Journal of Environmental Biology

Evaluation of the antioxidative potential of the berries of Solanum khasianum Clarke using in-vitro, ex-vivo, and in-silico studies

L. Fakawmi¹, M. Vanlalpeka¹, L. Dinpuii¹, Y. Umbon², L. Tochhawng³, L. Chhakchhuak⁴, L. Sailo¹ and Z. Siama¹*     

¹Department of Zoology, Mizoram University (A Central University), Aizawl-796 004, India

²Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh-786 004, India

³Mizoram Science, Technology and Innovation Council (MISTIC), Aizawl-796 001, India

⁴Department of Biotechnology, Pachhunga University College, Aizawl-796 001, India

Received: 18 June 2025                   Revised: 09 October 2025                   Accepted: 13 February 2026

*Corresponding Author Email : zothans@gmail.com                 *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0859-4109

Abstract

Aim: To determine the phyto-chemical content and antioxidative potential of Solanum khasianum.

Methodology: The antioxidative activity of S. khasianum extracts was evaluated by assessing their ability to scavenge free radicals. The overall reducing power of S. khasianum extracts was also determined. The inhibitory activity of S. khasianum extracts against erythrocyte hemolysis and lipid peroxidation was also determined ex vivo.

Results: The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were significantly higher in the methanolic extract of S. khasianum in comparison to the aqueous extract. Consistently, the methanolic extract was found to possess significantly higher free-radical scavenging activities. Both the extracts of S. khasianum showed significant inhibitory activities against erythrocyte hemolysis and lipid peroxidation. LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 35 secondary metabolites from the methanolic extract of S. khasianum. Network pharmacology study identified epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as the primary target of bioactive compound specifically Bicuculline, which exhibited notable binding affinity (-9.3 kcal mol^-1) with EGFR.

Interpretation: The findings reveal that S. khasianum extracts possess antioxidative potential, and highlights the significant potential of Bicuculline as an effective EGFR inhibitor, suggesting its potential candidate for the treatment of oxidative stress-related disorders.

Key words: Antioxidative activity, Bicuculline, EGFR, Molecular docking, Phytochemicals, Solanum khasianum

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