Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Is Tomatine considered to be one of the solanum-type glycoalkaloids?
QUESTION:
I read the pages on Steroid Alkaloids and I was wondering if Tomatine is
also considered to be one of the solanum-type glycoalkaloids.
ANSWER:
Yes, it sure is. It can interfere with cholinesterase activity and at a
high enough dose, it can mimic the effects of organophosphate pesticides.
usually, it is not well absorbed and gastrointestinal problems are all that
happens to the unfortunates eating tomato leaves. I know of vegetable/sheep
operations in California that routinely fed the tomato vines to sheep and
just accepted the diarrhea along with this forage, to get rid of the vines
and to feed the sheep cheaply.