A Chemotaxonomic Classification of the Solanaceae

Abstract

Alkaloids and steroids in the Solanaceae are reported extensively in the literature.By examining the biosynlhetic routes leading to difierenl alkaloids, the pathways can be visualized as a spiral from which the various compounds can be derived.Arrangement of the genera of Solanaceae according to their chemical contents in relationship to this spiral supports traditional classifications of the family, but the Anthocercidoideae and Atropoideae must be recognized as new subfamilies due to their biochemical synthesis syndromes.Similarly, Solaninae and Physalinae must be accepted as separate subtribes of tribe Solaneae because of their differing and exclusive steroid synthesis.Acnistus and Dunalia must be allied with Jaborosa in tribe Jaboroseae.