The Therapeutic Value of Solanum Steroidal (Glyco)Alkaloids: A 10-Year Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Steroidal (glycol)alkaloids S(G)As are secondary metabolites made of a nitrogen-containing steroidal skeleton linked to a (poly)saccharide, naturally occurring in the members of the Solanaceae and Liliaceae plant families. The genus Solanum is familiar to all of us as a food source (tomato, potato, eggplant), but a few populations have also made it part of their ethnobotany for their medicinal properties. The recent development of the isolation, purification and analysis techniques have shed light on the structural diversity among the SGAs family, thus attracting scientists to investigate their various pharmacological properties. This review aims to overview the recent literature (2012–2022) on the pharmacological benefits displayed by the SGAs family. Over 17 different potential therapeutic applications (antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, etc.) were reported over the past ten years, and this unique review analyzes each pharmacological effect independently without discrimination of either the SGA’s chemical identity or their sources. A strong emphasis is placed on the discovery of their biological targets and the subsequent cellular mechanisms, discussing in vitro to in vivo biological data. The therapeutic value and the challenges of the solanum steroidal glycoalkaloid family is debated to provide new insights for future research towards clinical development.

l-Asparaginase from Solanum lycopersicum as a Nutraceutical for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

“…Plants have emerged as an alternative source of enzymes as they do not manifest pathogenicity and can be used as either crude extracts or in purified form to treat or use against many human diseases. , There are many purified compounds from plants such as taxol and vinblastine that are being used as chemotherapeutic drugs to treat many cancers . The edible fruit of Solanum lycopersicum has a wide range of biological effects and has been reported to have many health benefits. − Tomatoes help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, atopic dermatitis, liver inflammatory disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases . The anticancer properties of l -asparaginase are well documented, particularly against ALL .…”

“… 41 The edible fruit of Solanum lycopersicum has a wide range of biological effects and has been reported to have many health benefits. 42 − 44 Tomatoes help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, atopic dermatitis, liver inflammatory disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases. 45 The anticancer properties of l -asparaginase are well documented, particularly against ALL.…”

Plant necrotrophic bacterial disease resistance phenotypes, QTL, and metabolites identified through integrated genetic mapping and metabolomics in Solanum species

“…Solacauline and demissine are steroidal alkaloids, a class of compounds largely unique to Solanum and Liliaceae , of which approximately 300 structures have been reported ( Morillo et al., 2020 ). Steroidal alkaloids are nitrogenous sterols (a solanidane group) that are usually conjugated to 2-4 saccharides, with the saccharide component being critical to their bioactivity ( Delbrouck et al., 2023 ). These compounds provide protection by disrupting cell membranes of pests and pathogens ( Niño et al., 2009 ).…”

Recent developments in the enzymatic modifications of steroid scaffolds

“…205–209 They are classified into solanidane and spirosolane, based on their skeleton derived from the cholesterol side chain. 210,211 Recently, Mizutani's, Aharoni's, and other research groups identified the biosynthetic pathway of SGAs. 184,212–218 As shown in Fig.…”