# Solamargine **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/solamargine **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Solamargine, SM, Solanum glycoalkaloid, Steroidal glycoalkaloid compound, Black nightshade alkaloid, Long Kui alkaloid, Eggplant glycoalkaloid, Solanaceae alkaloid ## Overview Solamargine is a steroidal alkaloid glycoside found in Solanum species that demonstrates anti-cancer activity through apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. The compound works by activating multiple death receptor pathways and inhibiting P-glycoprotein-mediated drug resistance. ## Health Benefits • May induce apoptosis in cancer cells including cholangiocarcinoma (preliminary evidence from cell line studies only) • Demonstrates P-glycoprotein inhibition which could affect drug resistance (in vitro evidence only) • Shows anti-proliferative activity against various cancer cell lines (no human trials available) • Exhibits cytotoxic properties that may combat tumor growth (limited to laboratory studies) • Traditional use suggests heat-clearing and detoxifying effects (based on historical use, not clinical evidence) ## Mechanism of Action Solamargine induces apoptosis through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, activating death receptors DR4 and DR5 while triggering [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) cytochrome c release. The compound also inhibits P-glycoprotein efflux pumps, potentially reversing multidrug resistance in cancer cells. Additionally, solamargine arrests cell cycle progression at G0/G1 phase through p53-dependent mechanisms. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for solamargine comes exclusively from in vitro cell line studies and animal models, with no human clinical trials published. Cell studies show anti-proliferative effects against cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and lung cancer cell lines at concentrations of 10-50 μM. Animal studies in mice demonstrate tumor growth inhibition of 40-60% at doses of 5-15 mg/kg. The lack of human data significantly limits clinical applicability and safety assessment. ## Nutritional Profile Solamargine is not a nutrient or food but a steroidal glycoalkaloid (C45H73NO15, MW ~868 g/mol) found primarily in Solanaceae family plants. It is a triose glycoside of the aglycone solasodine, consisting of solasodine linked to a trisaccharide chain of L-rhamnose–D-glucose–L-rhamnose (chacotriose). Key biochemical characteristics: • Aglycone core: Solasodine (a nitrogen-containing steroidal sapogenin, C27H43NO2) • Sugar moiety: Chacotriose (α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)]-β-D-glucopyranose) • Typical concentrations in source plants: Found at approximately 0.1–2.0% dry weight in fruits and leaves of Solanum species (e.g., Solanum nigrum, Solanum incanum, Solanum aculeastrum); concentrations vary significantly by species, plant part, and maturity stage • Solubility: Poorly water-soluble; moderately soluble in organic solvents (methanol, ethanol, DMSO) • Bioavailability: Oral bioavailability is considered low due to poor aqueous solubility, potential degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, and first-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); the glycoside bond may be partially hydrolyzed by gut microbiota releasing solasodine; no definitive human pharmacokinetic data are available • No macronutrient value (zero calories, protein, fat, or carbohydrate contribution at pharmacologically relevant doses) • No vitamin or mineral content • Bioactive classification: Cytotoxic glycoalkaloid with demonstrated in vitro activity against multiple cancer cell lines (IC50 values typically ranging from 2–20 µM depending on cell line); mechanism involves TNF receptor upregulation, [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) apoptotic pathway activation, and P-glycoprotein inhibition • Safety note: As a glycoalkaloid, solamargine exhibits general cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity; it is not approved as a dietary supplement or therapeutic agent; toxicity threshold in mammals is not well-characterized in clinical settings ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as no human trials have been conducted. In vitro studies used crude extracts and isolated solamargine dissolved in DMSO, but doses have not been established for human use. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for solamargine in humans is extremely limited due to lack of clinical trials. As a steroidal alkaloid, potential concerns include hepatotoxicity and hemolytic effects observed in some Solanum compounds. The P-glycoprotein inhibition may significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of various medications including digoxin, cyclosporine, and chemotherapy drugs. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety is unknown, and use should be avoided in these populations. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted with solamargine. All available research is limited to in vitro studies examining cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines and P-glycoprotein inhibition via rhodamine-123 assays. ## Historical & Cultural Context Solanum nigrum, a primary source of solamargine, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its heat-clearing and detoxifying effects. No specific historical duration or other traditional medicine systems' uses for solamargine itself are documented. ## Synergistic Combinations Solasonine, curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, EGCG ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods contain solamargine naturally? Solamargine is found in eggplant (Solanum melongena), tomatoes, and various Solanum species including S. nigrum and S. incanum. Eggplant contains the highest concentrations, particularly in the skin and leaves. ### How does solamargine affect cancer cell death? Solamargine triggers apoptosis by activating death receptors DR4/DR5 and releasing cytochrome c from mitochondria. It also arrests cancer cells in G0/G1 phase and inhibits P-glycoprotein pumps that cause drug resistance. ### What is the effective dosage of solamargine for cancer? In vitro studies use 10-50 μM concentrations, while animal studies show effects at 5-15 mg/kg doses. However, no human clinical trials exist to establish safe or effective dosing in people. ### Can solamargine interact with chemotherapy drugs? Yes, solamargine inhibits P-glycoprotein efflux pumps, which could significantly increase blood levels of chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin and paclitaxel. This interaction requires careful medical supervision. ### Is solamargine toxic to normal cells? Some studies suggest solamargine shows selective toxicity toward cancer cells, but comprehensive safety data is lacking. Related Solanum alkaloids can cause hemolysis and liver damage at high concentrations. ### What does the current research evidence show about solamargine's effectiveness in humans? Current evidence for solamargine is limited to laboratory and cell line studies, with no completed human clinical trials published. Most research demonstrates anti-cancer potential in controlled in vitro conditions, but findings have not been replicated in living organisms or human populations. While preliminary results are promising for conditions like cholangiocarcinoma, substantial clinical research is needed before efficacy claims can be established in humans. ### Who should avoid solamargine supplementation due to safety concerns? Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid solamargine due to insufficient safety data in these populations. Individuals with liver or kidney disease should exercise caution as solamargine is metabolized systemically and safety in compromised organ function is not established. People with blood disorders or those taking anticoagulants should consult healthcare providers before use, as the compound's effects on cell membranes and potential interactions remain incompletely characterized. ### How does solamargine's P-glycoprotein inhibition potentially affect other medications? Solamargine's ability to inhibit P-glycoprotein—a protein pump that removes substances from cells—could theoretically alter the absorption and clearance of drugs that depend on this transporter. This mechanism might increase blood levels of medications like digoxin, certain antiretrovirals, and some cancer drugs, potentially leading to toxicity. However, this effect has only been demonstrated in laboratory settings, and clinical significance in humans remains unknown without human pharmacokinetic studies. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. 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