Alpha Solanine: A Novel Natural Bioactive Molecule with Anticancer Effects in Multiple Human Malignancies

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Despite improvement in existing treatment modalities and addition of new anticancer drugs in the cancer clinic, cancer associated mortalities are continuously increasing. It is therefore, necessary to explore alternative treatment options to reduce the burden of cancer. In recent years, there is growing concern toward the use of natural products for treating cancer because of their ability to target multiple signaling molecules. α-solanine is a glycolalkaloid mainly present in potato tuber and Nightshade family plants. It possesses anti-pyretic, anti-diabetic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic activities. In recent years, α-solanine has been explored for its anticancer activity and showed promising results. Among all sources, potato peel contains adequate concentration of α-solanine. Every year, a large volume of potato peel is produced as a waste or sold at low cost. So α-solanine can be proved as an effective and cheap source for cancer therapy. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent data on anticancer activity of α-solanine and discuss it as a potential lead for cancer therapy.

Authors’ Contribution

Muhammad Khan designed the study. Sayyeda Hira Hassan, Sameena Gul, and Hafiza Sadaf Zahra searched the data. Amara Maryam, Hafiz Abdullah Shakir and Muhammad Irfan provided technical support during literature review. Sayyeda Hira Hassan prepared figures and wrote the manuscript. Muhammad Khan approved the final draft.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The study received no specific grant from any funding agency.