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Family Solanaceae
Tandang-aso
Solanum torvum Sw.

DEVIL'S FIG
Dian qie ze

Scientific names  Common names 
Solanum ficifolium Ortega Balbalusa (Bon.) 
Solanum mayanum Lundell Gambol (Sub.) 
Solanum torvum Swartz Dagutung (Sul.) 
  Talampay (Tag.) 
  Talimbolo (Tag.)
  Talongon (Tag.) 
  Talong-talongan (Tag.) 
  Talungkia (Sul.) 
  Tandang-aso (Tag.) 
  Taogotan (P. Bis.) 
  Cherry eggplant (Engl.)
  Devil's fig (Engl.)
  Pea aubergine (Engl.)
  Pea eggplant (Engl.)
  Turkey berry (Engl.)
Tandang-aso (talong-talongan) shares its common names with another of the Solanum genus: talong-talongan (Solanum cumingii), also called balbalusan (Ilk.)
Solanum torvum Sw. is an accepted name. The Plant List

Other vernacular names
ASSAMESE: Bhi tita.
COUNTRY: Name
CHINESE: Dian qie ze, Shui qie, Ci qie, Qing qie, Shan dian qie.
DANISH: Ærtenatskygge.
FRENCH: Aubergine sauvage d'Asie, Aubergine sauvage épineuse, Aubergine pois, Graine magotte, Bélangère bâtard, Bellangère bâtarde, Mélongène diable.
GERMAN: Teufels-Nachtschatten.
HINDI: Bhurat, Bhankatiya (Fiji), Katai (Fiji).
ITALIAN: Morella della Giamaica.
JAPANESE: Suzume nasubi.
LAOTIAN: Kh'èèngz f'aaz, Kh'èèngz saph'au.
KANNADA: Sundekkayi.
MALAY: Terong rembang, Terong pipit (Sumatra), Pokak (Java), Takokak (Indonesia).
MALAYALAM: Anachunda.
MARATHI: Marang.
PORTUGUESE: Jurubeba.
SANSKRIT: Brihati.
SPANISH: Berenjena cimarrona (Puerto Rico), Berenjena de gallina, Berenjena silvestre.
TAMIL: Sundaikkai, Sundaikkai.
TELUGU: Kottuvastu.
THAI: Ma khuea phuang, Ma kae, Makhua phuong, Ma khwaeng.
VIETNAMESE: Cà dai hoa trang, Cà hoang, Cà nong.

Botany
Tandang-aso is coarse, erect, branched, half-woody herb, 1 to 3 meters high. Branches are covered with short, scattered spines, and in most parts with stellate-shaped hairs. Leaves are alternate, ovate to oblong-ovate, 10 to 20 centimeters long, with sinuate-lobed margins, acuminate with inequality base. Inflorescences are lateral, usually extra-axillary racemose, often dichotomous. Flowers are many, white, about 1 centimeter long. Corolla tube is short, the limb 5-lobed. Stamens are 4, the filaments short, the anthers united into a cone. Ovary 2-celled. Fruits are globose, smooth, yellow, glabrous, about 1 centimeter in diameter.

Distribution
- Weed is found occurring in open, waste places at low and medium altitudes in most islands and provinces.
- Flowering all year round.

- Now pantropic.

Constituents
• Studies have reported steroidal sapogenin es, neochlorogenin, chlorogenin, paniculogenin, sisalagenone and torvogenin.
• Study isolated neosolaspignenin, solaspigenin, and neochlorogenin from the leaves.

• Study yielded two new spirostanol glycosides: neosolaspigenin 6-O-ß-D-quinovopyranoside and solagenin 6-O-[ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-3)-O-ß-D-quinovopyranoside].
• Study yielded six triterpenes: 3-O-acetyl-11alpha, 12alpha-epoxy-oleanan-28, 13beta-olide, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, 2alpha-hydroxy-oleanolic acid, 2alpha, 3beta-dihydroxyursolic acid. (12)
• Phytochemical analysis of leaves and seeds yielded alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. GCMS analysis yielded 31 seed constituents and 28 leaf extract compounds. Major compounds were quinic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, isopseudocumenol and phytol. (28)
• Methanolic extracts of leaves, flowers, and fruits yielded alkaloids, flavonoids (+++), indoles, phenols, saponins, steroids, tannins (none in leaves), and terpenoids. Ethanolic extracts of leaves, flowers, and fruits yielded alkaloids, flavonoids (+++), indoles, phenols, saponins, steroids, and tannins (none in leaves and flowers). (32)
• Hexane crude extracts of fruit yielded 17-(1,5-Dimethyhexyl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15, 16,17- tetradecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[α]phenanthren-3-ol, campesterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol and 7-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin was isolated from ethyl acetate crude extract of fruit. An ethyl acetate crude extract of fruit yielded 7-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin. (see study below) (34)
• Extracts from stem, leaf, pericarp and root yielded unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid and oleic acid) and saturated fatty acid (palmitic acid, stearic acid, richinoleic acid, ligniceric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid and behanic acid). (see study below). (39)
• Proximate analysis of fruits yielded moisture 59.51±0.47, carbohydrate 11.9±0.36, total sugar 9.52±0.48, protein 1.46±0.23, ascorbic acid 37.4±3.64. Micronutrient analysis yielded (mg/100g) 5.22, sodium 31.98, potassium 745.01, calcium 146.57, copper 1.37, manganese 7.51, zinc 3.41. (41)
• Phytochemical screening of fruit have shown the presence of tannins, phlabotannins, saponins flavonoids, steroids, and terpenoids. A methanol extract of fruits yielded 21,25-dimethylmelianodiol, which has been shown to have weak antibacterial property. (48)
• Qualitative analysis yielded reducing sugars, saponins, alkaloids, phenols, and flavonoids, with absence of anthraquinones. Quantitative analysis for total phenols and flavonoids showed 16.4 mg GAE/g extract and 2.8 mg QE/g extract, respectively. (see study below) (50)
• Ethanol extract of aerial parts yielded yielded glycoside, tannins, sterols, saponins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and proteins. (see study below) (51)
• Study of ethanolic extract of aerial parts yielded one novel C-22 steroidal lactone saponin, solanolactoside C (1), and one new spirostanol glycoside, torvoside Q (2). (54)
• Phytochemical screening of methanol extract of leaves yielded tannins, flavonoids, reducing sugars, saponin glycosides, alkaloids, phytosterols, and terpenoids. (see study below) (56)
• GC-MS analysis of methanol extract of leaves yielded the presence of a major component of 3-n-hexylthiolane, S,S-dioxide (49.407%), along with seven minor components viz. Oleyl alcohol, trifluroacetate (12.23%), n- hexadecanoicacid (9.42), 3-methyl-2-(2-oxoprpyl)furan (4.97%), Hentriacontane (4.56%), 1, 2-benzendicarboxylic acid, mono (2-ethylhexyl)ester (3.92%), Choloroacetic acid, tetradecyl ester (3.45%), Benzoic acid 1-methoxy-1h-tetrazol-5-ylmethylester (2.60%). (57)
• Proximate analysis of dried powdered fruits yielded high moisture content 86.23%, carbohydrates 7.033%, proteins 2.322%, fats 0.278%, ash 0.143%, and crude fiber 3.993%. Mineral analysis yielded iron 76.869 mg/kg, manganese 19.466 mg/kg, calcium 221.583 mg/kg, copper 2.642 mg/kg, and zinc 21.460 mg/kg. Vitamin A and Vitamin C contents were 0.078 mg/100g and 2.686 mg/100g, respectively. (66)


Properties
• Considered cooling, antipyretic, anti-rheumatic, antiphlogistic, anti-infectious, anti-contusion, anti-inflammation and analgesic.

• Fruit considered tonic, analgesic, haematopoietic, diuretic, sedative, digestive, and antimicrobial.
• Studies have suggested antimicrobial, antiviral, immunosecretory, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, cardioprotective, nephroprotective properties.

Parts utilized
- Roots, leaves, fruit.

Uses
Edibility
- Malays use the fruit in curry preparations.
- Fruit preferred unripe and provides a good flavoring.
Folkloric
- For stomach ache, pain caused by contusion, internal bruise on the belly muscle - use 15 to 30 gms of dried drug. Boil to decoction and drink.
- Used for amenorrhea, indigestion, gastric pain at the navel, rheumatism-numbness, sprain contusion, lumbar muscular pains.
- Fruits used for poulticing cracks in the feet.
- Decoction of fruits used for cough, liver and splenic enlargement.
- In Yucatan, plant is considered sudorific, diuretic, narcotic and as resolutive, and used for convulsions, coughs, asthma, gout, rheumatism, syphilis, and skin diseases.
- Decoction used in some areas (Bukidnon) to lessen postpartum hemorrhage.
- Dosage: 15 to 30 gms dried roots in decoction, or processed into syrup or alcoholic suspension.
- In Tamil Nadu, India, leaf juice used to reduce body heat and unripe fruits used to strengthen the body.
- In Africa, infusion of leaves taken orally for antidote use.
- In Sierra Leonne, fruit used in cough medicines for children.
- In Cameroon traditional medicine, use for management of pain and inflammation.

- In India, powdered leaves mixed with warm water or hot milk used for relief of colds and coughs. Powdered roots applied externally to cracked feet. Cooked fruit used as vermifuge. (46)
- In Ghana, unripe fruits and leaves used in treatment of tuberculosis. (60)

Studies
Platelet Aggregation Effects: Two Indonesian plants, N officinale and S torvum, were studied for platelet aggregating effects. The ethanol extract exhibited a more potent effect.  (1)
Analgesic / Anti-Inflammatory / Leaves: Nigerian study of aqueous leaf extract of S torvum showed both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
(3) Study evaluated the analgesic properties of S. torvum leaf syrup in Swiss albino mice using the formalin test and hot plate method. Results showed dose dependent analgesic effect in the formalin test, At 1000 mg/kg, the syrup showed analgesic effect by hot plate test closely comparable to Paracetamol control. (63)
Metabolic and Blood Pressure Effects: Methanolic extract of Solanum torvum reduced blood pressure, vascular reactivity changes to catecholamines and reversed metabolic alterations induced by fructose. (4)
Antioxidant Effects / Cytochrome Enzyme Inhibiting / Free Radical Scavenging: Study showed S torvum is a natural source of polyphenolic antioxidants, which have cytochrome P450 2E1 enzyme inhibiting and free radical scavenging properties, and suggests a potential use for reducing oxidative stress in diabetes. (5)
Antibacterial: In an in vitro study of S. torvum against human pathogenic strains, the water and ethanol extract was found effective against all bacterial strains with an inhibition comparable to that of commercial antibiotics. (8)
Antibacterial / Antifungal / Roots: Methanolic extracts of roots of S. torvum exhibited promising antibacterial and antifungal effects on all organisms tested (6 gram(+), 9 gram(-) and 8 pathogenic fungi). (9) Study evaluated various extracts of roots of S. torvum against six Gram negative and three Gram positive bacteria by disc diffusion. E. coli was the only Gram negative bacteria that showed sensitivity to the root extract. An ethanolic extract showed strong activity against S. aureus and Bacillus sp. with zone of inhibition of 20.5 mm and 14 mm, respectively. (52)
Anti-H. Pylori / Antifungal: Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with an increased risk for duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric lymphomas. Study of S. torvum extracts showed inhibition
of H. pylori growth. S. torvum chloroform extract also suppressed H. pylori-induced apoptosis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of H pylori growth inhibition. (10)
Antimicrobial: Study showed S. torvum not only demonstrated antimicrobial activity but the extract also exhibited significant control of seed borne pathogenic fungi and bacteria. Results suggest a potential for exploitation for paddy disease management. (13) Ethanolic extracts of stem, leaf, pericarp, and root showed antibacterial activity against Bacillus sp, K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, and Micrococcus sp and antifungal activity against Tricophyton surans and Aspergillus niger. (see constituents above)  (39)
Alkaloids: Comparative study of S.. torvum Sw grown in India and Chiapas, Mexico, showed similar total alkaloidal content. However, solasodine was found only in Chiapas plants. Study also yielded solasonine and solamagine, two glycosylated compounds of solasodine, which can b used as substrate for the production of important steroids in pharmacology. (14)
Acute and Subacute Toxicity Studies: Study of hydro-ethanolic extract of the ripe fruit showed it was not highly toxic. However, consumption at higher doses over 16 g/kg could cause liver injury. Moderate consumption of small doses up to 1 g/kg twice a week for 6 weeks appeared safe. (15)
Antibacterial / Antioxidant: Study evaluated various extracts from powdered S. torvum for antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Phytochemical screening yielded alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, saponins, and sterols. Results showed dose dependent antibacterial and antioxidant activity at varying concentrations. (17)
Antidepressant / Anxiolytic / Adaptogenic / Torvanol A/ Seeds: Study isolated torvanol A, an isoflavonoid from the seeds of Solanum torvum. Results showed antidepressant, anxiolytic and adaptogenic activities suggesting involvement of noradrenergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic and gabaergic mechanisms. (18)
Oral Toxicity Studies / Leaves and Stems: Study evaluated the oral toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats using a decoction of leaves and stems. The plant decoction was administered at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg of body weight. Results showed no clinical signs of toxicity or animal deaths. The tested decoction, administered at one dose, is regarded as unclassified for the animal model and dosage used. (19)
Bruhati moola / Anti-Inflammatory: Study showed Bruhati moola is not only effective in inflammation, but also safe to use without any harmful effects. (20)
Cardioprotective / Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity / Flavonoids: Oxidative stress is the main factor in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Study showed S. torvum has the potential of preventing cardiotoxicity induced by Doxorubicin. The protection was attributed to flavonoids. (21)
Cardiac Effects / Hypotensive / Decreased Anti-Platelet Aggregation: Study evaluated the cardiovascular activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of fruits of S. torvum. The methanol extract reduced heart rate at all test doses. Both extracts induced significant reduction in arterial blood pressure probably from the bradycardic effect. The aqueous extract dose-dependently inhibited platelet aggregation. (22)
Modulation of Lysosomal Activities / CCl4 Vapour Induced Liver Damage: Study showed Carica papaya and Solanum torvum reversed the effect of carbon tetrachloride vapour induced liver damage. The plant extracts prevented leakage of lysosomal enzymes by increasing the stability or decreasing vulnerability of lysosomal membrane possibly through its antioxidant property. (23)
Methyl Caffeate / α-Glucosidae Inhibition / Anti-Diabetic: Study isolated methyl caffeate, a rat intestinal sucrase and maltase inhibitor. Its moderate inhibitory action against α-glucosidase presents a potential prospect for the antidiabetic use of S. torvum fruit. (24)
Study on Dry Sundakai Powder Supplementation / No significant Changes: After one month of dry Sundakai powder supplementation (7 gm proving 1.23 g crude fiber) on 30 non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients, no significant changes were observed with respect glucose, lipid profile, glycated proteins, total amino acids and uronic acid levels. (26)
Hypertensive Effect / Toxicity Study: Study evaluated the acute toxicity and effect of oral aqueous extract of S. torvum in chronic arterial hypertension induced by L-NAME. Results showed no mortality nor visible signs of toxicity. AEST induced potentiation of arterial hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy in
L-NAME treated rats, an effect that may be due to reduction in sensitivity to vasorelaxant agents and increase in hypersensitivity to contractile factors. Its in vitro vasocontractile activity may be from activation of both α1-adrenergeic pathway and calcium influx. (27)
Hepatoprotective / CCl4 Induced Toxicity: Study of a hydroalcoholic extract of fruits showed promising hepatoprotective activity as evidenced by biochemical parameters. However, the overall hepatoprotection is low compared to standard drug silymarin. (29) Study showed Solanum torvum reversed carbon tetrachloride damage associated with activities of lysosomal enzymes vis NAG, glucoronidase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels. (30)
Antifungal / Antimycotoxigenic / Leaves: Study investigated the antifungal effect of ST leaves against field and storage fungi. Study isolated an antifungal compound, torvoside K, which inhibited the growth of all fungi tested, with complete inhibition in vitro and in vivo of growth of A. flavus and F. verticillioides and aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1. (31)
Anti-Inflammatory / Toxicity Study: Study evaluated a methanolic extract of raw berries showed anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan induced paw edema in an animal model. The extract showed no toxicity or mortality up to the dose level of 3000 mg/kg body weight in rats, and considered safe and non-toxic for further pharmacological screening. (33)
Lipase Inhibitory Activity / Fruit: Study an ethyl acetate crude extracts of fruit showed lipase inhibitory activity. The mixture of 17-(1,5-dimethyhexyl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17- tetradecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[α]phenanthren-3-ol, campesterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol exhibited moderate lipase inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 82.56 mg/mL (see constituents above). (34)
Anti-Proliferative/ Anti-Cancer / Fruit: Extracts of takokak fruit inhibited (1) lung cancer cells (A549) with IC50 was 335.7 μg/ml, (2) breast cancer cells (MCF-7) with IC50was 1,153.5 μg/ml, and (3) cervical cancer cells (HeLa) with IC50 was 1,261.8 μg/ml. (35)
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy: Study showed the therapeutic potential of S. torvum for the treatment of BPH because of it anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating and antioxidant activity. (36)
Antimitotic / Anticancer: Study of extracts of S. torvum showed to be extremely effective in prevention of cell proliferation of mammary gland breast adenocarcinoma cell lines The pronounced antimitotic and anticancer activities was attributed to its potential antioxidant property and the key roles of polyphenols, steroidal saponin glycoside, alkaloids and flavonoids. (38)
Anthelmintic: Study of S. torvum fruits showed anthelmintic activity against Ascaridia galli, a common gastrointestinal parasite of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus). The report throws light on the use of S. torvum fruits has herbal anthelminticide for humans. (40)
Methyl Caffeate / Antidiabetic / Antihyperglycemic: Study of methyl caffeate in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats showed significant reduction in blood glucose and increased body weight. Methyl caffeate treated diabetic rats showed upregulation of GLUT4 and regeneration of ß-cells in the pancreas. Results suggested a potential for a potent oral antidiabetic drug. (42)
Toxic Myopathy in a Case of Acute Toxicity:Toxicity of berries appear to be related to the concentration of steroid glycoalkaloids in berries, which are higher in toxic berries than in non-toxic berries.. Toxicity of berries may be related to the maturity of berries or environmental stresses. In a toxicity case, electromyography showed myotonia and early recruitment of motor units with full interference pattern. The responsible chemical, although unknown, is likely due to solanaceous steroidal glycoalkaloids. (43)
Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles / Antimicrobial Potential: Report focused on the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Solanum torvum. Results showed S. torvum mediated silver nanoparticles could act as an effective antimicrobial agent. (44)
Anti-Obesity / Anti-Diabetic / Leaves: Study of ethanolic extract of leaves showed both antidiabetic and anti-obesity activity when fed to high-fat diet-induced obesity and type-2 diabetic male albino rats. (45)
• Effect on Sex Hormones / Hypocholesterolemia: Study evaluated the effect of water extract of S. torvum on blood lipid and sex hormone levels in high-fat diet (HFD) fed male rats. Results showed the extract can reverses the level of sex hormones and reduce cholesterol in HFD-induced obese rats. Also, long term administration of S. torvum extract showed to be harmless. (47)
• Methyl Caffeate / Antimicrobial / Antimycobacterial / Fruits: A methanolic extract of fruit yielded methyl caffeate. The compound was screened for antimicrobial activity and antimycobacterial activity. The lowest MICs of methyl caffeate were 50 µg/ml against P. vulgaris, 25 µg/ml against K. pneumonia,and8 µg/ml against M. tuberculosis. Results showed potential of methyl caffeate for drug development. (49)
• Antioxidant / Polyphenolic Compounds / Fruit: Study evaluated various extracts of S. torvum fruits. DPPH radical scavenging assay showed an IC50 of 1.62 mg/ml while FRAP of ethanolic fruit extract showed 470 mg FeSO4 E/gr. High performance liquid chromatography for polyphenolic compounds yielded gallic acid, rutin, quercetin, and ascorbic acid. (see constituents above) (50)
• Antimicrobial / Analgesic / Aerial Parts: Study evaluated the antimicrobial and analgesic activities of ethanol extract from Solanum torvum aerial parts. Results showed promising antibacterial activity against gram positive bacteria viz. B. subtilis and S. aureus. The extract showed peripheral analgesic effect as evidenced by significant percentage inhibition in writhings induced by acetic acid in mice. There was also significant increase in latency period in tail immersion test and formalin study. (see constituents above) (51)
• No Effect with Crude Fiber Supplementation: Study evaluated the effect of dry Sundakai powder supplementation (7g providing 1.23 g of crude fiber) on glycemic control, lipidemic control, total amino acids and uronic acid on 30 non-insulin dependent diabetic patients on hypoglycemic drugs. After one month of fiber supplementation, no significant changes were noted on measured parameters. (55)
• Antimicrobial / Antitussive / Leaves: Study evaluated a methanol extract of leaves of S. torvum for antimicrobial and antitussive effects. MIC of antimicrobial assay were 2.5 mg/ml, 3.16 mg/ml, 5.0 mg/ml and 5.0 mg/ml for S. aureus, S. pyogenes, K. pneumonia and E. coli, respectively. The antitussive activity testing showed dose dependent activity with cough inhibition of 53.4%. 64.3%, and 73.6% with doses of 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg, respectively, 76.2% for positive control dihydrocodeine and 71.4% for saline control. (see constituents above) (56)
• Anticancer / Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma Cell Lines: Study of an ethanolic extract of S. torvum showed significant cytotoxic effect on EAC. Phytochemical screening yielded phenols, reducing sugars, carbohydrates, flavones, glycosides, saponins, steroids, alkaloids, quinones and tannins. (58)
• Cytotoxicity Evaluation / HFF Cells (Human Foreskin Fibroblasts) / Fruit: Study evaluated the cytotoxic activity of 70% ethanolic extract of fruits of S. torvum on HFF cells in in vitro culture. Phytochemical screening yielded alkaloids, tannins, polyphenols, saponins, and flavonoids. Results showed the extract has cytotoxic activity on tested HFF cells. At 800 µg/ml, survival rate of HFF cells increased from 100% to 4% of living cells. Study suggests the extract is cytotoxic on HFF cells and advises further studies on toxicity and cautions on the use of S. torvum fruits in traditional medicine. (59)
• Acute Toxicity / Electrophysiological Findings / Fruit: Study describes the electrophysiological findings in a patient with acute Solanum torvum (susumber berry) poisoning. The patient presented with vision changes, dizziness, difficulty speaking, and muscle weakness. Neuro exam showed intact mental status, opsoclonus, severe dysarthria, mild distal upper and lower extremity weakness with tenderness on palpation, delayed motor reflexes and ataxia. MRI of the brain and CSF studies were unremarkable. Lab showed a peak creatine kinase of 1886 IU/L. EMG showed myotonia and early recruitment of motor units with interference pattern. Poisoning with berries appears to cause a toxic myopathy. The chemical cause may be from a class of solanaceous steroidal glycoalkaloids. (see Toxicology below) (61)
• Diuretic / Seed and Fruit Wall: Study evaluated methanol extracts of seeds and fruit wall of S. torvum for diuretic activity in doses of 150, 300, and 450 mg/kbw in albino rats. Results revealed the fruit wall methanol extract showed significant diuretic activity compared to the seed ME. (62)
• Immunomodulatory / Erythropoietic / Fruits: Study evaluated the effect of S. torvum fruit extracts on delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, hemagglutinating antibody (HA) titer, WBC, RBC, and Hb concentration in Sprague Dawley rats. Results showed concentration-dependent immunostimulant and erythropoietic activity as evidenced by significantly enhanced DTH response, increase HA titer and WBC count, reversal of PHZ-induced anemia, increases in RBCs and Hb concentrations. (64)
• Effect on Blood Pressure and Metabolic Alterations in Fructose Hypertensive Rats: Study evaluated the effect of ethanol extract of S. torvum on systolic blood pressure (SBP), vascular reactivity, serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, insulin, and uric acid in fructose induced hypertension. Results showed the S. torvum could prevent the development of high blood pressure induced by fructose-rich diet probably via reversal of metabolic alterations induced by fructose. (65)

Caution !
• Toxicology: Reports on two outbreaks (New York and Toronto) of poisoning by cucumber berries (Solanum torvum) and detection of alkaloids. Consumption of berries caused varying degrees of GI distress, diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, slurring of speech, ataxia, cranial nerve deficits and respiratory difficulties. Poisonous berries are indistinguishable from non-toxic varieties. Solasonine and larger amounts of solamargine and other steroidal glycoalkaloids were isolated from the toxic berry strains.
• Published cases are rare. Toxicity may be related to the maturity of berries, environmental stresses, or the concentration of steroid glycoalkaloids in the berries. Steroid glycoalkaloids inhibit serum and erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase and butrylcholinesterase, which may cause the spectrum of clinical manifestations. (61)

Availability
Wild-crafted. 

© Godofredo U. Stuart Jr., M.D. / StuartXchange

Updated November 2018 / October 2015

IMAGE SOURCE / GNU Free Documentation License / File:Solanum torvum 3.jpg / Solanum torvum, (tisaipele) a common Tongan weed / Tau'olunga / 29 April 2007 / Wikimedia Commons
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE Solanum torvum Sw. (Morella della Giamaica) / Branch at Haiku, Maui / : Forest and Kim Starr - Plants of Hawaii - Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License / alterVISTA
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE : Seeds / Solanum torvum Sw. (Morella della Giamaica) / Branch at Haiku, Maui / : Steve Hurst @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA

Additional Sources and Suggested Readings
(1)
Platelet Aggregatory Effects of Nasturtium officinale and Solanum torvum Extracts / Nat Med.VOL.57;NO.4;PAGE.133-138/Journal Code:G0625A / ISSN:1340-3443
(2)
Solanaceous steroidal glycoalkaloids and poisoning by Solanum torvum, the normally edible susumber berry / Toxicon
Volume 52, Issue 6, November 2008, Pages 667-676 / doi:10.1016/j.toxicon.2008.07.016
(3)
Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Aqueous Extract From Leaves of Solanum Torvum (Solanaceae) / E J Ndebia, R Kamgang et al / Afr. J. Trad. CAM (2007) 4 (2): 240 - 244
(4)
Effect of Solanum torvum on blood pressure and metabolic alterations in fructose hypertensive rats / Mahalaxmi Mohan et al / / Journal of Ethnopharmacology • Volume 126, Issue 1, 29 October 2009, Pages 86-89/ / doi:10.1016/j.jep.2009.08.008

(5)
Effect of Polyphenolic Compounds from Solanum torvum on Plasma Lipid Peroxidation, Superoxide anion and Cytochrome P450 2E1 in Human Liver Microsomes
/ Kusirisin, W et al / Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 5, Number 6, November 2009 , pp. 583-588(6)
(6)
Medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Kancheepuram District of Tamil Nadu, India / Chellajah Muthu et al / J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2006; 2: 43. / doi: 10.1186/1746-4269-2-43.

(7)
Neochlorogenin, Neosolaspigenin, and Solaspigenin from Solanum torvum Leaves / Umar Mahmood, Raghunath S et al / J. Nat. Prod., 1983, 46 (3), pp 427–428
DOI: 10.1021/np50027a023
(8)
Antibacterial Activity of Different Extracts of Sundakai (Solanum torvum) Fruit Coat / M. Sivapriya, R. Dinesha, R. Harsha, S.S.T. Gowda and L. Srinivas / Int. J. Botany, 6: 61-67, 2010 / DOI: 10.3923/ijbc.2011.61.67
(9)
Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Solanum torvum (Solanaceae) / M A Bari, W Islam et al / INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE & BIOLOGY, 2010, 12–3–386–390
(10)
Solanum torvum inhibits Helicobacter pylori growth and mediates apoptosis in human gastric epithelial cells / Yuan-Man Hsu, Jing-Ru Weng et al / Oncology Reports, May 2010, Volume 23 Number 5 / Doi: 10.3892/or_00000777
(11)
Characterization of spirostanol saponins in Solanum torvum by high-performance liquid chromatography/evaporative light scattering detector/electrospray ionization with multi-stage tandem mass spectrometry / Yuanyuan Lu, Jianguang Luo et al / DOI: 10.1002/rcm.3630 / Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, Volume 22, Issue 16, pages 2447–2452, 30 August 2008
(12)
Study on triterpenes from Solanum torvum / Zhou H, Wang F, Fang Z. / Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2011 Aug;36(15):2096-8.
(13)
Antimicrobial Activity of Solanum torvum Swart. Against Important Seed Borne Pathogens of Paddy / V. Lalitha, K.A. Raveesha and B. Kiran / Iranica Journal of Energy & Environment 1 (2): 160-164, 2010
(14)
Alkaloids in Solanum torvum Sw (Solanaceae)
/ Pérez-Amador MC, V Muñoz Ocotero, JM García Castañeda, AR González Esquinca / International Journal of EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY, (2007) 76: 39-45
(15)
Acute and Subacute Toxicities of Hydroethanolic Extract of the Ripe Fruits of Solatium torvum Sw. (Solanaceae) / Kuete V, Penlap Beng V, Etoa F-X, Lontsi D, Tchouanguep Mbiapo F / Journal of the Indian Society of Toxicology, 2005, Vol 1, No 2
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Sorting EGGPLANT & Nightshade names / /Maintained by: Michel H. Porcher / MULTILINGUAL MULTISCRIPT PLANT NAME DATABASE / Copyright © 1995 - 2020 / A Work in Progress. School of Agriculture and Food Systems. Faculty of Land & Food Resources. The University of Melbourne. Australia.
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Phytochemical, antibacterial and antioxident studies on medicinal plant Solanum torvum / Kannan Marikani, M Kannan, B Dheeba, S Gurudevi, A J A Ranjit Singh / The Journal of Pharmacy 04/2012; 20125:2418-2421.
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Antidepressant, anxiolytic and adaptogenic activity of torvanol A: an isoflavonoid from seeds of Solanum torvum / Mahalaxmi Mohan*, Deepali Attarde, Rehan Momin & Sanjay Kasture / Natural Product Research: Formerly Natural Product Letters, Volume 27, Issue 22, 2013 / DOI:10.1080/14786419.2013.778853
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Oral toxicity of Solanum torvum Sw. (prendejera) / Pérez JL, Castillo A A, Salas M H, Puente Z E, Betancourt H J, Jackson H E, Mora T Y / Rev Cubana Plant Med, 2011; 16 (4)
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EVALUATION OF ANTI-NFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF BRUHATI- MOOLA (Solanum torvum Swartz)" / Dr AATHIRA CHANDRANB.A.M.S / Dissertation
(21)
Protective Effect of Solanum Torvum on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiactoxicity in Rats / Sarika Kamble, Mahalaxmi Mohan*, 2Sanjay Kasture / Pharmacologyonline 2: 1192-1204 (2009)
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Cardiovascular and Anti-Platelet Aggregation Activities of Extracts from Solanum torvum (Solanaceae) Fruits in Rat / Télesphore Benoît Nguelefack, Hassane Mekhfi, Théophile Dimo3, Saida Afkir, Elvine Pami Nguelefack-Mbuyo, Abdelkaleq Legssyer, Abderrahim Ziyyat / Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Volume 5, Issue 1, May 2008 / DOI: 10.2202/1553-3840.1105
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Modulation of lysosomal enzymes activity by Carica papaya Linn. and Solanum torvum Linn. in carbon tetrachloride vapour induced liver damage in rats / Manikandaselvi. S*, Ezhilarasi. S and Vaithehi. R. / Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 2012, 4(2):1235-1238
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Methyl Caffeate as an α-Glucosidase Inhibitor from Solanum torvum Fruits and Activity of Related Compounds / Keisuke Takahashi et al / Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem., 74(4), 741-745, 2010
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Solanum torvum Sw. / Synonyms / The Plant List
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Studies on the effect of dry Sundakai (Solanum torvum) powder supplementation on lipid profile, glycated proteins and amino acids in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. / Iyer UM, Mehta NC, Mani I, Mani UV. / Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 1992 Apr;42(2):175-82.
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Hypertensive effects of oral administration of the aqueous extract of Solanum torvum fruits in l-NAME treated rats: Evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies / T.B. Nguelefack, H. Mekhfi, A.B. Dongmo, T. Dimo, P. Watcho, Johar Zoheir, A. Legssyer, A. Kamanyi, A. Ziyyat / Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Vol 124, Issue 3, 30 July 2009, Pages 592–599
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PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON SEED AND LEAF EXTRACTS OF SOLANUM TORVUM SW / Nayeema Khatoon*, Paras Jain & A.K.Choudhary / Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research / IAJPR. 2015; 5(5): 1649-1656
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STUDIES ON THE PHYSICO-PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT
OF SOLANUM TORVUM SWARTZ IN CCl4 INDUCED EXPERIMENTAL TOXICITY IN ALBINO RATS
/ J.KAYALVIZHI, K.BHARATHI, P.VIJAYAKUMARI, M.KAVITHA, T.S. BHUVANESWARI, G.MURUGANANDAM, M.SETHURAMAN, V.THIRUMURUGAN* / International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol 4, Suppl 5, 2012
(30)
Modulation of lysosomal enzymes activity by Carica papaya Linn. and Solanum torvum Linn. in carbon tetrachloride vapour induced liver damage in rats / Manikandaselvi. S*, Ezhilarasi. S and Vaithehi. R. / Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 2012, 4(2):1235-1238
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Antifungal and antimycotoxigenic potency of Solanum torvum Swartz. leaf extract: isolation and identification of compound active against mycotoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides / R. U. Abhishek, S. Thippeswamy, K. Manjunath andD. C. Mohana* / Journal of Applied Microbiology /
DOI: 10.1111/jam.12956
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Phytochemical Evaluations of Three Species of Solanum L. / S. Gnana Sundari, S Rekha, and A Parvathi / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 4(3) May-June 2013
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Efficacy of Solanum torvum (berries) on Carrageenan Induced Rat Paw Edema Model on an In-vivo Anti-Inflammatory Study / Mahanta Bhagyashree et al / IRJP 2012, 3(1)
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Chemical constituents and lipase inhibitory activity of Solanum torvum fruit / Pawita Likitdacharote and Chanya Chaicharoenpong* / Proceedings of the Burapha University International Conference 2015, 10-12 July 2015, Bangsaen, Chonburi, Thailand
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Potency of Takokak (Solanum torvum) as Anti-proliferation and Anti-inflammation Cancer Cells
/ Rahman, Nur / Bogot Agricultural University SCIENTIFIC REPOSITORY
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Therapeutic potency of Solanum torvum Swartz on benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment : A review / Jason M. Peranginangin*, Andreanus A. Soemardji, Ketut Adnyana I, Diah Dhianawaty D /(2013) Int. J. Res. Phytochem. Pharmacol., 3(3), 121-127
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Secondary Metabolites from the Fruits of Solanum torvum SW / Kamal Karmakar, Md. Amirul Islam, Sadia Afrin Chhanda, Tarikul Islam Tuhin, Tanvir Muslim, Md. Azizur Rahman / Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2015; 4(1): 160-163
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Evaluation Of Antimitotic Activity Of Solanum Torvum Using Allium Cepa Root Meristamatic Cells And Anticancer Activity Using MCF-7- Human Mammary Gland Breast Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines
/ A. Thenmozhi, U.S. Mahadeva Rao* / Drug Invention Today, 2011, 3(12), 290-296
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Fatty Acid Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Solanum torvum / SW. Muthezhilan, R., Yogananth*, N., Priyanka, and A. Jaffar Hussain / JOURNAL OF MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGY, VOL. 1, NO. 2, pp 75–78, November 2012
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Anthelmintic Efficacy of Sesbania grandiflora Leaves and Solanum torvum Fruits against the Nematode Parasite Ascaridia galli / R Jothi Karumari*, S Sumathi, K Vijayalakshmi and S Ezhilarasi Balasubramanian / American Journal of Ethnomedicine, 2014, Vol. 1, No. 5, 326-333
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Nutrient Analysis of Some Selected Wild Edible Fruits of Deciduous Forests of India: an Explorative Study towards Non Conventional Bio-Nutrition / Ajay Kumar Mahapatra, Satarupa Mishra, Uday C Basak and Pratap C Panda / Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology 4(1): 15-21, 2012
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Antihyperglycemic activity and antidiabetic effect of methyl caffeate isolated from Solanum torvum Swartz. fruit in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats / Gopalsamy Rajiv Gandhi, Savarimuthu Ignacimuthu, Michael Gabriel Paulraj, Ponnusamy Sasikumar / European Journal of Pharmacology, 2011, 670, 2-3, 623-631
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Electrophysiological Findings in Acute Solanum Torvum Toxicity (P5.103) / Robert Glover, Daniel Patterson, Nichloas Connors, Silas Smith, Mark Milstein and Michael Swerdlow / Neurology April 8, 2014 vol. 82 no. 10 Supplement P5.103
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Biogenic silver nanoparticles by Solanum torvum and their promising antimicrobial activity / K. Govindaraju, S.Tamilselvan, V. Kiruthiga and G. Singaravelu* / Journal of Biopesticides 3(1 Special Issue) 394 - 399 (2010)
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Curative effects of the ethanolic extract of leaves of Solanum torvum on obese, diabetic -induced albino rats / .
VASUKI .R*, RAJESWARI HARI / International Journal of Biotech Trends and Technology (IJBTT) – Volume1 Issue 3 Number3–Nov 2011
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Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Studies on Solanum torvum Swartz / Zubaida Yousaf, Ying Wang and Elias Baydoun / Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, April, 2013; 3(4): pp 152-160 / DOI: 10.7324/JAPS.2013.3428
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Effects of Solanum torvum fruit water extract on hyperlipidemia and sex hormones in high-fat fed male rats / Supaporn Wannasiri, Sunee Chansakaow, Seewaboon Sireeratawong et al / Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, May 2017
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Secondary Metabolites from the Fruits of Solanum torvum SW
/ Kamal Karmakar, Md. Amirul Islam, Sadia Afrin Chhanda, Tarikul Islam Tuhin, Tanvir Muslim, Md. Azizur Rahman / Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2015; 4(1): pp 160-163
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Antimicrobial and Antimycobacterial Activities of Methyl Caffeate Isolated from Solanum torvumSwartz. Fruit / Chandrasekhar Balachandran, Veeramuthu Durajpandiyan / Indian J Microbiol, Dec 2012; 52(4): pp 676-681 / doi: 10.1007/s12088-012-0313-8 / PMID: 24293730
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|In vitro Anti-oxidant Assay, HPLC Profiling of Polyphenolic Compounds, AAS and FTIR Spectrum of Malaysian Origin Solanum torvum Fruit / Sathyanarayana Namani, Sunitha Paripelli, Suresh V Chinni, Marimuthu Kasi, Sreeramanan Subramaniam, Xavier Rathinam / Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Apr-Jun 2016; 50(2): Suppl / DOI: 10.5530/ijper.50.2.13
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Antimicrobial and Analgesic Activity of Solanum torvum / Suman Acharyya, Babli Khatun / Haya: Saudi J. Life Sci., June 2018; 3(6): pp 459-464
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EFFECT OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS EXTRACTED FROM THE ROOT OF SOLANUM TORVUM SWARTZ. ON THE GROWTH OF BACTERIA OF IMPORTANC TO HUMANS AND ANIMALS
/ Dr. Lincy Sara Varghese, Ambili P., Dr. V. T. Antony, Keerthimol Joy and Mayamol M. S. / World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research, 2017; 3(1): pp 256-259
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Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Diabetic,Antimicrobial and Hemolytic Activity of Solanum Torvum and Solanum Trilobatum / R.S.A.Sorna Kumar, N.Karthick Raja, M.Vijay, C.Siva Guru Raja. / J. Pharm. Sci. & Res., 2016; 8(8): pp 725-728
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Two new steroidal glycosides isolated from the aerial part of Solanum torvum Swartz / Weihu Shu, Chun Wu, Ying Zhang, Wen-Cai Ye and Guangxiong Zhou / Natural Product Research, 2013; 27(21) / https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2013.811406
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Studies on the effect of dry Sundakai (solanum torvum) powder supplementation on lipid profile, glycated proteins and amino acids in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients / Uma M Iyer, Nivedita C Mehta, Indrani Mani, Uliyar V Mani / Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, April 1992; 42(2): pp 175-182
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Determination of the antimicrobial and antitussive activities of the leaves of Solanum torvum / A Amponsaa Brobbey, A Kwarley Quartey, S Otuo-Serebour, I Ayensu / Planta Med. 2016; 82(S 01): S1-S381 / DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1596619
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Phytochemical Screening and GC-MS, FT-IR Analysis of Methanolic Extract Leaves of Solanum torvum Sw. / J. Nithyadevi, R. Sivakumar / International Journal of Research Studies in Biosciences (IJRSB), Sept 2015; 3(9): pp 61-66
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ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF SOLANUM TORVUM SW.
/ Swayamsiddha Panigrahi, Meenakshi Sundaram Muthuraman, Ravichandran Natesan and Brenda Pemiah / International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2014; Vol 6, Suppl 1
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Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity of Fruits of Solanum torvum Swartz (Solanaceae) on HFF Cells (Human Foreskin Fibroblasts)
/ Kanga Yao, Tra Bi Irié Otis, Ambe Alain Serge, Camara Djeneb and Zirihi Guédé Noël / Asian Journal of Research in Botany, 1(1) / http://www.sciencedomain.org/review-history/26685
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Medicinal plants used to treat TB in Ghana / Joseph Mwanzia Nguta, Regina Appiah-Opong, Alexander K. Nyarko, Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Phyllis G.A. Addo / International Journal of Mycobacteriology, 2015; 4: pp 116–123
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Electrophysiological Findings in Acute Solanum Torvum Toxicity / Robert GloverDaniel Patterson, Nichloas ConnorsSilas SmithMark MilsteinMichael Swerdlow / Neurology, April 8, 2014; 82 (Supplement)
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COMPARATIVE DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF SEED AND FRUIT WALL EXTRACT OF Solanum torvum / M. Rammohan, Pandu Raj, C.Srinivas Reddy / HYGEIA: Journal for Drugs and Medicines, 2011; 3(1): pp 50-53
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Determination of the analgesic property of Solanum torvum (Tandang aso) leaf in syrup in Mus musculus albinus. / Lea Anne I. CacanindinJessica G. EmagueMaria Elylyn T. EspinoShiena N. Lagartos, Abigail F. Lambon, Angelita A. Rodriguez / Thesis:Dissertations, March 2014 / Our Lady of Fatima University
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Immunomodulatory and erythropoietic effects of aqueous extract of the fruits of Solanum torvum Swartz (Solanaceae) / George A Koffuor, Patrick Amoateng, Terrick A Andey / Phamacognosy Research, 2011, 3(2): pp 130-134 / DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.81961
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Effect of Solanum torvum on blood pressure and metabolic alterations in fructose hypertensive rats. / Mohan M, Jaiswal B S, Kasture S / Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 13 Aug 2013; 126(1): pp 86-89 / DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.08.008
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Nutritional and Mineral Composition of the Fruits of Solanum torvum from Ghana
/ Osei Akoto, Lawrence Sheringham Borquaye, Ama Samba Howard, Niib Konwuruk / International Journal of Chemical and Biomolecular Science, Sept 2015; 1(4): pp 222-226

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