Solasodine (Steroidal Alkaloid · Hepatoprotective · Makoi · BCC Preclinical)
| Compound | Solasodine |
| Chemical class | Alkaloid — Steroidal Alkaloid Aglycone (Spirosolan-type) |
| CAS | 126-17-0 |
| Primary source | Solanum nigrum (black nightshade / Makoi), Solanum linnaeanum (devil’s apple), Solanum lycopersicum |
| Key applications | Steroidal hormone starting material, hepatoprotective (Makoi), anti-inflammatory, anticancer research |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Typical form | Solanum nigrum (Makoi) extract; solasodine isolate (pharmaceutical starting material) |
| Buy from Herbuno |
Name origin: From Solanum + -sodine (indicating the solanidine structural relationship). Solasodine is a spirosolan-type steroidal alkaloid aglycone — structurally related to solanidine (from solanine/chaconine) but with a spiro ring system rather than the fused indane skeleton. It occurs naturally as glycosides (solasonine, solamargine) in black nightshade and related species. Traditional use: Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum, Makoi in Hindi, Kakamachi in Sanskrit) is one of the most widely documented plants in Ayurveda, Unani, and African traditional medicine — used for liver conditions, fever, skin diseases, and as a general tonic. The berries are consumed as food in some regions despite their bitterness (from solasodine glycosides). In Ayurveda, Makoi is considered hepatoprotective and is included in liver health formulations. Research trajectory: Solasodine has attracted significant research attention as: (1) a pharmaceutical starting material for synthesis of steroidal sex hormones, glucocorticoids, and oral contraceptives (via Marker degradation); (2) a hepatoprotective agent (consistent with traditional Makoi liver use); (3) an antiproliferative compound in cancer cell lines; (4) an anti-inflammatory. The pharmaceutical steroid starting material application is commercially important — solasodine from Solanum species was historically explored as an alternative to diosgenin from Mexican yam for pharmaceutical steroid production. Commercial source: Solanum nigrum (Makoi) Extract Powder from Herbuno. See sourcing options below.
Evidence for Solasodine Applications
Hepatoprotective (Makoi — traditional and preclinical): Multiple animal studies with Solanum nigrum extract demonstrate significant hepatoprotective activity — reducing ALT, AST, and hepatic lipid peroxidation in CCl4 and paracetamol-induced liver injury models. The mechanism involves antioxidant (Nrf2 activation, GSH induction), anti-inflammatory (NF-κB inhibition), and direct hepatocyte protective mechanisms. Solasodine and its glycosides are considered primary actives. Consistent with traditional Ayurvedic Makoi hepatoprotective use. Claim strength: Moderate (convergent preclinical; some small Indian clinical data for Makoi liver formulations).
Anti-inflammatory: Solasodine inhibits NF-κB and reduces COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan oedema and arthritis models confirmed. Claim strength: Moderate.
Antiproliferative and BCC treatment (CURADERM): Solasodine glycosides (solasonine + solamargine mixture, branded as CURADERM-BEC5) have been investigated in topical preparations for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and actinic keratosis (a pre-cancerous skin lesion). Several small human trials in Australia and UK show CURADERM-BEC5 produces complete clinical response in BCC. This is one of the most directly clinically relevant applications for a solanine-class compound. Claim strength: Moderate (small controlled trials for topical BCC application).
Pharmaceutical steroid synthesis (industrial context): Solasodine can be converted via Marker degradation to pregnenolone and progesterone — key pharmaceutical steroid intermediates. This industrial chemistry application is distinct from therapeutic use but reflects solasodine’s commercial importance in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Industrial application, not a supplement claim.
Browse Standardised Extract Powders →
Dosage & Formulator Specification
Traditional Makoi hepatoprotective preparations: 3–6 g dried berry/leaf equivalent per day in decoctions. For standardised Makoi extract at 200–500 mg/day, request HPLC characterisation for solasonine and solamargine content (the primary solasodine glycosides). No isolated solasodine human supplement dose established — supplement applications use the complete Makoi extract. For topical BCC application (CURADERM-BEC5 context), 0.005% solasonine + solamargine cream is the investigated concentration — a cosmetic/pharmaceutical borderline application not replicable without appropriate regulatory pathway. CAUTION: High-dose Solanum nigrum extract shows toxicity in some animal studies — Makoi must be formulated at traditional dose-equivalent levels, not as a concentrated isolate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Solasodine
Is black nightshade (Makoi) safe to consume?
The edibility of black nightshade is culturally and dose-dependent. Solanum nigrum berries are consumed as food in parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe — the ripe black berries have lower solasodine glycoside content than unripe green berries. In India, Makoi (young shoots and berries) are used in traditional cooking and medicine with an established safety profile at food doses. High-dose isolated extract preparations have shown hepatotoxicity in some animal studies — the safety profile is dose-critical. At traditional food and herbal supplement concentrations, Makoi has centuries of human consumption safety data.
What is CURADERM-BEC5 and is it available?
CURADERM-BEC5 is a topical cream (0.005% BEC — solasonine + solamargine from Solanum linnaeanum) developed by Dr. Bill Cham (Australia) for basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis treatment. It is available in some markets as a cosmeceutical preparation. Small controlled trials have shown impressive clinical response rates for superficial BCC. It is not FDA-approved as a cancer treatment. Formulators interested in this application should note the regulatory boundary between cosmetic (skin conditioning claim) and drug (BCC treatment claim) applications in target markets.
Is solasodine related to diosgenin as a steroid starting material?
Both solasodine and diosgenin are steroidal compounds used as pharmaceutical steroid synthesis starting materials via Marker degradation. Diosgenin (from Mexican yam, Dioscorea) is the dominant commercial source. Solasodine was explored as an alternative source — particularly relevant during periods of supply constraints for diosgenin. In modern pharmaceutical manufacturing, diosgenin remains dominant but solasodine remains technically viable as a steroidal hormone synthesis precursor.
Can Makoi extract be combined with silymarin for liver health?
Yes — a rationally complementary combination. Silymarin (milk thistle, Silybum marianum) has the strongest RCT evidence for hepatoprotection (liver enzyme normalisation, membrane stabilisation, antioxidant). Makoi (solasodine glycosides) contributes complementary NF-κB inhibitory anti-inflammatory and Nrf2 antioxidant mechanisms. The combination addresses different hepatoprotective pathways and has traditional support — Ayurvedic liver formulations (Livomyn, Liv 52) frequently include Makoi alongside other hepatoprotective herbs.
Related compounds: Solanine, Tomatine, Conessine, Ursolic Acid
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
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