User:JennylieC/sandbox

Solasonine is a glycoalkaloid that is found in Solanum plants. Glycoalkaloids have various applications including pharmacology, cancer treatments and even a role as a pesticides.

High levels of glycoalkaloids are particularly toxic to humans due to their ability to disrupt cell-membrane function. There is a lost of membrane integrity which puts the cell at risk for apoptosis (cell death) due to the ability of any chemical coming into contact with the cell.

Although, solasonine has anti-infection properties it has many adverse side effects as a steroidal glycoalkaloid. These side effects include low blood pressure, a decrease in respiratory activity, rapid heart beat etc. These side effects are the direct result of the cytotoxic properties of solasonine (at high levels) that lead to disrupted cell membranes.