Steroidal alkaloids are a class of naturally occurring organic compounds that possess both steroid and alkaloid structures. These compounds are often found in plants, especially in the Solanaceae and Liliaceae families, and have a variety of pharmacological effects. Here is a list of notable steroidal alkaloids, their biological sources, and uses:

Pharmaceutical sciences

1. Solanine

  • Biological Source: Found in plants of the Solanaceae family, such as potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), and eggplants (Solanum melongena).
  • Uses:
    • Exhibits pesticidal and fungicidal properties.
    • Toxic to humans if ingested in large amounts, leading to symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and nervous system disorders.

2. Tomatine

  • Biological Source: Present in green tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum).
  • Uses:
    • Has antifungal, antimicrobial, and insecticidal properties.
    • Investigated for its potential to lower cholesterol and as an anticancer agent.

3. Veratridine

  • Biological Source: Derived from plants like Veratrum album (white hellebore) and Veratrum viride.
  • Uses:
    • Acts as a neurotoxin by increasing sodium permeability in nerve cells.
    • Used in pharmacological research to study the functioning of ion channels in neurons.

4. Cyclopamine

  • Biological Source: Extracted from Veratrum californicum (California corn lily).
  • Uses:
    • A potent inhibitor of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which is involved in embryonic development.
    • Studied for its potential use in treating cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma.

5. Glycyrrhizin

  • Biological Source: Found in the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice plant).
  • Uses:
    • Exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective properties.
    • Used in treating liver disorders and as a sweetener in food products.

6. Cevadine (Protoveratrine A and B)

  • Biological Source: Found in species of the Veratrum genus, especially Veratrum album and Veratrum viride.
  • Uses:
    • Historically used as a hypertensive agent.
    • Extremely toxic in large amounts, causing vomiting, bradycardia, hypotension, and even death.

7. Aconitine

  • Biological Source: Derived from plants of the genus Aconitum (aconite or monkshood).
  • Uses:
    • Used in traditional medicine as an analgesic for treating pain.
    • Highly toxic and potentially fatal if ingested, causing severe cardiotoxicity.

8. Solasodine

  • Biological Source: Found in species such as Solanum dulcamara (bittersweet nightshade) and Solanum melongena (eggplant).
  • Uses:
    • A precursor for the synthesis of steroid hormones like corticosteroids.
    • Studied for its potential anticancer properties.

9. Galanthamine

  • Biological Source: Derived from the bulbs of Galanthus (snowdrop) and related species such as Leucojum and Narcissus.
  • Uses:
    • Used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease due to its acetylcholinesterase inhibitory properties.

10. Solasodamine

  • Biological Source: Found in plants of the Solanum genus, particularly Solanum nigrum (black nightshade).
  • Uses:
    • A glycoalkaloid is used in the production of steroidal drugs.
    • Exhibits antimicrobial and insecticidal properties.

General Considerations:

While steroidal alkaloids have potential therapeutic applications, many of them are highly toxic in large quantities, necessitating careful use and precise dosage in any pharmaceutical application.