Glycoalkaloid
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2008-07-07T15:43:22Z
Abrahami
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'''Glycoalkaloids''' are a family of [[poison]]s commonly found in the plant species ''Solanum dulcamara'' ([[nightshade]]).[http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/plants/slides/2102lg.jpg] There are several glycoalkaloids (alkaloids + sugars) that are potentially toxic. A prototypical glycoalkaloid is called [[solanine]] (sugar [solanose] + alkaloid [solanidine] = solanine), which is found in [[potato]]es. The alkaloidal portion of the glycoalkaloid is also generically referred to as an [[aglycone]]. The intact glycoalkaloid is poorly absorbed from the [[GI tract]] but causes GI irritation. The aglycone is absorbed and is believed to be responsible for observed nervous system signs. Glycoalkaloids are [[bitter (taste)|bitter tasting]], and produce a burning irritation in the back of the [[mouth]] and side of the [[tongue]] when eaten.
Laboratory diagnosis: although not routinely available, detection of alkaloids in tissues or urine is possible. <ref>http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/plants/ppeurop.htm</ref>
Sale of a glycoalkaloid-based [[Pharmacotherapy|treatment]] marketed by Lane Labs USA Inc. for prevention of [[skin cancer]] was banned by the FDA in 2004 as an unapproved [[drug]].<ref>[http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01086.html fda.gov, news item 1086]</ref> Similar glycoalkaloid [[gel]]s are now marketed as [[exfoliant]]s.<ref>[http://www.outletnutrition.com/sunspesexsua.html outletnutrition.com, sunspesexsua]</ref>
[[Image:A-solanine.gif|450px|thumb|center|a-Solanine]]
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Alkaloids]]
[[Category:carbohydrates]]
{{orgchem-stub}}
[[nl:Glycoalkaloïde]]
[[fr:Glycoalcaloïde]]
[[fi:Glykoalkaloidi]]