דו״ח מאומת

α-Solanine and α-chaconine are toxic steroidal glycoalkaloids found in the peel, sprout, leaf, and stem of potatoes. These toxins may exceed safe consumption limits and cause adverse health effects in processed potato products. Moreover, the environmental accumulation of these compounds from potato waste and byproducts may disrupt microbial communities and pose risks to aquatics and can potentially reintroduce toxins into the food chain. This review explores the biological degradation of α-solanine and α-chaconine, with a focus on microbial processes mediated by fungi (<i>Plectosphaerella, Gibberella, Aspergillus, Penicillium</i>), plant pathogens (<i>Phytophthora infestans</i>) and bacteria (<i>Arthrobacter</i>, <i>Bacillus</i>, <i>Glutamicibacter</i>). It highlights key glycosidases such as α-rhamnosidase (RhaA), β-glucosidase (GluA), and β-galactosidase (GalA) that are involved in deglycosylation and detoxification. A comprehensive review of the literature conducted through PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted to analyze relevant studies. Elucidating these degradation processes will help enhance in our understanding of glycoalkaloid deglycosylation and provide valuable insights into the development of effective strategies to mitigate glycoalkaloid contamination in food products and reduce the environmental impact.…

PMID: 41278090

The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific opinion on the risks for animal and human health related to the presence of glycoalkaloids (GAs) in feed and food. This risk assessment covers edible parts of potato plants and other food plants containing GAs, in particular, tomato and aubergine. In humans, acute toxic effects of potato GAs (α-solanine and α-chaconine) include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. For these effects, the CONTAM Panel identified a lowest-observed-adverse-effect level of 1 mg total potato GAs/kg body weight (bw) per day as a reference point for the risk characterisation following acute exposure. In humans, no evidence of health problems associated with repeated or long-term intake of GAs via potatoes has been identified. No reference point for chronic exposure could be identified from the experimental animal studies. Occurrence data were available only for α-solanine and α-chaconine, mostly for potatoes. The acute dietary exposure to potato GAs was estimated using a probabilistic approach and applying processing factors for food. Due to the limited data available, a margin of exposure (MOE) approach was applied. The MOEs for the younger age groups indicate a health concern for the food consumption surveys with the highest mean exposure, as well as for the P95 exposure in all surveys. For adult age groups, the MOEs indicate a health concern only for the food consumption surveys with the highest P95 exposures. For tomato and aubergine GAs, the risk to human health could not be characterised due to the lack of occurrence data and the limited toxicity data. For horses, farm and companion animals, no risk characterisation for potato GAs could be performed due to insufficient data on occurrence in feed and on potential adverse effects of GAs in these species.…

PMID: 32788943

Potatoes are commonly consumed food item that contributes key nutrients to the diet including vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Despite their nutritional value, potato tuber may harm human health by virtue of their toxic glycoalkaloids (solanine). Acute solanine poisoning can happen from ingesting green or sprouted potatoes. The toxicity of Gas in humans causes mainly gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. However, at higher doses, the toxicity of Gas in humans produces more severe symptoms, including fever, rapid pulse, low blood pressure, rapid respiration, and neurological disorders. Though potatoes are widely consumed, their toxicity is relatively rare. We came across a suspected case of poisoning by raw potato ingestion in an 11 years old Saudi boy who suffered cardiovascular complications, and was managed conservatively in pediatric ICU. The diagnosis was made based on history and clinical presentation. The patient recovered completely and was discharged with counseling.…

PMID: 36387661

α-Solanine and α-chaconine are toxic steroidal glycoalkaloids found in the peel, sprout, leaf, and stem of potatoes. These toxins may exceed safe consumption limits and cause adverse health effects in processed potato products. Moreover, the environmental accumulation of these compounds from potato waste and byproducts may disrupt microbial communities and pose risks to aquatics and can potentially reintroduce toxins into the food chain. This review explores the biological degradation of α-solanine and α-chaconine, with a focus on microbial processes mediated by fungi (<i>Plectosphaerella, Gibberella, Aspergillus, Penicillium</i>), plant pathogens (<i>Phytophthora infestans</i>) and bacteria (<i>Arthrobacter</i>, <i>Bacillus</i>, <i>Glutamicibacter</i>). It highlights key glycosidases such as α-rhamnosidase (RhaA), β-glucosidase (GluA), and β-galactosidase (GalA) that are involved in deglycosylation and detoxification. A comprehensive review of the literature conducted through PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted to analyze relevant studies. Elucidating these degradation processes will help enhance in our understanding of glycoalkaloid deglycosylation and provide valuable insights into the development of effective strategies to mitigate glycoalkaloid contamination in food products and reduce the environmental impact.…

PMID: 41278090

Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs), predominantly comprising α-solanine (C₄₅H₇₃NO₁₅) and α-chaconine (C₄₅H₇₃NO₁₄), function as natural phytotoxins within potatoes. In addition to their other roles, these SGAs are crucial for enabling potato plants to withstand biotic stresses. However, they also exhibit toxicity towards humans and animals. Consequently, the content and distribution of SGAs are crucial traits for the genetic improvement of potatoes. This review focuses on advancing research related to the biochemical properties, biosynthesis, regulatory mechanisms, and genetic improvement of potato SGAs. Furthermore, we provide perspectives on future research directions to further enhance our understanding of SGA biosynthesis and regulation, ultimately facilitating the targeted development of superior potato varieties.…

PMID: 39668379

The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific opinion on the risks for animal and human health related to the presence of glycoalkaloids (GAs) in feed and food. This risk assessment covers edible parts of potato plants and other food plants containing GAs, in particular, tomato and aubergine. In humans, acute toxic effects of potato GAs (α-solanine and α-chaconine) include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. For these effects, the CONTAM Panel identified a lowest-observed-adverse-effect level of 1 mg total potato GAs/kg body weight (bw) per day as a reference point for the risk characterisation following acute exposure. In humans, no evidence of health problems associated with repeated or long-term intake of GAs via potatoes has been identified. No reference point for chronic exposure could be identified from the experimental animal studies. Occurrence data were available only for α-solanine and α-chaconine, mostly for potatoes. The acute dietary exposure to potato GAs was estimated using a probabilistic approach and applying processing factors for food. Due to the limited data available, a margin of exposure (MOE) approach was applied. The MOEs for the younger age groups indicate a health concern for the food consumption surveys with the highest mean exposure, as well as for the P95 exposure in all surveys. For adult age groups, the MOEs indicate a health concern only for the food consumption surveys with the highest P95 exposures. For tomato and aubergine GAs, the risk to human health could not be characterised due to the lack of occurrence data and the limited toxicity data. For horses, farm and companion animals, no risk characterisation for potato GAs could be performed due to insufficient data on occurrence in feed and on potential adverse effects of GAs in these species.…

PMID: 32788943

Potatoes are commonly consumed food item that contributes key nutrients to the diet including vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Despite their nutritional value, potato tuber may harm human health by virtue of their toxic glycoalkaloids (solanine). Acute solanine poisoning can happen from ingesting green or sprouted potatoes. The toxicity of Gas in humans causes mainly gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. However, at higher doses, the toxicity of Gas in humans produces more severe symptoms, including fever, rapid pulse, low blood pressure, rapid respiration, and neurological disorders. Though potatoes are widely consumed, their toxicity is relatively rare. We came across a suspected case of poisoning by raw potato ingestion in an 11 years old Saudi boy who suffered cardiovascular complications, and was managed conservatively in pediatric ICU. The diagnosis was made based on history and clinical presentation. The patient recovered completely and was discharged with counseling.…

PMID: 36387661

<h4>Rationale</h4>Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) is a type of pneumonia with unknown cause, presenting with symptoms like dyspnea, fever, and cough. Solanine poisoning can cause symptoms like increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, but there are no known cases of it causing COP.<h4>Patient concerns</h4>A 43-year-old man had a dry cough, worse at night, with phlegm and chest tightness after eating sprouted potatoes. No history of surgeries or family medical issues.<h4>Diagnosis</h4>Laboratory tests and metagenomic next-generation sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from the bilateral lower lobes did not yield a definitive pathogen. Further evaluation included testing for vasculitis-associated antibodies and rheumatologic immune markers for myositis spectra to rule out connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease as the etiology of organizing pneumonia. As a result, the final diagnosis was determined to be COP.<h4>Interventions</h4>The patient received glucocorticoid therapy and oxygen therapy, and responded well to the treatment.<h4>Outcomes</h4>On the 10th day of hospitalization, the patient was discharged with success. A follow-up chest CT conducted over a month later revealed that the lesions in both lungs had essentially resolved, with only minor residual fibrotic changes present.<h4>Lessons</h4>Regularly monitoring disease progression is crucial for patients with solanine poisoning who have pulmonary symptoms. Promptly conducting chest CT scans and bronchoscopy is advised to check for any infections. It is also important to rule out pneumonia related to connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease and provide appropriate treatment promptly.…

PMID: 39331873

The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific opinion on the risks for animal and human health related to the presence of glycoalkaloids (GAs) in feed and food. This risk assessment covers edible parts of potato plants and other food plants containing GAs, in particular, tomato and aubergine. In humans, acute toxic effects of potato GAs (α-solanine and α-chaconine) include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. For these effects, the CONTAM Panel identified a lowest-observed-adverse-effect level of 1 mg total potato GAs/kg body weight (bw) per day as a reference point for the risk characterisation following acute exposure. In humans, no evidence of health problems associated with repeated or long-term intake of GAs via potatoes has been identified. No reference point for chronic exposure could be identified from the experimental animal studies. Occurrence data were available only for α-solanine and α-chaconine, mostly for potatoes. The acute dietary exposure to potato GAs was estimated using a probabilistic approach and applying processing factors for food. Due to the limited data available, a margin of exposure (MOE) approach was applied. The MOEs for the younger age groups indicate a health concern for the food consumption surveys with the highest mean exposure, as well as for the P95 exposure in all surveys. For adult age groups, the MOEs indicate a health concern only for the food consumption surveys with the highest P95 exposures. For tomato and aubergine GAs, the risk to human health could not be characterised due to the lack of occurrence data and the limited toxicity data. For horses, farm and companion animals, no risk characterisation for potato GAs could be performed due to insufficient data on occurrence in feed and on potential adverse effects of GAs in these species.…

PMID: 32788943

A quantitative human dietary risk assessment was conducted using the glycoalkaloid concentrations measured from tubers of plants defoliated by Colorado potato beetles and undefoliated (control). There was a significantly greater production of glycoalkaloids for defoliated plants compared to control plants for both skin and inner tissue of tubers. The dietary risk posed to different human subgroups associated with the consumption of potatoes was estimated for the 50th, 95th, and 99.9th percentile US national consumption values. Exposures were compared to a toxic threshold of 1.0mg/kg body weight. Defoliation by Colorado potato beetles increased dietary risk by approximately 48%. Glycoalkaloid concentrations within the inner tissue of tubers, including undefoliated controls, exceeded the toxic threshold for all human subgroups at less than the 99.9th percentile of exposure, but not the 95th percentile.…

PMID: 18614268

To drastically reduce the carbon footprint of the food production chain, a major shift towards alternatives to conventional meat and dairy products is required. The use of plant-based proteins is a promising route, but it also comes with challenges: Plant-based proteins often contain antinutritional factors and off-flavors, which can negatively impact consumer acceptance. Fermentation is broadly used to improve the quality of these products. However, how these unwanted molecules are synthesized and degraded is poorly understood, but this knowledge is essential for fermentation-based strategies to improve the sensory and nutritional value of plant-based products. This review provides a comprehensive overview of synthesis and degradation pathways of key antinutritional factors and off-flavor compounds in plant-based substrates, including aldehydes, furans, sulfur compounds, pyrazines, glycoalkaloids (GAs), pyrimidine glycosides, polyphenols, saponins, glucosinolates (GSLs), phytic acid (PA), oxalates, lectins, and protease and amylase inhibitors. With this we identified the research gaps in the field, which can be divided into three types: (i) degradation pathways that are unknown (furans, alkyl-methoxypyrazines, and dimethyl trisulfide), (ii) well-characterized pathways but typically not found in food-grade organisms (dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, and isothiocyanates derived from GSLs), and (iii) pathways that are only described partially (GAs, saponins, polyphenols, PA, and pyrimidine glycosides). Other molecule classes, like aldehydes, alcohols, and oxalate, have well-characterized degradation pathways in food-grade organisms. Focusing future research on compounds with poorly understood degradation pathways will help to accelerate the development of more rationally designed cultures for producing healthy and sustainable plant-based foods.…

PMID: 41918190

Potatoes are commonly consumed food item that contributes key nutrients to the diet including vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Despite their nutritional value, potato tuber may harm human health by virtue of their toxic glycoalkaloids (solanine). Acute solanine poisoning can happen from ingesting green or sprouted potatoes. The toxicity of Gas in humans causes mainly gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. However, at higher doses, the toxicity of Gas in humans produces more severe symptoms, including fever, rapid pulse, low blood pressure, rapid respiration, and neurological disorders. Though potatoes are widely consumed, their toxicity is relatively rare. We came across a suspected case of poisoning by raw potato ingestion in an 11 years old Saudi boy who suffered cardiovascular complications, and was managed conservatively in pediatric ICU. The diagnosis was made based on history and clinical presentation. The patient recovered completely and was discharged with counseling.…

PMID: 36387661