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.

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.

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