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.
Why do we eat potatoes if they are poisonous?
Potatoes are a natural source of solanine and chaconine –– two glycoalkaloid compounds naturally found in various other foods, including eggplants and tomatoes (1). In small amounts, glycoalkaloids may offer health benefits, including antibiotic properties and blood-sugar- and cholesterol-lowering effects.
What part of the potato is toxic?
However, potatoes sometimes turn green, which may indicate high levels of a potentially toxic compound. In general, people should not eat green potatoes unless they take certain safety precautions, such as cutting away all the green parts of the vegetable that contain the poisonous compound, which is called solanine.
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