Health Benefits of
Solanum
Tuberosum
​Solanum tuberosum, commonly known as potato, is an important food source around the globe. This staple crop is cultivated in North America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Surprisingly, potato is the first vegetable that was grown in space in 1995, serving as food for astronauts. [1] The pharmacologic benefits of potatoes are discussed in the subsequent sections.
Antioxidant Activity of Solanum tuberosum
​Potato peel contains approximately 90% of the phenolic compounds in potatoes. The primary phenolic compound found in potatoes is chlorogenic acid. Others include caffeic, vanillic, and p-coumaric acids as well as quercetin glucoside. These chemicals scavenge the free radicals and reactive oxygen species, thus, protecting the tissues from oxidative damage. These compounds also inhibit the bleaching of beta-carotene, an important constituent of skin that prevents premature aging. [2]
Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Solanum tuberosum
​Anthocyanins in Solanum tuberosum possess a myriad of pharmacological properties. Anthocyanins have antiproliferative and antimicrobial properties that modulate cancer and microbial growth respectively. Anthocyanins demonstrate antibacterial activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial strains, however, gram-positive bacteria are more susceptible to the action of anthocyanin extract. Anthocyanins also demonstrate antifungal activity against C. albicans, B. cinerea, and R. solani. [3]
Figure 2 demonstrates the antioxidant activity of acetone, methanol, and 80% methanol extract of different parts of the potato plant https://applbiolchem.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13765-019-0422-8
Figure 3 demonstrates the antibacterial activity of anthocyanins against different bacterial strains https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23313609/
​Solanum tuberosum Promotes Wound Healing
Ethanolic extracts of Solanum tuberosum are used for formulating ointments that accelerate the process of wound healing, tissue repair, and scar formation. Galy et al. demonstrated that 2% ointment has higher efficacy in promoting wound healing. [4]
Solanum tuberosum for Treatment of Acne and Hyperpigmentation
​Potato contains azelaic acid, a compound that suppresses the activity of tyrosinase. Tyrosinase catalyzes the production of melanin, the skin pigment. Inhibition of tyrosinase reduces the concentration of melanin in the skin as well as reduces the occurrence of pigmentation spots on the skin. Antibacterial and antioxidant properties of potato also prevent acne from arising due to bacterial infections and oxidative cellular damage. [5]
​Solanum tuberosum for Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is characterized by eczema and pruritis of the skin and is highly associated with immune dysregulation. Steroid therapy is the conventional treatment of atopic dermatitis, however, is associated with adverse side effects. Hongyoung variety of potatoes contains a high concentration of anthocyanin. This compound suppresses inflammatory mediators improve the appearance of skin lesions in atopic dermatitis. It also reduces scratching among subjects suffering from atopic dermatitis, thus, preventing further exacerbation of symptoms. [6]