PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF SOLANUM PROCUMBENS L.: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction. Solanum procumbens L., a medicinal plant belonging to the Solanaceae family, is widely utilized in traditional medicine across East and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, for the treatment of arthritis, liver diseases, infections, and tumors. Despite its long-standing ethnomedicinal use, information regarding its chemical constituents and pharmacological properties remains limited and fragmented. Objective. The aim of this review is to summarize current data on the ethnopharmacological use, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological activity of S. procumbens. Materials and Methods. The subject of this study was Solanum procumbens L. The research was conducted as an analytical review of the literature, focusing on its traditional uses, isolated bioactive compounds, and experimentally confirmed pharmacological effects. Results. Available data indicate that S. procumbens contains a wide range of secondary metabolites, including steroidal saponins, steroidal alkaloids, lignans, neolignans, steroidal peroxides, and phenolic acids. Reported compounds include torvoside J, torvoside K, (+)-syringaresinol, (+)-lyoniresinol, ergosterol peroxide, solacanin A, solasodine, vanillic acid, and others. Experimental studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in rheumatoid arthritis models, hepatoprotective effects against toxic liver injury, as well as moderate antibacterial and antifungal activities. Particular attention has been given to zinc oxide nanoparticles biosynthesized using S. procumbens, which have been shown to induce apoptosis in A549 lung cancer cells by enhancing oxidative stress. Conclusion. The available evidence supports the pharmacological relevance of S. procumbens as a promising source of natural bioactive compounds. Further studies are needed to clarify its mechanisms of action, evaluate its toxicological profile, and assess its potential for practical use and possible clinical application.