Leaves, stems, and seeds of black nightshade (Solanum nigrescens): Potential for functional food applications

This article describes the physicochemical, techno-functional, and antioxidant properties of leaves, stems, green seeds, and mature seeds of black nightshade (Solanum nigrescens M. Martens & Galeotti), evaluating its potential for functional food formulations. The plant materials were dehydrated at 60°C, ground, and analyzed using standardized methods for chemical composition, techno-functional properties, and antioxidant activity. The results indicated significant variations (p < 0.05) in moisture, ash, lipid, protein, fiber, and carbohydrate contents across the plant parts, reflecting their potential nutritional uses. S. nigrescens leaves demonstrated the highest protein content (22.58 g/100 g) while mature seeds exhibited the highest lipid content (6.32 g/100 g), suggesting suitability as functional lipid sources. In terms of techno-functional properties, stems presented superior water absorption capacity (9.76 g/g), which could be valuable in food formulations requiring high hydration. Additionally, the leaf extract showed the highest total phenolic content (12,038.33 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoids (13,192.15 mg EC/g), which correlated with significant antioxidant activity (90.55% DPPH•+ inhibition). These results highlighted the high potential of S. nigrescens leaves as a bioactive ingredient in functional foods. S. nigrescens proved to be a rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that can be used in food products, including protein-rich supplements, lipid-based functional ingredients, hydrating agents in bakery products, and natural antioxidant additives in beverages, nutraceuticals, and health-promoting formulations.