Process to obtain an extract from solanum genus plants

Abstract

The present invention relates to an efficient process to obtain a Saponin and Sapogenin rich extract from fruits of Sonalum genus plants. The process presents a rational consumption of raw materials and energy resources, including polarity modifying agents which facilitate extraction and purification processes, which in turn increases its efficiency. The obtained Solasodine glycosides have biological antitumor and antibiotic activity, and can be used as precursors for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, as active ingredients in medicinal compositions, cosmetics, veterinary products and bioproducts.

1 . A process for obtaining a solid extract rich in Solasodine glycosides from  Solanum  genus plants comprising:
 a) grind the plant fruits in a hydroalcoholic solution, leave it to rest during 36 to 120 hours and filter in order to separate the solid material from the hydroalcoholic extract;   b) add a weak acid to the solid obtained in a), leave it to rest during 36 to 120 hours and then filter in order to separate the acidic extract;   c) mix the extract obtained in a) with the acidic extract obtained in b); basify until a pH between 10 and 12 is reached to obtain a brown-colored solid and then add enough water to the obtained solid until it turns white;   d) recover the solid obtained in c) via filtration, dissolve it in a hot hydroalcoholic solution and concentrate;   e) add the solution obtained in d) in a polarity modifying agent until a solid Solasodine glucoside-rich extract is obtained.   
     
     
         2 . A process according to  claim 1 , wherein a further step is executed by re-dissolving the precipitate obtained in e) in a hot solution of ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol, or mixtures thereof, filtrating and crystalizing. 
     
     
         3 . A process according to  claim 1 , wherein the  Solanum  genus plants fruits are selected from the group that consists of  Solanum agrarium, Solanum atropurpureum, Solanum betaceum, Solanum quitoense, Solanum crinitum, Solanum hirtum, Solanum lycocarpum, Solanum lycopersicum, Solanum macranthum, Solanum mammosum, Solanum melongena, Solanum nigrum, Solanum psychotrioides, Solanum sycophanta  and  S. xanthocarpum.    
     
     
         4 . A process according to  claim 1 , wherein the hydroalcoholic solution has a concentration range between 50% and 96% (v/v) of ethanol, propanol, butanol, isobutanol and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         5 . A process according to  claim 1 , wherein the fruit and hydroalcoholic solution weight ratio from stage a) is 1:2. 
     
     
         6 . A process according to  claim 1 , wherein the polarity modifying agent added in stage d) is selected from the group consisting of water, saline solution, aluminum sulfate, alum stone, aluminum polychloride, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         7 . A process according to  claim 1 , wherein the solid extract obtained in e) contains alkaloidal saponins such as Chaconine, Solamargine, Solasonine, Solanidine, Solanine, Sycophantine and Tomatine. 
     
     
         8 . A solid extract obtained from  Solanum  genus plants, through a process according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         9 . A solid extract obtained from  Solanum  genus plants that comprise alkaloidal saponins, such as Chaconine, Solamargine, Solasonine, Solanidine, Solanine, Sycophantine and Tomatine. 
     
     
         10 . A composition comprising a solid extract according to  claim 8 , along with a vehicle, adjuvants and/or acceptable excipients. 
     
     
         11 . The use of a solid extract according to  claim 8 , for the synthesis of steroidal hormones, anti-cancer and anti-tumor products. 
     
     
         12 . The use of a solid extract according to  claim 8  as a biocidal agent for the inactivation of the Herpes Simplex virus, treatment of Leishmaniasis and skin ulcers caused by said disease, treatment of Schistosomiasis and inhibition of fungal growth. 
     
     
         13 . The use of a composition that comprises one or more solid extracts according to  claim 8 , as an active ingredient in revitalizing, hypoallergenic, moisturizing, clarifying, anti-aging and other conditioning and skin care cosmetic formulations. 
     
     
         14 . The use of a composition comprising at least one solid extract according to  claim 8 , for controlling harmful organisms for agriculture, animal breeding and human health. 
     
     
         15 . The use of a composition according to  claim 10 , to treat chronic skin diseases, such as ulcers caused by Leishmanisis, Dermatophytosis, dermatitis, non-melanoma skin cancer and other related disorders.