MEIOTIC AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF THREE MORPHOTYPES OF SOLANUM NIGRUM L. FROM PUNJAB (INDIA)

The present study shows the comparative morphological, cytological and phytochemical properties of three forms of Solanum nigrum L. The morphological study describes three morphotypes of Solanum nigrum on the basis of their fruit colour and other minute diagnostic features. The chromosomal study suggests that Solanum nigrum has three cytotypes with 2n=24 (diploid), 2n=48 (tetraploid) and 2n=72 (hexaploid) for this species. The phytochemical screening depicts the presence of alkaloids, amino acid, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, gums and mucilage, phenolics, reducing sugars and tannins. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy describes different peaks corresponding to various functional groups associated with the reported phytochemicals. The Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF) analysis reveals the presence of elements like Potassium, Calcium, Chlorine, Magnesium and Iron. Based on the phytoconstituent details and other important elements, different forms of Solanum nigrum can be explored for their therapeutic properties.