Acetylcholine-like activity in the fruit of the black nightshade (Solanaceae)

The presence of acetylcholine in aqueous extracts of the fruit of Solanum nigrum Linn. (black nightshade) has been established based upon the following pharmacological tests: a) isotonic contraction of the isolated toad rectus abdominis; b) negative chronotropic and inotropic action on the isolated toad heart; c) isotonic contraction of the isolated guinea pig's ileum; d) isotonic contraction of the rat's isolated jejunum; 3) decrease on the cat's arterial blood pressure; f) secretory effects on the rat's submaxillary gland. These actions were selectively blocked by curate or atropine and disappeared after incubation of the extract at 37 C with plasma. Further evidence showing that the fruit of the black nightshade contains acetylcholine was obtained by chromatographic separation of the aqueous extract. The average content of acetylcholine was found to be 250 micrograms/g of fruit.