Chemotaxonomic characterization and chemical similarity of tribes/genera of the Solanoideae subfamily (Solanaceae) based on occurrence of withanolides

Withanolides are well established as chemotaxonomic markers in the Solanaceae. A large number of withanolides have been isolated from the subfamily Solanoideae (Solanaceae). A database of the occurrences of withanolides in Solanoideae was compiled to help characterize the chemical profile and verify the chemical similarity of the tribes/genera of this subfamily. The study revealed the importance of this group of compounds as chemotaxonomic markers, especially for Physaleae, Deprea, and Jaborosa, ratifying the importance of chemotaxonomy as a tool for elucidation of taxonomic problems, such as undefined relationships of genera that are not yet included in tribes of Solanoideae.