The toxic saponin - solanine and its properties

α-Solanine is a steroidal glycoalkaloid naturally occurring in plants of the Solanaceae family, such as potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants. Due to its toxicity, it serves a protective function by deterring herbivores. High concentrations of this compound are found in the green parts of potato tubers. Due to the widespread occurrence of α-solanine in nature, it is often unknowingly consumed by a large number of people. Ingesting this compound in large amounts can lead to poisoning, which manifests as gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. In extreme cases, excessive solanine consumption can be fatal. Despite documented cases of poisoning, α-solanine exhibits potentially beneficial pharmacological properties. This compound is being investigated for its anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as its potential use in the treatment of osteoarthritis and neurodegenerative diseases. However, its toxicity significantly limits its possible applications as a therapeutic agent. The objective of this study was to provide an overview of the biological properties of solanine and its potential applications in medical sciences.