Mechanism of action One study suggests that the toxic mechanism of solanine is caused by the chemical's interaction with mitochondrial membranes. Experiments show that solanine exposure opens the potassium channels of mitochondria, increasing their membrane potential.
How does solanine affect the taste of potatoes?
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. However, if they were to eat a large amount of green potato they might get solanine poisoning.
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 in biochemistry?
Solanine is a bitter-tasting steroidal alkaloid saponin that has been isolated from all nightshades, including tomatoes, capsicum, tobacco, and eggplant. 139. However, the most widely ingested solanine is from the consumption of potatoes. Potato leaves, stems, and shoots are naturally high in this saponin.
How does the body get rid of solanine?
Some solanine can be removed by boiling but not by baking. The major effect of α-solanine and α-chaconine is the reversible inhibition of cholinesterase. Cardiotoxic and teratogenic effects have also been reported.
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