Optimization of Hidden Target Screening for Solanum sisymbriifolium Glycoalkaloids

Solanum sisymbriifolium also known as litchi tomato or sticky nightshade is one of the promising feedstocks for the production of nematicides as it was demonstrated to be efficient for the control of a wide range of pests including major potato pests, Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida. While pesticidal effects are often attributed to a biologically active group of compounds called glycoalkaloids, the specific chemistry of the plant is still poorly understood. The objective of this study was to optimize the high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and extraction procedure for glycoalkaloid chemical group to get a better insight into glycoalkaloid composition. The results showed that 19 compounds can be identified as glycoalkaloids with five major glycoalkaloids representing 95% of total composition and with solamargine being the most abundant compound. Structure elucidation based on acid hydrolysis and mass spectrometry spectral analysis suggested that all five major glycoalkaloids belong to solasodine type of glycoalkaloids with different methylation functionalities. Extraction of these compounds from plant material was achieved with aqueous methanol solution.

Automated summary

Solanum sisymbriifolium, also known as litchi tomato or sticky nightshade, is a promising feedstock for nematicide production. The plant contains various bioactive compounds, mainly glycoalkaloids, but the specific chemistry is not well understood. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed 19 glycoalkaloids in the plant, with five major compounds representing 95% of the total composition, and solamargine being the most abundant.