Planta Med 2016; 82(05): 379-387
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-100810
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Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Steroidal Glycoalkaloids from Solanaceae: Toxic Effect, Antitumour Activity and Mechanism of Action

Lenka Sucha
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
,
Pavel Tomsik
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 13 January 2015
revised 08 December 2015

accepted 21 December 2015

Publication Date:
04 February 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Steroidal glycoalkaloids present in Solanaceae are toxic compounds biosynthesised for the protection of the plants. However, many health benefits of these compounds have been reported so far. One of their promising targets might be cancer, as demonstrated in a large number of studies. However, the main mechanism of action seems to be unclear. It could include the induction of apoptosis or trigger a necrosis with a subsequent inflammatory response. The relatively high systemic toxicity of steroidal compounds is another effect that must be taken into account in anticancer research. The main aim of this work was to summarise the recent progress in the investigation of the mechanisms of their antitumour action and to discuss their potential.