Phytochemical study and genotoxic activity evaluation of polar extracts of Solanum betaceum

Solanum betaceum, an underutilized Andean fruit, is recognized for its rich bioactive compounds and nutritional benefits. However, comprehensive safety evaluations of its extracts remain limited. Here, we characterized polar extracts from two Ecuadorian varieties (orange and purple) using phytochemical screening and FTIR spectroscopy, and assessed their genotoxic potential via the alkaline comet assay in CHO-K1 cells. While flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids were confirmed, seed extracts from the purple variety at 100 µg/mL induced significant DNA damage, indicating varietal and organ-dependent genotoxicity. These findings highlight the dual nature of S. betaceum as both a source of beneficial bioactives and a potential genotoxic agent, underscoring the need for detailed, cultivar-specific safety assessments to inform its development for nutraceutical and functional food applications.