a cytotoxic substance for cancer cells; active against anaphylactic and insulin shocks, and shocks resulting from burns.

Steroid alkaloid C₂₇H₄₃O₂N from plants of the Solanaceae family.

• Molecular Weight : 413 Da.
  
  
• Melting Point : 200-202 °C.
  
  
• Solubility in : chloroform; not well in acetone, methanol, ethanol.
  
  
• Purity min. : 97 % (TLC).
  
  
• Biological Activity : Solasodine presents several glucocorticoid-like effects: active against shocks of various origin, hypocholesterolaemic and antiatherosclerotic (3). Enhances the glucocorticoids secretion by adrenal glands; in prolonged use, causes atrophy of the adrenal gland cortex; possesses an embryotoxic activity and cumulative effects. Also presents a juvenomimetic activity on insect larvas (4). 5 mg/kg cause a short-acting cerebral stimulation and improves the conditioned reflex activity; present the opposite effects with repeated administration. Solasodine glycosides present a selective cytotoxicity for cancer cells (2). Recommended doses: 0.1 à 5.0 mg/kg orally and intravenously.
  
  
• Toxicity (LD₅₀) : mice (orally) 27.5 mg/kg.
  
  
• Storage recommendations : Store at +4°C, in dark place; solution for experiment: 10-5 - 10-2 g/ml.
  
  
• CAS Reg. No. : 126-17-0
  
  
• Merck Index 11th Ed. : 8665
  
  
• Bibliography :
  
  1. Cham et al., "Solasodine glycosides. Selective toxicity for cancer cells and inhibition of cytotoxicity by rhamnose in mice with sarcoma 180." Cancer Letters (1990). 55(3):221-225
  2. Dixit et al., "Hypocholesterolaemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of solasodine." Phytotherapy Research (1992). 6(5):270-273
  3. Sabita Raja et al., "Juvenomimetic effects of Solasodine on Chilo partellus." Current Science (1987). 56(17):913-915
  4. Daroczy et al., "On the glucorticoid-like effects of Solanum alkaloids." Acta Biochim. et Biophys. Acad. Sci. Hung. (1971). 6(4):327-331