Toxicological effects of alpha-solamargine in experimental animals.

Alpha-solamargine isolated from the fresh fruits of Solanum americanum Miller was studied for its toxicity. Lethality studies in rats showed a dose-mortality relationship with a LD(50) of 42 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally. The chronic and subchronic toxicity investigations indicated that the size of the glycoalkaloid dose was more important than the total glycoalkaloid intake. No appreciable toxic effects were observed at doses below 35 mg/kg body weight as indicated by blood parameters, enzyme levels and histological sections of kidney, liver and cardiac muscle. Alpha-solamargine did not affect the weight of the testes and epididymis or the number of spermatozoa but produced a slight irritation and congestion in the epididymis and testis at doses up to 50 mg/kg body weight. Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.