Abstract
Potato ( Solanum tuberosum ) is one of the most widely cultivated crops globally, valued not only for its nutritional content but also for its rich phytochemical profile and diverse biological activities. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the mineral composition, phenolic constituents, and bioactive compounds of S. tuberosum , with particular emphasis on chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, glycoalkaloids (α-solanine and α-chaconine), and anthocyanins predominantly found in pigmented cultivars. These compounds are associated with significant biological activities, including antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects demonstrated across various in vitro and in vivo studies. Quantitative findings indicate that phenolic-rich potato extracts, particularly from peel and colored tubers, exhibit higher radical scavenging capacity and cytotoxic activity compared to inner tissues. In addition, protein extracts and glycoalkaloid fractions have shown notable antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects against a wide range of microorganisms and cancer cell lines. The review also highlights major biotic stress factors affecting potato production, including key pathogens such as Phytophthora infestans , Ralstonia solanacearum , and viral agents like Potato virus Y (PVY), as well as insect pests and nematodes that significantly reduce yield and quality. Recent advancements in phytochemical profiling and molecular plant defense mechanisms reveal that phenylpropanoid-derived compounds play a crucial role in plant immunity and stress adaptation. Overall, this review underscores the dual importance of S. tuberosum as both a functional food source and a reservoir of bioactive compounds with promising applications in food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries. • Potato is one of the most widely cultivated crops globally, due to its nutritional content, rich phytochemical profile, and diverse biological activities. • Potatoes contain compounds that are associated with significant biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. • Phenolic-rich potato extracts exhibit higher radical scavenging capacity and cytotoxic activity. • Protein extracts and glycoalkaloid fractions of potatoes have shown notable antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects against a wide range of microorganisms and cancer cell lines. • Several biotic stress factors negatively affect potato production, including fungal pathogens, viral agents, insect pests, and nematodes. • Potatoes are a functional food source and a reservoir of bioactive compounds with promising applications in food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries.