Scientists hope to harvest ‘wonder drug’ from potatoes

Imagine a substance with the potential to fight cancer, Aids, osteoporosis and heart disease, as well as curing ulcers, healing wounds and killing drug-resistant bacteria. Scottish agricultural scientists are investigating the possibility of extracting the compound, called solanesol, from the leftover leaves of potato harvests, which are usually burnt off or dumped. The chemical is already a key component in the manufacture of coenzyme Q10, which is used in beauty products to combat the appearance of ageing. Now studies are under way to establish its full powers. More