Use of Topical Solasodine of Solanum Melongena Peel Origin in the Treatment of Palmar Arsenic Keratosis

Overview

Arsenic is one of the largest mass poisonings in Bangladesh. Arsenic keratosis of the palm and sole is a common feature of arsenicosis. Brinjal or eggplant ubiquitous vegetable found in different parts of the world, including Bangladesh, scientifically known as Solanum melongena. A study showed ointment containing crude extract of Solanum melongena peel origin is effective in arsenic keratosis. Solasodine is one of the active compounds of Solanum melongena peel. In the current study, an ointment containing a single compound solasodine isolated from Solanum melongena peel . The ointment made from solasodine extract was distributed among arsenic keratosis patients to see the effect.

About millions of Bangladeshi people are chronically exposed to high arsenic concentrations (above 50 micrograms/liter) through contaminated drinking water and thus suffer from arsenic-related health hazards called arsenicosis. Arsenic keratosis is one of the commonest skin manifestations of arsenicosis that occur in the palm and sole that is troublesome for the working people and females suffered a negative socio-economic impact. Two studies were conducted in the same department where topical ointment prepared from the crude extract of S. melongena peel was found effective in arsenical keratosis. The present study was conducted to confirm the previous study and identify that solasodine isolated from S. melongena peel is responsible for the cure of the lesions of arsenical keratosis. Thus, it may be possible for the chemical synthesis of solasodine, and an effective, inexpensive topical ointment can be prepared for the cure of arsenical keratosis.