Hawkins, "A Fatal Case of
Solanine Poisoning," British Medical Journal, vol.
Summary:
Solanine found in them causes diarrhoea, vomiting, cramps, and several other illnesses
The light exposure that promotes chlorophyll production usually increases the formation of
solanine, a naturally occurring poison that tastes distinctly bitter.
All parts of this plant (Solanum pseudocapsicum), including its red and yellow berries, contain the toxin
solanine that can produce severe gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system disorders such as depression and seizures.
However, the cultivated potato contains low glycoalkaloid levels, typically only
solanine and chaconine, suggesting these bitter compounds were selected against during domestication (Johns & Alonso, 1990).
Study on mitochondrial damage caused by
solanine in mice testicular germ cells.
Principle glycoalkaloids present in potato are a-chaconine and a-
solanine (Freidman and McDonald 1997).
Nightshade vegetables are also high in an alkaloid called
solanine, which, when consumed in high amounts, has been linked to inflammation.
There was 0.06%
solanine content of shade dried potato plants obtained from feed troughs caused leg and udder dermatitis in cattle (Somavanshi et al., 1992).
And so it was that Johann Sebastian Lunasa found himself on a plane bound for South America, where he met with a Lord Crispin
Solanine IV, and they drove through the night to a hotel in need of a paint job on the outskirts of a dusty town.
While nightshade foods are rich in healthy antioxidants, they contain an alkaloid called
solanine, a natural insect defense mechanism that's concentrated mostly in leaves and stems.