Protective role of α-tomatine against oxidative stress induced reactive oxygen species: In vitro radical scavenging assays

Paper Details

Research Paper 12/11/2025
Views (130)
current_issue_feature_image
publication_file

Protective role of α-tomatine against oxidative stress induced reactive oxygen species: In vitro radical scavenging assays

Nihal Ahamed Abulkalam Azad, Suresh Kathiresan, Theerthu Azhamuthu, Senkuttuvan Ilanchit Chenni, Pugazhendhi Ravichandran, Maharani Jaganathan, Rajeswari Vasu, Pratheeba Veerapandiyan
Int. J. Biosci. 27(5), 123-135, November 2025.
Copyright Statement: Copyright 2025; The Author(s).
License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Abstract

Oxidative stress is important in the pathophysiology of several chronic diseases by inducing cellular damage via the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals. Organic compounds are attracting much attention for their antioxidant effects, providing preferable remedies in contrast to manufactured medicines. α-tomatine, a steroidal glycoalkaloid primarily found in green tomatoes, has demonstrated several biological actions, such as anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties; nevertheless, its antioxidant capacity is less investigated. The present study examines the free radical scavenging ability of α-tomatine through a series of in vitro antioxidant assays, including DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, superoxide, and reducing power tests. α-tomatine exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant properties by efficiently neutralizing free radicals and increasing electron-donating capacity. The IC₅₀ values obtained from the respective assays were 22.73 μg/mL and 57.64 μg/mL in DPPH, 28.86 μg/mL and 63.38 μg/mL in ABTS, 32.8 μg/mL and 56.75 μg/mL in superoxide, 35.6 μg/mL and 66.4 μg/mL in hydroxyl, 38.5 μg/mL and 70.7 μg/mL in nitric oxide, 37.4 μg/mL and 59.3 μg/mL in H₂O₂, and 40.2 μg/mL and 61.14 μg/mL in reducing power assays, respectively, indicating moderate antioxidant efficacy compared to the standard ascorbic acid. α-tomatine exhibited notable antioxidant potential by effectively scavenging free radicals and enhancing reducing power in a dose-dependent manner. Although its activity was lower than that of ascorbic acid, these results highlight its potential role in reduce oxidative stress and protecting against ROS-induced cellular damage.

Abd Rahman N, Ibrahim F, Aeinehvand M, Yusof R, Madou M. 2018. A microfluidic lab-on-a-disc (LOD) for antioxidant activities of plant extracts. Micromachines 9(4), 140. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi9040140

Ahemad AIAT, Aejazuddin QMA, Khan GJ. 2021. Phytochemical screening and in-vitro free radical scavenging activity of Unani formulation Habb-e-Asgand. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International 33(59B), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i59B34344

Aouadi A, Saoud DH, Rebiai A, Ibrahim MH, Messaoudi M, Alia K, Zidane H, Atoki AV, Abd El-Mordy FM. 2024. Chemical composition’s effect on Solanum nigrum Linn.’s antioxidant capacity and erythrocyte protection: Bioactive components and molecular docking analysis. Open Life Sciences 19(1), 20220944. https://doi.org/10.1515/biol-2022-0944

Ashraf MV, Khan S, Misri S, Gaira KS, Rawat S, Rawat B, Khan MAH, Shah AA, Asgher M, Ahmad S. 2024. High-altitude medicinal plants as promising source of phytochemical antioxidants to combat lifestyle-associated oxidative stress-induced disorders. Pharmaceuticals 17(8), 975. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17080975

Asif Sk, Deepthi N, Sai Deepika L, Bhavani K, Hyma A, Sailaja B, Udaya J, Jagadeesh P, Swathi P. 2024. Phytochemical screening and evaluation of antioxidant activity of Callisia repens and Crassula ovata: An in-vitro study. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences 19(1), 024–033. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjbphs.2024.19.1.0377

Bhixavatimath P, Maniyar Y, Naikwadi A. 2020. Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of potential antioxidant free radical scavenging activity of novel synthetic flavonoid. BLDE University Journal of Health Sciences 5(3), 50. https://doi.org/10.4103/2468-838X.303820

Boora F, Chirisa E, Mukanganyama S. 2014. Evaluation of nitrite radical scavenging properties of selected Zimbabwean plant extracts and their phytoconstituents. Journal of Food Processing 2014, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/918018

Chatgilialoglu C. 2024. Biomarkers of oxidative and radical stress. Biomolecules 14(2), 194. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14020194

Choi Y-E, Choi S-I, Han X, Men X, Jang G-W, Kwon H-Y, Kang S-R, Han J-S, Lee O-H. 2020. Radical scavenging-linked anti-adipogenic activity of Aster scaber ethanolic extract and its bioactive compound. Antioxidants 9(12), 1290. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9121290

Fn U, Ai U, Ao O, Rn N. 2015. Isolation of bioactive phytochemicals in leaves of Combretum dolichopentalum and their hydrogen peroxide scavenging potentials. Pharmaceutica Analytica Acta 6(11). https://doi.org/10.4172/2153-2435.1000444

Forni C, Facchiano F, Bartoli M, Pieretti S, Facchiano A, D’Arcangelo D, Norelli S, Valle G, Nisini R, Beninati S, Tabolacci C, Jadeja R N. 2019. Beneficial role of phytochemicals on oxidative stress and age-related diseases. BioMed Research International 2019, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/8748253

González-Palma I, Escalona-Buendía HB, Ponce-Alquicira E, Téllez-Téllez M, Gupta VK, Díaz-Godínez G, Soriano-Santos J. 2016. Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of Pleurotus ostreatus in different growth stages. Frontiers in Microbiology 7, 1099. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01099

Guo J, Li Z, Yao Y, Fang L, Yu M, Wang Z. 2024. Curcumin in the treatment of inflammation and oxidative stress responses in traumatic brain injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neurology 15, 1380353.  https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1380353

Gupta N, Gupta S, Kumar M, Guarve K, Dhanawat M, Sharma V. 2023. Therapeutic potential of genistein and its derivatives as a target for anticancer agents. ChemistrySelect 8(21), e202204924. https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202204924

Hazra B, Biswas S, Mandal N. 2008. Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of Spondias pinnata. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 8(1), 63.7 https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-8-63

Hechaichi FZ, Bendif H, Bensouici C, Alsalamah SA, Zaidi B, Bouhenna MM, Souilah N, Alghonaim MI, Benslama A, Medjekal S, Qurtam AA, Miara MD, Boufahja F. 2023. Phytochemicals, antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials and LC-MS analysis of Centaurea parviflora Desf. extracts. Molecules 28(5), 2263. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28052263

Herqash RN, Fantoukh OI, Alqahtani AS, Shahat AA, Ahamad S, Alqahtani AM. 2024. GC-MS and RP-HPLC analysis reveals phytochemical compositions and antioxidant potential in Solanum schimperianum, Solanum cordatum, and Solanum nigrum extracts from Saudi Arabia. Egyptian Journal of Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.21608/ejchem.2024.283184.9599

Hottinger D, Beebe D, Kozhimannil T, Prielipp R, Belani K. 2014. Sodium nitroprusside in 2014: A clinical concepts review. Journal of Anaesthesiology Clinical Pharmacology 30(4), 462. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-9185.142799

Humbare R, Sarkar J, Kulkarni A, Kamble S. 2021. Evaluation of free radical scavenging with in vitro antiproliferative properties of different extracts of Pluchea lanceolata (dc.) oliv. and hiern in cancer cell lines. Pharmacognosy Magazine 17(76), 886. https://doi.org/10.4103/pm.pm_252_21

Iakovou E, Kourti M. 2022. A comprehensive overview of the complex role of oxidative stress in aging, the contributing environmental stressors and emerging antioxidant therapeutic interventions. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 14, 827900. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.827900

Jomova K, Alomar SY, Alwasel SH, Nepovimova E, Kuca K, Valko M. 2024. Several lines of antioxidant defense against oxidative stress: Antioxidant enzymes, nanomaterials with multiple enzyme-mimicking activities, and low-molecular-weight antioxidants. Archives of Toxicology 98(5), 1323–1367. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-024-03696-4

Jomova K, Raptova R, Alomar SY, Alwasel S H, Nepovimova E, Kuca K, Valko M. 2023. Reactive oxygen species, toxicity, oxidative stress, and antioxidants: Chronic diseases and aging. Archives of Toxicology 97(10), 2499–2574. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-023-03562-9

Khan A, Khan A, Khan MA, Malik Z, Massey S, Parveen R, Mustafa S, Shamsi A, Husain S A. 2024. Phytocompounds targeting epigenetic modulations: An assessment in cancer. Frontiers in Pharmacology 14, 1273993. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1273993

Kolgi RR, Karigar CS, Patil S. 2021. Antioxidant studies, in vitro cytotoxic and cell viability assay of flavonoids and alkaloids of Leucas aspera (Wild.) Linn leaves. Asian Journal of Biological and Life Sciences 10(1), 165–171. https://doi.org/10.5530/ajbls.2021.10.24

Kurutas EB. 2015. The importance of antioxidants which play the role in cellular response against oxidative/nitrosative stress: Current state. Nutrition Journal 15(1), 71. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-016-0186-5

Lee KJ, Lee G-A, Ma K-H, Raveendar S, Cho Y-H, Lee J-R, Chung J-W. 2016. Chemical constitutions and antioxidant activities of tomato leaf extracts. Plant Breeding and Biotechnology 4(3), 362–372. https://doi.org/10.9787/PBB.2016.4.3.362

Liu Y, Hu H, Yang R, Zhu Z, Cheng K. 2023. Current advances in the biosynthesis, metabolism, and transcriptional regulation of α-tomatine in tomato. Plants 12(18), 3289. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12183289

Mathew S, Abraham TE, Zakaria ZA. 2015. Reactivity of phenolic compounds towards free radicals under in vitro conditions. Journal of Food Science and Technology 52(9), 5790–5798. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-014-1704-0

Milner SE, Brunton NP, Jones PW, O’Brien N M, Collins SG, Maguire AR. 2011. Bioactivities of glycoalkaloids and their aglycones from Solanum species. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 59(8), 3454–3484. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf200439q

Munteanu IG, Apetrei C. 2021. Analytical methods used in determining antioxidant activity: A review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22(7), 3380. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22073380

Nakayasu M, Ohno K, Takamatsu K, Aoki Y, Yamazaki S, Takase H, Shoji T, Yazaki K, Sugiyama A. 2021. Tomato roots secrete tomatine to modulate the bacterial assemblage of the rhizosphere. Plant Physiology 186(1), 270–284. https://doi.org/10.1093/plphys/kiab069

Phaniendra A, Jestadi DB, Periyasamy L. 2015. Free radicals: Properties, sources, targets, and their implication in various diseases. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry 30(1), 11–26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12291-014-0446-0

Sharmila A, Selvaraj CI. 2024. LC–MS/MS-QTOF analysis of Anodendron parviflorum (Roxb.) leaves extract and exploring its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic potential. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 10(1), 122. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-024-00695-1

Sikder MM, Li X, Akumwami S, Labony SA. 2025. Reactive oxygen species: Role in pathophysiology, and mechanism of endogenous and dietary antioxidants during oxidative stress. Chonnam Medical Journal 61(1), 32. https://doi.org/10.4068/cmj.2025.61.1.32

Silva-Beltrán NP, Ruiz-Cruz S, Cira-Chávez LA, Estrada-Alvarado MI, Ornelas-Paz JDJ, López-Mata MA, Del-Toro-Sánchez CL, Ayala-Zavala JF, Márquez-Ríos E. 2015. Total phenolic, flavonoid, tomatine, and tomatidine contents and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of extracts of tomato plant. International Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2015, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/284071

Sonawane PD, Gharat SA, Jozwiak A, Barbole R, Heinicke S, Almekias-Siegl E, Meir S, Rogachev I, Connor SEO, Giri AP, Aharoni A. 2023. A BAHD-type acyltransferase concludes the biosynthetic pathway of non-bitter glycoalkaloids in ripe tomato fruit. Nature Communications 14(1), 4540. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40092-5

Waqas M, Us-Saqib N, Ur-Rashid S, Shah A, Akhtar N, Murtaza G. 2013. Screening of various botanical extracts for antioxidant activity using DPPH free radical method. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines 10(6), 452. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v10i6.9

Zampini IC, Ordoñez RM, Isla MI. 2010. Autographic assay for the rapid detection of antioxidant capacity of liquid and semi-solid pharmaceutical formulations using ABTS•+ immobilized by gel entrapment. AAPS PharmSciTech 11(3), 1159–1163. https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-010-9484-y

Zhang Q, Liu D, Cui Y, Xu T, Lu T, Liu X, Liu K, Wang Q, Li A, Zhao P, Cheng Z. 2024. Bioactivities and chemical profiling comparison and metabolomic variations of polyphenolics and steroidal glycoalkaloids in different parts of Solanum nigrum L. Phytochemical Analysis 35(2), 350–368. https://doi.org/10.1002/pca.3294

Zhang YJ, Gan RY, Li S, Zhou Y, Li AN, Xu DP, Li HB. 2015. Antioxidant phytochemicals for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Molecules 20(12), 21138–21156.  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules201219753

Zulaikhah ST. 2017. The role of antioxidant to prevent free radicals in the body. Sains Medika: Jurnal Kedokteran dan Kesehatan 8(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.30659/sainsmed.v8i1.1012

Related Articles

Sensory evaluation of horn snail (Telescopium telescopium) patty

Ma. Isabel P. Lanzaderas, Gilbert P. Panimdim, Proceso C. Valleser Jr.*, Int. J. Biosci. 28(2), 7-16, February 2026.

Two years evolution of deltamethrin, malathion and pirimiphos-methyl resistance in Aedes aegypti from urban in peri urban sites of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Hyacinthe K. Toe*, Moussa W. Guelbeogo, Soumananaba Zongo, Aboubacar Sombie, Athanase Badolo, Int. J. Biosci. 28(2), 1-6, February 2026.

Physicochemical characterization of annatto seeds (Bixa orellana) sold in Ouagadougou and their oils extracted using chemical processes

Mah Alima Esther Traoré*, Adama Lodoun, Pingdwindé Marie Judith Samadoulougou-Kafando, Nestor Beker Dembélé, Kiswendsida Sandrine Léticia Dayamba, Charles Parkouda, Int. J. Biosci. 28(1), 169-178, January 2026.

Inventory of african yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Harms) diversity in some Yoruba areas of Benin

Orobiyi Azize*, Faton Manhognon Oscar Euloge, Zongo Élisabeth Aboubié, Sossou Kpèdé Nicodème, Houngbo Marcel, Dossou Pierre Fourier, Ogoudjobi Ladékpo Sylvain, Balogoun Ibouraïman, Dansi Alexandre, Lokoyêyinou Laura Estelle, Int. J. Biosci. 28(1), 161-168, January 2026.

A severe case of human hepatic fascioliasis mimicking an oncological disease in Azerbaijan

Aygun A. Azizova*, Int. J. Biosci. 28(1), 155-160, January 2026.

Combined effect of irrigation frequency and leaf harvesting intensity on soil water content and productivity of baobab (Adansonia digitata) seedlings in vegetable production

Sissou Zakari, Imorou F. Ouorou Barrè, Mouiz W. I. A. Yessoufou*, Colombe E. A. E. Elegbe, Amamath S. Boukari, P. B. Irénikatché Akponikpè, Int. J. Biosci. 28(1), 143-154, January 2026.

Develop sustainable coffee-based farming model using cash crops production

Maribel L. Fernandez, Roje Marie C. Rosqueta*, Diosa G. Alasaas, Boyet C. Pattung, Jaylord Dalapo, Janette Empleo, Int. J. Biosci. 28(1), 134-142, January 2026.

Animal anthrax in northern Tanzania (2015-2025): Epidemiological trends and frontline response capacity

Yohana Michael Kiwone*, Beatus Lyimo, Rowenya Mushi, Joram Buza, Int. J. Biosci. 28(1), 123-133, January 2026.