ISSN : 1225-8504(Print)
ISSN : 2287-8165(Online)
ISSN : 2287-8165(Online)
Journal of the Korean Society of International Agriculture Vol.36 No.4 pp.423-432
DOI : https://doi.org/10.12719/KSIA.2024.36.4.423
DOI : https://doi.org/10.12719/KSIA.2024.36.4.423
Review on the Alkaloids in Solanaceous Crops and Variation under Environmental Conditions
Abstract
The world population is rapidly increasing; over the past 40 years, it has risen by 3.3 billion, reaching 7.8 billion people. Globally, Solanaceae plants contribute more than 6.5 million tons of food to the world’s diet, with potatoes being the fourth most produced crop, cultivated in over 300 countries. However, caution is necessary when consuming plants from the Solanaceae family, as they contain toxic substances known as alkaloids. While alkaloids can offer beneficial effects, such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and anti-cancer properties, tolerance to these compounds varies among individuals, meaning even very small amounts can have fatal effects.Among the major crops in the Solanaceae family, potatoes contain solanine and chaconine; tomatoes contain tomatine; and eggplants contain solasonine and solamargine. The concentration of these substances varies depending on the part of the plant, its developmental stage, and its variety. Additionally, levels can increase significantly due to environmental stress. The environment profoundly impacts the synthesis of secondary metabolites related to survival and defense. Research has confirmed that environmental conditions-such as high-temperature cultivation, low-temperature storage, drought and rainfall, strong light, weak light (shade conditions), and excessive fertilizer application-can increase alkaloid synthesis. Therefore, this study reviews research on alkaloids in Solanaceae crops.