Tomatine
Medicinal Chemistry
Molecular Weight
1034.19
Molecular Formula
C50H83NO21
IUPAC Name
alpha-Tomatine
Pharmacognosy
Biological Source
Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato leaves and stems)
Active Constituents
Tomatine
Pharmacology & Synthesis
Mechanism of Action
Binds strongly to cholesterol and ergosterol in cell membranes, disrupting fungal cell walls.
Pharmacokinetics (ADME)
A: Poorly absorbed from GI tract.
D: Acts locally in GI tract.
M: GI hydrolysis.
E: Fecal.
Pharmacodynamics
Fungicidal and broad antimicrobial properties.
Synthesis Pathway
Biosynthesized via the steroidal pathway from cholesterol.
Safety, Warnings & Interactions
Adverse Effects
Mild GI irritation (significantly less toxic than solanine).
Contraindications
Not used clinically.
Drug Interactions
None.