Phytochemical analysis of Solanum nigrum fruit juice and its potential therapeutic effects on cervical cancer cells

Cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed gynecological malignant tumor that affects women worldwide. Cervical cancer has an especially bad prognosis, indicating the urgent need for more medications to enhance the course of the disease. This study evaluated the anticancer properties of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) juice (BNJ) using cervical cancer cell (SiHa) as an in vitro model. To determine the different phytoconstituents found in Solanum nigrum fruit juice, including carbohydrates, starch, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, terpenoids, tannins and saponins, a preliminary phytochemical analysis was conducted. The findings of the cell viability test (MTT) showed that the proliferation of SiHa cells was considerably inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by 20 to 140% (v/v) of BNJ treatment. The anti-proliferative effect of BNJ was also associated with morphological alterations in the cells, as indicated by DAPI stain which indicated a considerable induction of apoptosis. Treatment with BNJ also markedly increased the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Present study reveals that, BNJ influences ROS generation and cytotoxicity which inhibit cervical cancer cell growth and induces death. The results showed that BNJ may have a role in the treatment of cervical cancer and in development of anticancer drugs.