Effects ofSolanum malacoxylon on calcium metabolism in patients with chronic renal failure
The leaves of the plant Solanum malacoxylon (SM) contain an active principle that is capable of increasing the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate and of stimulating bone resorption in experimental animals (Mautalen, 1971; Mautalen 1972). Several studies have suggested that the active principle of SM has an effect similar to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-DHCC), the renal hormone derived from vitamin D. Firstly, SM is able to stimulate calcium absorption in nephrectomized animals (Ladizesky et al., 1975; Walling et al., 1975; yon Herrath et al., 1975). Secondly, SM reverses the inhibitory effect of strontium on calcium absorption and calcium-binding protein synthesis (Wasserman, 1974). Thirdly, SM is capable of displacing 1,25-DHCC from a specific nuclear receptor assay (Walling et al., 1975). Recent studies have shown that 1,25-DHCC is effective in stimulating calcium absorption and in correcting the bone disease of uremic patients. In view of the above-mentioned similarities between the effect of 1,25-DHCC and SM, the potential therapeutic usefulness of SM in patients with chronic renal failure has been studied.