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 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.
Is solanine toxic?
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. ... Nevertheless, solanine poisoning may cause a gastrointestinal, nervous and exanthematous syndrome severe enough to be fatal.
Is solanine in all tomatoes?
Solanine is a bitter-tasting steroidal alkaloid saponin that has been isolated from all nightshades, including tomatoes, capsicum, tobacco, and eggplant. However, the most widely ingested solanine is from the consumption of potatoes. Potato leaves, stems, and shoots are naturally high in this saponin.
How do you remove solanine from tomatoes?
Additionally, frying the green tomatoes in hot oil diminishes the solanine content, rendering the green tomato less toxic.
What is solanine in tomato plants?
Solanine Tomato plants are a member of the nightshade family, along with peppers, potatoes and eggplant, and all nightshade plants contain levels of the alkaloid toxin solanine in the plant's roots, stems, leaves and fruit. Solanine is the natural defense the plant has to protect itself from animals consuming and destroying it.
What is solanine and what does it do?
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.
Is solanine a natural pesticide?
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. It is therefore considered to be a natural pesticide.
What foods contain solanine?
What Foods Contain Solanine? Solanine is a glycoalkaloid found in Solanaceae plants. This family of plants is also more commonly referred to as nightshades. They are just one of the many reasons why vegetables can be bad for you.
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