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{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Solanaceae
| image = brugmansia_lg.jpg
| image_width = 320px
| image_caption = A flowering ''Brugmansia x insignis'' <br>from the US Botanic Garden
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Solanales]]
| familia = '''Solanaceae'''
| familia_authority = [[Antoine Laurent de Jussieu|Juss.]]
| subdivision_ranks = [[Genus|Genera]]
| subdivision =
''[[Acnistus]]''
<br>''[[Atropa]]'' ([[deadly nightshade]])
<br>''[[Browallia]]''
<br>''[[Brugmansia]]'' ([[angel's trumpet]])
<br>''[[Brunfelsia]]''
<br>''[[Calibrachoa]]''
<br>''[[Capsicum]]'' ([[pepper]]s)
<br>''[[Cestrum]]''
<br>''[[Chamaesaracha]]''
<br>''[[Combera]]''
<br>''[[Crenidium]]''
<br>''[[Cuatresia]]''
<br>''[[Cyphanthera]]''
<br>''[[Cyphomandra]]''
<br>''[[Datura]]'' ([[jimsonweed]])
<br>''[[Hyoscyamus]]'' ([[henbane]])
<br>''[[Iochroma]]''
<br>''[[Juanulloa]]''
<br>''[[Lycianthes]]''
<br>''[[Lycium]]'' ([[boxthorn]])
<br>''[[Mandragora]]'' ([[mandrake (plant)|mandrake]])
<br>''[[Nicandra]]''
<br>''[[Nicotiana]]'' ([[tobacco]])
<br>''[[Nierembergia]]'' or cupflower
<br>''[[Nolana]]''
<br>''[[Petunia]]''
<br>''[[Physalis]]'' ([[tomatillo]])
<br>''[[Scopolia]]''
<br>''[[Solandra]]''
<br>''[[Solanum]]'' ([[tomato]], [[potato]], [[eggplant]])
<br>''[[Streptosolen]]''
<br>''[[Withania]]''
}}
{{Wikispecies|Solanaceae}}
The '''Solanaceae''' is a [[family (biology)|family]] of [[flowering plant]]s, many of which are edible, while others are [[poison]]ous (some have both edible and toxic parts). The name of the family comes from the [[Latin]] ''[[Solanum]]'' "the nightshade plant", but the further etymology of that word is unclear; it has been suggested it originates from the Latin [[verb]] ''solari'', meaning "to soothe". This would presumably refer to alleged soothing [[pharmacology|pharmacological]] properties of some of the [[psychoactive]] [[species]] found in the family. It is more likely, however, that the name comes from the perceived resemblance that some of the flowers bear to the sun and its rays, and in fact a species of Solanum (''Solanum nigrum'') is known as the ''sunberry''. The family is also informally known as the nightshade or [[potato]] family. The family includes the ''[[Datura]]'' or [[Jimson weed]], [[eggplant]], [[Mandrake (plant)|mandrake]], [[deadly nightshade]] or belladonna, [[capsicum]] ([[paprika]], [[chile pepper]]), [[potato]], [[tobacco]], [[tomato]], and [[petunia]]. The Solanaceae family is characteristically [[ethnobotany|ethnobotanical]], that is, extensively utilized by humans. It is an important source of [[food]], [[spice]], and [[medicine]]. However, Solanaceae species are often rich in [[alkaloid]]al [[glucoside]]s that can range in their [[toxicity]] to humans and animals from mildly irritating to fatal in small quantities.
Flowers are typically conical or funnelform with five petals, usually fused. The leaves are alternate, often with a hairy or clammy surface. Solanaceous plants produce a [[fruit]] that is either a [[berry]], as in the case of the tomato, or a dehiscent (breaks open upon drying, or dehiscing, releasing the seeds) [[capsule (fruit)|capsule]] as in the case of ''Datura''. The seeds are usually round and flat, being 2-4 millimeters in diameter. The [[stamens]] are usually present in multiples of four (most commonly four or eight). The ovaries are inferior. The hypogynus gynoecium is a [[syncarp]] located obliquely in relation to the median.
== Alkaloids ==
The Solanaceae are known for possessing a diverse range of alkaloidal [[glucoside]]s, or simply [[alkaloids]]. As far as humans are concerned, these alkaloids can be desirable, toxic, or both, though they presumably evolved because they reduced the tendency of animals to eat the plants.
One of the most important groups of these compounds is called the [[tropane]] alkaloids. The term "tropane" comes from a [[genus]] in which they are found, ''[[Atropa]]'' (the [[belladonna]] genus). The belladonna genus is so named after the
[[Greek mythology|Greek]] [[Moirae|Fate]], [[Atropos]], who cut the thread of life. This nomenclature betrays the toxicity and lethality that has long been known to be characteristic of these compounds. Tropane alkaloids are also found in the ''[[Datura]]'', ''[[Mandragora]]'', and ''[[Brugmansia]]'' genera, as well as many others in the Solanaceae family. Chemically, the molecules of these compounds have a characteristic bicyclic structure and include [[atropine]], [[scopolamine]], and [[hyoscyamine]]. Pharmacologically, they are the most powerful known [[anticholinergics]] in existence, meaning they inhibit the neurological signals transmitted by the endogenous [[neurotransmitter]], [[acetylcholine]]. [[Symptoms]] of overdose may include [[xerostomia|mouth dryness]], [[mydriasis|dilated pupils]], [[ataxia]], [[urinary retention]], [[hallucination]]s, [[seizure|convulsions]], [[coma]], and death. Despite the extreme toxicity of the tropanes, they are important drugs when administered in appropriate (and extremely small) dosages. They can reverse [[cholinergic]] poisoning, which can be caused by overexposure to [[pesticides]] and [[chemical warfare]] agents such as [[sarin]] and [[VX (nerve agent)|VX]]. More commonly, they can halt many types of [[allergic]] reactions. [[Scopolamine]], a commonly used opthamalic agent, dilates the pupils and thus facilitates examination of the interior of the eye. They can also be used as [[antiemetics]] in people prone to [[motion sickness]] or receiving [[chemotherapy]]. Atropine has a [[stimulant]] effect on the [[central nervous system]] and heart, whereas scopolamine has a [[sedative]] effect.
[[Cocaine]] is also considered a tropane alkaloid due to its structural similarity to the aforementioned compounds. Its pharmacology, however, is radically different, and it does not occur in the Solanaceae family.
The most famous alkaloid from the Solanaceae family is [[nicotine]]. Like the tropanes, its pharmacology acts on cholinergic neurons, but with the opposite effect (it is an [[agonist]] as opposed to an [[Receptor antagonist|antagonist]]). It has a higher specificity for [[nicotinic]] acetylcholine receptors than other ACh proteins. Its effects are well known. [[Nicotine]] occurs naturally in the ''[[Nicotiana]]'' or [[Tobacco]] genus.
[[Capsaicin]] is structurally unrelated to nicotine or the tropanes, and is found in the genus ''[[Capsicum]]'', which includes [[chile pepper]]s such as Tabasco peppers and [[habanero]]s. The compound is not appreciably toxic to animals. However, it stimulates specific pain receptors in most mammals, those which sense heat, in the oral [[mucosa]] as well as many other [[epithelial]] tissues. This causes a sensation of burning not unlike an actual heat or chemical burn. It is used in high concentration as a deterrent in pepper sprays, and sought after for many culinary dishes for its "spiciness". It is thought that the reason one would deliberately induce pain while eating is the rewarding release of [[endorphins]] it has been shown to induce. The "hotness" of capsaicin products and foods is expressed in [[Scoville]] units. A scoville unit is the factor by which the capsaicin-containing substance must be diluted to render the resulting solution imperceptible to a tester (for example, a teaspoon of a 5,000 Scoville unit [[hot sauce]] would have to be diluted with 4,999 teaspoons of a sugar water solution to negate its potential to cause a sensation on the palate).
== Nutritional importance ==
The most important species of this family for the global diet is the [[potato]] or ''[[Solanum tuberosum]]''. Although this plant itself is generally considered toxic, swollen subterranean sections of modified stem known as [[tubers]] generally possess no toxicity. Instead, the tubers contain a copious store of [[carbohydrates]] that both the plant and humans can use to obtain energy. However, the tubers may become toxic if allowed to sprout. Green areas on a potato indicate new growth, which may indicate the presence of [[chaconine]] and [[
solanine]]. These [[glycoalkaloid]] compounds can be in sufficient concentrations in a single potato serving to be poisonous to humans. In many genera, the fruits are the desirable item, for example, [[tomato]]es, [[tomatillo]]s, [[eggplant]]s, and [[capsicum|peppers]]. Some people experience sensitivity or [[allergy]]-like symptoms in response to nightshade plants.
==External links==
* [http://www.sgn.cornell.edu SOL Genomics Network]
* [http://www.solanaceae.net/index.php Solanaceae Network - pictures of plants]
* [http://www.nhm.ac.uk/solanaceaesource/ Solanaceae Source - more pictures]
* [http://delta-intkey.com/angio/www/solanace.htm Solanaceae] in [http://delta-intkey.com/angio/ L. Watson and M.J. Dallwitz (1992 onwards). The families of flowering plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, information retrieval.] http://delta-intkey.com
* [http://plants.usda.gov/java/ClassificationServlet?source=display&classid=Solanaceae Solanace] in USDA Plants Database.
*http://personal.denison.edu/~kuhlman/WOL/plants.html
==Additional reading==
{{cite book | author=D'Arcy, William G. | title=Solanacea | year=1986 | publisher=Columbia University Press | id=ISBN 0-231-05780-6 }}
[[Category:Solanaceae]]
[[Category:Plant families]]
[[Category:Poisonous plants]]
| color = lightgreen
| name = Solanaceae
| image = brugmansia_lg.jpg
| image_width = 320px
| image_caption = A flowering ''Brugmansia x insignis'' <br>from the US Botanic Garden
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Solanales]]
| familia = '''Solanaceae'''
| familia_authority = [[Antoine Laurent de Jussieu|Juss.]]
| subdivision_ranks = [[Genus|Genera]]
| subdivision =
''[[Acnistus]]''
<br>''[[Atropa]]'' ([[deadly nightshade]])
<br>''[[Browallia]]''
<br>''[[Brugmansia]]'' ([[angel's trumpet]])
<br>''[[Brunfelsia]]''
<br>''[[Calibrachoa]]''
<br>''[[Capsicum]]'' ([[pepper]]s)
<br>''[[Cestrum]]''
<br>''[[Chamaesaracha]]''
<br>''[[Combera]]''
<br>''[[Crenidium]]''
<br>''[[Cuatresia]]''
<br>''[[Cyphanthera]]''
<br>''[[Cyphomandra]]''
<br>''[[Datura]]'' ([[jimsonweed]])
<br>''[[Hyoscyamus]]'' ([[henbane]])
<br>''[[Iochroma]]''
<br>''[[Juanulloa]]''
<br>''[[Lycianthes]]''
<br>''[[Lycium]]'' ([[boxthorn]])
<br>''[[Mandragora]]'' ([[mandrake (plant)|mandrake]])
<br>''[[Nicandra]]''
<br>''[[Nicotiana]]'' ([[tobacco]])
<br>''[[Nierembergia]]'' or cupflower
<br>''[[Nolana]]''
<br>''[[Petunia]]''
<br>''[[Physalis]]'' ([[tomatillo]])
<br>''[[Scopolia]]''
<br>''[[Solandra]]''
<br>''[[Solanum]]'' ([[tomato]], [[potato]], [[eggplant]])
<br>''[[Streptosolen]]''
<br>''[[Withania]]''
}}
{{Wikispecies|Solanaceae}}
The '''Solanaceae''' is a [[family (biology)|family]] of [[flowering plant]]s, many of which are edible, while others are [[poison]]ous (some have both edible and toxic parts). The name of the family comes from the [[Latin]] ''[[Solanum]]'' "the nightshade plant", but the further etymology of that word is unclear; it has been suggested it originates from the Latin [[verb]] ''solari'', meaning "to soothe". This would presumably refer to alleged soothing [[pharmacology|pharmacological]] properties of some of the [[psychoactive]] [[species]] found in the family. It is more likely, however, that the name comes from the perceived resemblance that some of the flowers bear to the sun and its rays, and in fact a species of Solanum (''Solanum nigrum'') is known as the ''sunberry''. The family is also informally known as the nightshade or [[potato]] family. The family includes the ''[[Datura]]'' or [[Jimson weed]], [[eggplant]], [[Mandrake (plant)|mandrake]], [[deadly nightshade]] or belladonna, [[capsicum]] ([[paprika]], [[chile pepper]]), [[potato]], [[tobacco]], [[tomato]], and [[petunia]]. The Solanaceae family is characteristically [[ethnobotany|ethnobotanical]], that is, extensively utilized by humans. It is an important source of [[food]], [[spice]], and [[medicine]]. However, Solanaceae species are often rich in [[alkaloid]]al [[glucoside]]s that can range in their [[toxicity]] to humans and animals from mildly irritating to fatal in small quantities.
Flowers are typically conical or funnelform with five petals, usually fused. The leaves are alternate, often with a hairy or clammy surface. Solanaceous plants produce a [[fruit]] that is either a [[berry]], as in the case of the tomato, or a dehiscent (breaks open upon drying, or dehiscing, releasing the seeds) [[capsule (fruit)|capsule]] as in the case of ''Datura''. The seeds are usually round and flat, being 2-4 millimeters in diameter. The [[stamens]] are usually present in multiples of four (most commonly four or eight). The ovaries are inferior. The hypogynus gynoecium is a [[syncarp]] located obliquely in relation to the median.
== Alkaloids ==
The Solanaceae are known for possessing a diverse range of alkaloidal [[glucoside]]s, or simply [[alkaloids]]. As far as humans are concerned, these alkaloids can be desirable, toxic, or both, though they presumably evolved because they reduced the tendency of animals to eat the plants.
One of the most important groups of these compounds is called the [[tropane]] alkaloids. The term "tropane" comes from a [[genus]] in which they are found, ''[[Atropa]]'' (the [[belladonna]] genus). The belladonna genus is so named after the
[[Greek mythology|Greek]] [[Moirae|Fate]], [[Atropos]], who cut the thread of life. This nomenclature betrays the toxicity and lethality that has long been known to be characteristic of these compounds. Tropane alkaloids are also found in the ''[[Datura]]'', ''[[Mandragora]]'', and ''[[Brugmansia]]'' genera, as well as many others in the Solanaceae family. Chemically, the molecules of these compounds have a characteristic bicyclic structure and include [[atropine]], [[scopolamine]], and [[hyoscyamine]]. Pharmacologically, they are the most powerful known [[anticholinergics]] in existence, meaning they inhibit the neurological signals transmitted by the endogenous [[neurotransmitter]], [[acetylcholine]]. [[Symptoms]] of overdose may include [[xerostomia|mouth dryness]], [[mydriasis|dilated pupils]], [[ataxia]], [[urinary retention]], [[hallucination]]s, [[seizure|convulsions]], [[coma]], and death. Despite the extreme toxicity of the tropanes, they are important drugs when administered in appropriate (and extremely small) dosages. They can reverse [[cholinergic]] poisoning, which can be caused by overexposure to [[pesticides]] and [[chemical warfare]] agents such as [[sarin]] and [[VX (nerve agent)|VX]]. More commonly, they can halt many types of [[allergic]] reactions. [[Scopolamine]], a commonly used opthamalic agent, dilates the pupils and thus facilitates examination of the interior of the eye. They can also be used as [[antiemetics]] in people prone to [[motion sickness]] or receiving [[chemotherapy]]. Atropine has a [[stimulant]] effect on the [[central nervous system]] and heart, whereas scopolamine has a [[sedative]] effect.
[[Cocaine]] is also considered a tropane alkaloid due to its structural similarity to the aforementioned compounds. Its pharmacology, however, is radically different, and it does not occur in the Solanaceae family.
The most famous alkaloid from the Solanaceae family is [[nicotine]]. Like the tropanes, its pharmacology acts on cholinergic neurons, but with the opposite effect (it is an [[agonist]] as opposed to an [[Receptor antagonist|antagonist]]). It has a higher specificity for [[nicotinic]] acetylcholine receptors than other ACh proteins. Its effects are well known. [[Nicotine]] occurs naturally in the ''[[Nicotiana]]'' or [[Tobacco]] genus.
[[Capsaicin]] is structurally unrelated to nicotine or the tropanes, and is found in the genus ''[[Capsicum]]'', which includes [[chile pepper]]s such as Tabasco peppers and [[habanero]]s. The compound is not appreciably toxic to animals. However, it stimulates specific pain receptors in most mammals, those which sense heat, in the oral [[mucosa]] as well as many other [[epithelial]] tissues. This causes a sensation of burning not unlike an actual heat or chemical burn. It is used in high concentration as a deterrent in pepper sprays, and sought after for many culinary dishes for its "spiciness". It is thought that the reason one would deliberately induce pain while eating is the rewarding release of [[endorphins]] it has been shown to induce. The "hotness" of capsaicin products and foods is expressed in [[Scoville]] units. A scoville unit is the factor by which the capsaicin-containing substance must be diluted to render the resulting solution imperceptible to a tester (for example, a teaspoon of a 5,000 Scoville unit [[hot sauce]] would have to be diluted with 4,999 teaspoons of a sugar water solution to negate its potential to cause a sensation on the palate).
== Nutritional importance ==
The most important species of this family for the global diet is the [[potato]] or ''[[Solanum tuberosum]]''. Although this plant itself is generally considered toxic, swollen subterranean sections of modified stem known as [[tubers]] generally possess no toxicity. Instead, the tubers contain a copious store of [[carbohydrates]] that both the plant and humans can use to obtain energy. However, the tubers may become toxic if allowed to sprout. Green areas on a potato indicate new growth, which may indicate the presence of [[chaconine]] and [[
solanine]]. These [[glycoalkaloid]] compounds can be in sufficient concentrations in a single potato serving to be poisonous to humans. In many genera, the fruits are the desirable item, for example, [[tomato]]es, [[tomatillo]]s, [[eggplant]]s, and [[capsicum|peppers]]. Some people experience sensitivity or [[allergy]]-like symptoms in response to nightshade plants.
==External links==
* [http://www.sgn.cornell.edu SOL Genomics Network]
* [http://www.solanaceae.net/index.php Solanaceae Network - pictures of plants]
* [http://www.nhm.ac.uk/solanaceaesource/ Solanaceae Source - more pictures]
* [http://delta-intkey.com/angio/www/solanace.htm Solanaceae] in [http://delta-intkey.com/angio/ L. Watson and M.J. Dallwitz (1992 onwards). The families of flowering plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, information retrieval.] http://delta-intkey.com
* [http://plants.usda.gov/java/ClassificationServlet?source=display&classid=Solanaceae Solanace] in USDA Plants Database.
*http://personal.denison.edu/~kuhlman/WOL/plants.html
==Additional reading==
{{cite book | author=D'Arcy, William G. | title=Solanacea | year=1986 | publisher=Columbia University Press | id=ISBN 0-231-05780-6 }}
[[Category:Solanaceae]]
[[Category:Plant families]]
[[Category:Poisonous plants]]