Anticancer Activity and New Drug Discovery in Solanum species: A review

Abstract

The ever increasing incidence of cancer occurrence in world populations is a cause to worry amongst the scientific fraternity. It has been noted that most of the patients with cancer use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. A genus from family Solanaceae that has received the most attention for its anticancerous properties is Solanum. All parts of the plants from this genus are used in cancer and related conditions as medication amongst the indigenous populations in many parts of the world. Several species of the genus showed antitumor and antiproliferative activity owing to the presence of high content of secondary metabolites. Many new types of biomolecules were detected in recent years in different parts of the plant and revealed its importance in the formulation of anticancer medication. Mostly in vitro or in some cases in vivo models provide evidence to the pharmacological activity of solanaceous compounds towards cancer. However, new biomolecules are regularly being searched and their activities are still unknown. Also more sophisticated and planned experiments, clinical trials and toxicological analysis are required to elucidate the possible anticancer mechanism of these molecules. Further studies are also necessary to prepare different herbal formulations against this disease. This review on anticancer potential of Solanum will provide a boost towards exploration of anticancerous agents from the members of this genus and augment further research in the development of anticancer drugs.