In vivo screening evaiuation and exploitation of glycoalkaliods through different in vitro systems in selected solanum species

Abstract

The steroid alkaloid solasodine (C2PI3O2Nh) as attracted keen interest in the scientific world as a high-utility raw material for the pharmaceutical industry. It can be easily converted to 16-dehydropregnenolone acetate, which is a key intermediate in the manufacture of corticosteroids, testosteroids, contraceptive agents and anti-inflammatory drugs. Solasodine - a nitrogen analogue of diosgenin - is present in the form of glycoalkaloids mainly in the plants belonging to the genus Solanum. The alkaloid is required by the drug manufacturers in tonnage quantities. At present the requirement is met with the raw material produced by conventional agriculture of S. Viarum. Solasodine is now acquiring prominence as the major raw material for the indigenous drug market, a position previously occupied by diosgenin. The potential of plant cell culture, as an alternative to traditional agriculture in producing high-value-low-volume compounds, is well known. Thus the present study was envisaged with the idea of exploiting the technique of plant tissue culture to improve the solasodine content of the selected plant tissues in vitro conditions, with particular emphasis on the improvement of the glycoalkaloid content and its possible commercial exploitation.