Solanine is a green-colored pigmented glycoalkaloid and acts as natural pesticide, also known as α-solanine (Fig. 12.2B). α-Solanine is naturally produced in the plants of the solanaceae family and other plants such as potatoes, tomatoes, apples, bell peppers, cherries, and sugar beets.
Is solanine a natural toxin?
Solanine is toxic and has fungicidal and pesticidal properties, and it is one of the plant's natural defenses. It can occur naturally in any part of the plant, including the leaves, fruits, and tubers. Tomatine, which has fungicidal properties, is toxic and found in the stems and leaves of tomato plants.
Is solanine a chemical?
Solanine has pesticidal properties, and it is one of the plant's natural defenses. Solanine was first isolated in 1820 from the berries of the European black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), after which it was named. It belongs to the chemical family of saponins.
What type of toxin is solanine?
Solanine is a toxic glycoalkaloid known to accumulate under certain conditions in potato plant, sprouts and tuber in levels which, if ingested, may cause poisoning in humans and farm animals.
Does cooking potatoes remove solanine?
Solanine is not removed by boiling, but it can be destroyed by frying. Solanine poisoning is uncommon as cooks and the public are aware of the problem and tend to avoid green potatoes, in any case, consumption of up to 5 g of green potato per kg body weight per day does not appear to cause acute illness.
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