controles, el índice medio de úlcera microscópica disminuyó 5,07, 3,55 y 2,37 veces en ratas pretratadas con extractos de SSB, SSR y SVL, respectivamente. Los resultados de este trabajo muestran que los extractos de los tres genotipos de SLN tienen potencial antiulcerogénico en diferentes concentraciones, lo que confirma informes anteriores que los fitoconstituyentes y la eficacia de una planta medicinal pueden estar influenciados por factores genéticos.

Two novel polysaccharides from Solanum nigrum L. exert potential prebiotic effects in an in vitro fermentation model.

In this research, two novel polysaccharides (S1 and S2) from Solanum nigrum L were extracted and purified. Then homogeneity, molecular weights, major chemical contents and monosaccharide compositions of S1 and S2 were determined. Then, the effects of S1 and S2 on human faecal microbial community and short-chain fatty acid production were investigated using an in vitro fermentation model. Results showed that S1 and S2 have different impacts on human gut microbiota in vitro. S1 selectively promoted the abundance of 9 genera and the production of propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid and isovaleric acid; while S2 selectively promoted the abundance of 8 genera and the production of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid and succinic acid. Also, S1 group had higher abundance of genera Butyricimonas and Megamonas and higher levels of lactic acid than S2; while S2 group had higher abundance of Megaphaera and higher levels of butyric acid, valeric acid, isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid and succinic acid comparably. We concluded that S1 and S2 may have potential prebiotic functions.