Understanding the Danger: What Does Potato Leave Do in the Body?

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

As members of the toxic nightshade family, all green parts of the common potato plant (Solanum tuberosum), including the leaves, contain harmful compounds known as glycoalkaloids. So, what does potato leave do in the body when ingested? It can cause dangerous and potentially life-threatening poisoning.

Quick Summary

Ingesting potato leaves is extremely dangerous due to the high concentration of the neurotoxin solanine. This can lead to severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, and in large doses, can be fatal.

Key Points

Poisonous Plant Parts: All green parts of the potato plant, including the leaves, stems, and sprouts, are toxic due to a high concentration of the neurotoxin solanine.
Solanine's Effects: Ingesting solanine can cause severe gastrointestinal issues like nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, along with neurological symptoms such as headaches and confusion.
Ineffective Cooking: Heating methods like boiling or frying do not effectively eliminate the solanine toxin, making consumption unsafe even after cooking.
Avoid Confusion with Sweet Potatoes: Unlike common potato leaves, which are toxic, sweet potato leaves are from a different plant family and are edible and nutritious.
Emergency Response: In case of accidental ingestion, seek immediate medical help from a healthcare provider or a poison control center.
Safe Handling: To prevent poisoning, always store potatoes in a cool, dark place and discard any green or sprouted tubers, as these indicate higher solanine levels.

The Poisonous Nature of Potato Leaves

Potato leaves are part of the nightshade family, or Solanaceae, a botanical group that includes other common plants like tomatoes and eggplants. While the potato tuber itself is safe and nutritious to eat once cooked, the green leaves, stems, sprouts, and even green skin on the tuber are toxic. This toxicity is a natural defense mechanism produced by the plant to ward off insects and animals. The primary toxic compound is a glycoalkaloid called solanine, a powerful neurotoxin.

The Impact of Solanine on the Body

When solanine is ingested, it can be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and affect both the digestive and nervous systems. It inhibits cholinesterase, an enzyme essential for nerve function, potentially leading to severe neurological issues. Solanine can also disrupt cell membranes and cause cell death, particularly in the nervous system. Symptoms of poisoning typically appear several hours after consumption, though they can be delayed up to a day.

Symptoms of Solanine Poisoning

Symptoms of solanine poisoning vary based on the amount ingested. Even a small amount can cause a bitter taste and discomfort. Symptoms generally affect the gastrointestinal and neurological systems.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Abdominal pain or cramping
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Burning sensation in the throat

Neurological Symptoms

Headaches
Fever
Hallucinations
Dilated pupils
Lethargy and confusion
In severe cases, paralysis
In extremely severe and rare cases, death

Why Cooking Isn't a Solution

Cooking methods such as boiling, baking, or frying do not effectively eliminate solanine from potato plant parts. While some reduction in concentration might occur, the remaining toxin is often still at dangerous levels. Therefore, it is important to avoid consuming green or sprouted potatoes, as well as the leaves and stems, regardless of how they are prepared.

The Potato vs. Sweet Potato Confusion

The edibility of sweet potato leaves, which are safe and nutritious, sometimes leads to confusion regarding common potato leaves. These two plants belong to different botanical families.

Potato Leaves vs. Sweet Potato Leaves


Feature	Common Potato Leaves (Solanum tuberosum)	Sweet Potato Leaves (Ipomoea batatas)
Plant Family	Nightshade (Solanaceae)	Morning Glory (Convolvulaceae)
Edibility	Highly Toxic	Edible and Nutritious
Toxin Content	High concentration of solanine	Safe for human consumption
Leaf Shape	Compound leaves with multiple leaflets	Large, heart-shaped leaves

First Aid and Prevention

Immediate medical attention is crucial if potato leaves are ingested. Do not induce vomiting unless a poison control center or healthcare provider advises it. The Poison Control Center hotline (1-800-222-1222 in the United States) offers free and confidential expert guidance on poisoning incidents. To prevent poisoning, handle potatoes correctly and only consume the ripe, blemish-free tuber. Store potatoes in a cool, dark place to minimize greening and sprouting, which increase solanine levels.

Conclusion: A Clear Warning

In conclusion, what does potato leave do in the body? It causes severe poisoning and must not be consumed. The toxic glycoalkaloid solanine in the green parts of the plant poses significant health risks. It is important to be aware of this, especially considering the edibility of sweet potato leaves. Always handle potato plants with caution and discard any part that is not a firm, blemish-free tuber. For more information on toxic substances, resources like the webPOISONCONTROL tool can be helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

All green parts of the potato plant are toxic due to the presence of glycoalkaloids, regardless of their age. The leaves and stems naturally contain high concentrations of the toxin solanine, and cooking does not make them safe to eat.

If you suspect a child has ingested potato leaves, seek immediate medical attention. Contact a local poison control center (like 1-800-222-1222 in the US) or a healthcare provider for guidance.

Yes, potato leaves contain solanine and are toxic to many animals. Symptoms can include gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and weakness. If you suspect your animal has eaten them, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Solanine is a neurotoxin that can disrupt nerve function by inhibiting an important enzyme called cholinesterase. In large amounts, it can also cause cell damage throughout the body, particularly affecting the nervous and digestive systems.

Common potato leaves are from the toxic nightshade family and are poisonous, while sweet potato leaves are from the morning glory family and are edible and nutritious. The leaf shapes are also distinct, with sweet potato leaves being heart-shaped.

Symptoms of solanine poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, and fever. In more severe cases, hallucinations and paralysis have been reported.

While death from solanine poisoning is rare, it is possible in severe cases, particularly if a large quantity is consumed. The toxicity is significant enough that it can be life-threatening.