# Solasonine **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/solasonine **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** solasodin 3-O-β-solatriosyl, α-solanine glycoside, solasodine triose, steroidal glycoalkaloid, nightshade alkaloid, Solanum alkaloid ## Overview Solasonine is a steroidal glycoalkaloid found in nightshade plants that modulates cytoskeletal proteins including cofilin-related protein 1A (COR1A) and thymosin beta-4. Research shows potential anticancer activity through cytoskeletal disruption, though evidence remains limited to laboratory studies. ## Health Benefits • Potential cytoskeletal modulation through targeting cofilin-related proteins (COR1A) and thymosin beta-4 (TYB4) - preliminary in vitro evidence only • Possible applications in pharmacology and cancer treatment noted in research - specific mechanisms not detailed • Note: No human clinical trials available in the provided research • Safety concerns outweigh benefits at high doses - classified as poisonous at elevated levels • Natural occurrence in foods suggests dietary exposure at low levels - eggplants contain 0.17-1 mg/100g ## Mechanism of Action Solasonine targets cytoskeletal regulatory proteins, specifically cofilin-related protein 1A (COR1A) and thymosin beta-4 (TYB4), which control actin filament dynamics in cells. This cytoskeletal modulation may disrupt cancer cell migration and proliferation pathways. The compound's steroidal glycoalkaloid structure allows membrane interaction and cellular penetration to affect these intracellular targets. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for solasonine consists entirely of preliminary in vitro laboratory studies examining its effects on isolated cells and proteins. No human clinical trials have been conducted to establish safety, efficacy, or appropriate dosing in humans. Animal studies and pharmacokinetic data are also lacking in published literature. The existing research focuses primarily on mechanistic understanding rather than therapeutic applications, making clinical relevance uncertain. ## Nutritional Profile Solasonine is a steroidal glycoalkaloid found in Solanum species including eggplant and black nightshade; it consists of the steroidal aglycone solanidine conjugated to the trisaccharide chacotriose, and exerts biological effects by disrupting cholesterol-dependent cell membrane integrity and inhibiting [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase, classifying it as a bioactive secondary metabolite rather than a nutritional compound. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available. Natural food sources contain: Solanum macrocarpon fruits 16-23 mg/100g, common eggplant (Solanum melongena) 0.17-1 mg/100g wet basis. Without human clinical trials, therapeutic dosing cannot be established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions As a glycoalkaloid from nightshade plants, solasonine may share toxicity profiles with related compounds like solanine, potentially causing gastrointestinal upset, neurological symptoms, or hemolysis at high doses. No specific drug interactions have been documented, but the compound's effects on cellular proteins suggest potential interference with cancer medications or cytoskeletal-targeting drugs. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid solasonine due to unknown safety profiles. Individuals with nightshade sensitivities may be at increased risk for adverse reactions. ## Scientific Research The provided research contains no human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses evaluating solasonine as a therapeutic agent. Available literature focuses on analytical chemistry measuring solasonine content in eggplant varieties and in vitro mechanistic studies examining cytoskeletal protein interactions. ## Historical & Cultural Context The provided research does not contain information about solasonine's historical use in traditional medicine systems. While sources discuss it as a naturally occurring plant alkaloid in Solanaceae species, traditional medical applications and cultural contexts are not addressed. ## Synergistic Combinations α-solamargine, solasodine, α-solanine, α-chaconine ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods contain solasonine naturally? Solasonine is found in nightshade family plants including potatoes (especially green or sprouted ones), tomatoes, and eggplants. Concentrations are typically highest in green parts, sprouts, and damaged areas of these plants. ### How does solasonine affect cancer cells? Laboratory studies suggest solasonine disrupts cancer cell cytoskeletons by targeting proteins like COR1A and thymosin beta-4, potentially inhibiting cell migration and growth. However, these effects have only been observed in test tubes, not in human studies. ### Is solasonine safe to take as a supplement? No safety data exists for solasonine supplements in humans, and no clinical trials have established safe dosing. As a glycoalkaloid, it may cause toxicity similar to other nightshade compounds at high concentrations. ### What is the difference between solasonine and solanine? Both are glycoalkaloids from nightshades, but solasonine has a different sugar moiety attached to its steroidal backbone compared to solanine. Solasonine appears to have distinct effects on cytoskeletal proteins that differ from solanine's primarily neurotoxic actions. ### Can solasonine help treat cancer in humans? There is no evidence that solasonine can treat cancer in humans. While laboratory studies show potential anticancer mechanisms, no clinical trials have tested its effectiveness, safety, or appropriate dosing in cancer patients. ### What does current research show about solasonine's effectiveness in humans? Currently, there are no human clinical trials available for solasonine, and existing research is limited to preliminary in vitro (laboratory) studies. The evidence suggesting potential benefits for cytoskeletal modulation and cancer cell effects remains experimental and has not been validated in controlled human studies. Any health claims about solasonine should be approached with caution until robust clinical data becomes available. ### Who should avoid taking solasonine supplements? Solasonine should be avoided by pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children due to insufficient safety data in these populations. Individuals with compromised kidney or liver function should also exercise caution, as high doses of solasonine have been associated with safety concerns. Anyone considering solasonine supplementation should consult a healthcare provider first, particularly if they have existing health conditions or take medications. ### Does solasonine interact with medications or other supplements? Limited information exists about specific drug interactions with solasonine due to the lack of human clinical research. However, as a steroidal alkaloid with potential biological activity, solasonine may theoretically interact with medications affecting cellular function or metabolism. Individuals taking prescription medications, particularly those for cancer treatment or immunosuppression, should consult their healthcare provider before using solasonine to assess potential interaction risks. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*