Title: Solanum nigrum L., a nutraceutical enriched herb or invasive weed?
Abstract: Nutraceuticals properties of Solanum nigrum were investigated and the results obtained were compared with Chinese chive and Roselle plant. The seeds contain oil (36.5%), dietary fibre (1.3%) and crude protein (7%). Vitamin analysis in mg/kg (DW) indicated that seed contains thiamine (3.5), riboflavin (1.8) and niacin (36.2). The most abundant fatty acids were linoleic (65.45%) and palmitic (10.19%) present in seeds. Seeds contain Fe (3.8), Ca (73) and Zn (14) in mg/100g (DW). The calorific value (kcal/100 g sample) for leaves (60.70); berries (73.98) and for seed (126.84). Anti nutritional factors in mg/100g (DW) for seeds were found at parity with Chinese chive and Roselle plants e.g. trypsin (1.01±0.74), phytic acid (0.13±0.32) and tannins (0.17±0.09) were moderate. This species is predominantly used as a culinary in Africa and SE Asia who reside in the underdeveloped countryside. Despite plenty of nutraceuticals, this species is still recognised as invasive weed. The focus of this paper is to highlight the nutraceutical aspects,so that the usability of this plant could be advanced. [Hemen Sarma & Aniruddha Sarma (2011). Solanum nigrum L., a nutraceutical enriched herb or invasive weed? International Conference on Environment and BioScience, IPCBEE vol.21]
Keywords: nutraceuticals, dietary fibre, minerals, oil, S. nigrum, linoleic, niacin