Chem. Also solanina, solanin. [a. F. solanine (Desfosses, 1821), f. SOLAN-UM + -INE5.] A poisonous alkaloid, or a compound containing an alkaloid, found in various plants of the genus Solanum.
α. 1838. T. Thomson, Chem. Org. Bodies, 264. Solanina was discovered by M. Desfosses in the berries of the solanum nigrum, and in the fruit of the common potatoe. Ibid. Solanina is a white powder, having a pearly lustre.
1842. Penny Cycl., XXII. 195/2. The hydrochlorate and acetate of solanina have a gummy appearance when evaporated to dryness.
β. 1838. T. Thomson, Chem. Org. Bodies, 841. Baup informs us, that potatoes, after they begin to grow, contain a small quantity of solanin.
1859. Fairholt, Tobacco (1876), 2. The Potato fruit and leaves give us Solanine.
1899. Allbutt’s Syst. Med., VII. 91. According to Grasset, solanine diminishes the amount of tremor.
