Eggplant, or Solanum melongena, belongs to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Its smooth-skinned fruit is the star of the Mediterranean diet. This plant native to India can grow up to 40 to 60 inches (100 to 150 cm) tall. There are incredibly many different varieties of eggplants, with many different shapes and colors.

Eggplant fruit is a very rich source of polyphenol compounds endowed with antioxidant properties. The fruit extract contains also high quantity of flavonoids and showed good antioxidant activity expressed by its capacity to scavenge superoxide anion and to inhibit lipid peroxidation.

Eggplants deliver some vitamin C, which protects our skin and body from oxidative damage. Vitamin C also prevents other signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots.