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.
What is solanine and why is it important?
3.1.2.3 Solanine, a Glycoalkaloid Greening in a potato is evidence of excessive exposure to light. Solanine, like other cyanide compounds, is produced as a deterrent to insects and other animals that might feed on the plants. It is found at lower amounts in other food plants such as eggplant and green peppers.
What is solanine and what can you do about it?
Solanine is a glycoalkaloid poison created by various plants in the genus Solanum, such as the potato plant. When the plant's stem, tubers, or leaves are exposed to sunlight, it stimulates the biosynthesis of solanine and other glycoalkaloids as a defense mechanism so it is not eaten.
What is Tomatine poisoning?
The symptoms of acute tomatine poisoning in animals are similar to the symptoms of poisoning by solanine, a potato glycoalkaloid. These symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drowsiness, confusion, weakness, and depression.
What happens if you eat solanine?
If a person eats solanine it can cause headaches and nausea. Solanine is naturally present in all potatoes, generally in the upper one-eighth of the skin. It is a colorless alkaloid with a bitter taste. Usually, a person will not keep eating a bitter potato because of the taste.
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