α-Solanine is a glycoalkaloid found in species of the nightshade family including potato. The name is derived from the Latin for European black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), from which solanine was first isolated in 1820. It was primarily reported to have toxic effects in humans. However, there is a growing body of literature demonstrating in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of α-solanine. Most of these studies have shown activation of apoptosis as the underlying mechanism in antitumor activity of α-solanine. Naturally occurring BuChE and AChE inhibitor.