A study of the toxic hazard that might be associated with the consumption of green potato tops

Effect of light and temperature on the formation of glycoalkaloids in potato tubers

“…Toxicity of glycoalkaloids results from anticholinesterase activity on the central nervous system and membrane disruption adversely affecting the digestive system and general body metabolism (Jadhav, Sharma, & Salunkhe, 1981;Maga, 1980;Roddick, 1989). In vitro experiments showed that a-solanine and particularly a-chaconine are potent cytotoxins, acting rapidly to induce cell lysis (Phillips et al, 1996). The cytotoxic potency of potato glycoalkaloids is considerable, particularly in the case of a-solanine: a-chaconine mixtures, which present differentiated synergistic action in disrupting membranes (Keukens et al, 1996;Rayburn, Friedman, & Bantle, 1995;Roddick, Rijnenberg, & Osman, 1988).…”

Optimisation and validation of ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometry method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of potato steroidal alkaloids

“…According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a maximum recommended level of glycoalkaloid in potato is 1 mg/g dry weight (DW). In vitro experiments showed that α-solanine and particularly α-chaconine are potent cytotoxins (IC50 = 4.1 µM) acting rapidly to induce cell lysis [13]. In addition to their toxic effects, studies in the last decade have however demonstrated that these compounds may possess beneficial properties such as anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, depending on dose and conditions of use [14,15].…”

Toxicological evaluation of acute and sub-chronic ingestion of hydroalcoholic extract of Solanum cernuum Vell. in mice

“…Toxicity is dependent on factors such as cultivar, growing conditions, light, plant part ingested and type and concentration of glycoalkaloid present (Phillips et al, 1996). Other members of the Solanaceae family of plants, which include tomatoes, potatoes and eggplants, are toxic to man and animals (Jadhav et al, 1981).…”