# Solanine **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/solanine **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Solanum alkaloid, α-Solanine, Glycoalkaloid poison, Potato alkaloid, Nightshade toxin, Solanidine glycoside ## Overview Solanine is a toxic glycoalkaloid compound found in nightshade plants that acts as a natural pesticide. This compound disrupts cellular membranes and inhibits [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase, causing neurological and gastrointestinal toxicity in humans. ## Health Benefits • No therapeutic health benefits documented - solanine is classified as a toxic glycoalkaloid poison rather than a therapeutic agent (no human clinical trials identified) • Potential antineoplastic properties noted by PubChem but without human studies or evidence quality • May induce apoptosis according to PubChem classification but lacks clinical validation • Natural fungicidal properties in plants but not studied for human therapeutic use • Functions as an insecticide in plants but no evidence for human health applications ## Mechanism of Action Solanine disrupts cellular membrane integrity by binding to cholesterol and forming membrane pores, leading to cell lysis. It inhibits [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase enzyme activity, disrupting normal neurotransmission. The compound also interferes with [mitochondrial function](/ingredients/condition/energy) and can induce oxidative stress through [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) generation. ## Clinical Summary No therapeutic clinical trials exist for solanine due to its classification as a toxic compound. Case reports document solanine poisoning from consumption of green potatoes, with symptoms occurring at doses of 1-5 mg/kg body weight. Most human data comes from accidental poisoning cases rather than controlled studies. Laboratory studies show cytotoxic effects, but these findings have no therapeutic application due to the compound's inherent toxicity. ## Nutritional Profile Solanine (α-solanine, C₄₅H₇₃NO₁₅, MW ~868.06 g/mol) is a toxic steroidal glycoalkaloid, not a nutrient. It is composed of the aglycone solanidine bound to a solastriose sugar chain (glucose, galactose, rhamnose). It has no macronutrient value (no protein, fat, carbohydrate, or caloric contribution at relevant exposure levels). No vitamins or minerals are associated with it. Typical concentrations in food sources: potato tubers 20–130 mg/kg fresh weight (safe threshold generally <200 mg/kg), with dramatically elevated levels in green/sprouted potatoes (up to 1,000+ mg/kg in peels and sprouts); eggplant ~10–20 mg/kg; unripe tomatoes ~9–32 mg/kg (declining to near-zero upon ripening). The toxic dose in humans is estimated at 2–5 mg/kg body weight, with potentially lethal doses at 3–6 mg/kg body weight. Bioavailability: oral absorption is relatively poor but sufficient to cause toxicity; solanine is poorly hydrolyzed in the GI tract, has a long biological half-life (~11–21 hours), and is resistant to standard cooking temperatures (stable up to ~230–260°C, meaning boiling and frying do not significantly reduce levels). It acts primarily as a cholinesterase inhibitor and disrupts cell membrane integrity. Key bioactive/toxic compounds co-occurring in solanine-containing tissues include α-chaconine (often present at 1.5–3× the concentration of α-solanine in potatoes, and considered more toxic), solanidine (the shared aglycone), and minor glycoalkaloids. Solanine has no recognized nutritional or dietary benefit and is considered exclusively an anti-nutritional/toxic factor in food safety contexts. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges exist, as solanine lacks therapeutic human studies and is regulated as a toxin in foods. Regulatory limits exist for glycoalkaloid content in commercial potato varieties to prevent poisoning. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Solanine is toxic to humans with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and neurological effects at doses above 1 mg/kg. Severe poisoning can cause respiratory depression, [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) collapse, and death. Pregnant women should avoid solanine exposure as it may cause developmental toxicity. The compound may interact with cholinesterase inhibitor medications, potentially amplifying neurological effects. ## Scientific Research No key human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses on solanine as a therapeutic agent were identified in the research. Sources consistently describe it as a toxic glycoalkaloid poison rather than a studied biomedical treatment, with focus on poisoning cases and risks rather than efficacy trials. ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional medicinal uses are documented in the research. Solanine, first isolated in 1820 from Solanum nigrum berries, is portrayed solely as a natural toxin and pesticide in Solanum plants. ## Synergistic Combinations Not applicable - solanine is a toxin, not a therapeutic compound ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods contain solanine? Solanine is found in green potatoes, potato sprouts, tomato leaves, and eggplant skin. Green potatoes contain the highest concentrations, particularly in the skin and areas exposed to light. ### What are the symptoms of solanine poisoning? Solanine poisoning symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and confusion. Severe cases may involve difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, and neurological complications. ### How much solanine is dangerous? Toxic effects can occur at doses of 1-5 mg/kg body weight, with potentially fatal doses around 3-6 mg/kg. For a 70kg adult, consuming 200-400g of green potatoes could reach toxic levels. ### Can cooking destroy solanine? Cooking does not significantly reduce solanine content as it is heat-stable. Boiling may reduce levels by 3.5-48%, but peeling green potatoes removes most solanine since it concentrates in the skin. ### Is solanine used in any medications? Solanine is not used in any approved medications due to its toxicity. While laboratory studies show potential anticancer properties, the toxic effects prevent any therapeutic development or clinical application. ### Is solanine present in all nightshade vegetables or only certain ones? Solanine is found primarily in the leaves, stems, and immature green fruits of nightshade plants, with potatoes and tomatoes being the most common dietary sources. The concentration varies significantly by plant part and ripeness—green or sprouted potatoes contain substantially higher levels than mature, properly stored potatoes. Eggplants and peppers typically contain lower solanine levels than potatoes, though amounts increase in damaged or improperly stored produce. ### What is the difference between solanine and other alkaloids found in nightshade plants? Solanine is one of several glycoalkaloids in nightshades, alongside tomatine (in tomatoes) and capsaicin (in peppers), each with distinct chemical structures and biological effects. While solanine is a toxic compound that inhibits acetylcholinesterase, other alkaloids like capsaicin have different mechanisms and are used in supplements for potential health effects. The term 'glycoalkaloid' distinguishes these compounds as sugar-bound alkaloids specific to the Solanaceae family. ### Why do potatoes develop solanine when stored improperly or exposed to light? Solanine is a natural fungicidal and pesticidal compound produced by potatoes as a defense mechanism, and its synthesis increases when tubers are exposed to light, physical stress, or improper storage conditions. Light exposure triggers chlorophyll production (causing greening) and simultaneously stimulates solanine accumulation as part of the plant's stress response. This is why storing potatoes in cool, dark places minimizes solanine development and why green or sprouted potatoes should be discarded. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*