solanine

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solanine

chemical compound

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

Solanine is a bitter, poisonous crystalline alkaloid found in plants of the nightshade family, such as potatoes and tomatoes. It is a glycoalkaloid that protects these plants from herbivores.12

When potatoes are stored in warm, bright conditions, they increase their production of solanine, which can tint the skin green. While chlorophyll causes the green color, solanine is the toxic compound. Ingesting solanine can lead to nausea, headaches, and in severe cases, neurological problems or even death. Cooking does not destroy solanine, so green parts of potatoes should be removed. Children are more susceptible to solanine poisoning due to their smaller body size. To minimize risk, potatoes should be stored in cool, dark places.2

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Are Green Potatoes Dangerous to Eat?
…a poisonous glycoalkaloid known as solanine. A neurotoxin, solanine protects potatoes and other plants in the family Solanaceae from herbivory and serves to preserve the sprouting spud from hungry animal mouths.
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…a poisonous glycoalkaloid known as solanine. A neurotoxin, solanine protects potatoes and other plants in the family Solanaceae from herbivory and serves to preserve the sprouting spud from hungry animal mouths.
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tomato
History
…poisonous and contain the neurotoxin solanine.
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…poisonous and contain the neurotoxin solanine.
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nightshade
…poisonous, the active principle being solanine, which can cause convulsions and death if taken in large doses. The black nightshade (S. nigrum) is also generally considered poisonous, but its fully ripened fruit and foliage are cooked and eaten in some areas.
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…poisonous, the active principle being solanine, which can cause convulsions and death if taken in large doses. The black nightshade (S. nigrum) is also generally considered poisonous, but its fully ripened fruit and foliage are cooked and eaten in some areas.
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nutritional disease
Toxins in foods
…indicates that the natural toxicant solanine may be present. Solanine builds up when a potato is handled roughly, exposed to light or extremes of temperature, or is old. Symptoms of solanine poisoning include diarrhea, cramps, and headache, although many damaged potatoes would have to be eaten to cause serious illness.…
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…indicates that the natural toxicant solanine may be present. Solanine builds up when a potato is handled roughly, exposed to light or extremes of temperature, or is old. Symptoms of solanine poisoning include diarrhea, cramps, and headache, although many damaged potatoes would have to be eaten to cause serious illness.…
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