ABSTRACT:
The whole plant of Solanum incanum L is reported to have great medicinal value. It is found effective systemically in treating throat disorders like sore throat, angina, stomach-ache, colic, headache, painful menstruation, liver pain, pneumonia and rheumatism. It is also useful in the treatment of skin problems, including skin infections, ringworm, burns, sores, rashes, wounds, warts, carbuncles, conjunctivitis, ulcer and benign tumor. Different plant parts are used to treat snakebites. The present investigation was therefore undertaken to evaluate the macroscopic and physicochemical characters of Solanum incanum L leaves. The dried leaf powder was subjected to physicochemical and fluorescent analysis. The physicochemical properties such as loss on drying (4.45%), total ash value (16.5%), acid insoluble ash value (3.25%), water soluble ash value (9.5%), alcohol soluble extractive value (6.2%) and petroleum ether soluble extractive value (2.3%) were carried out. The fluorescent analysis was carried out using different chemicals. These studies provided crucial information for correct identification and standardization of this leaf material. Further studies may be carried out to characterize and screen the valuable compounds present in the leaves of this plant.