Saikosaponin structure

The root of the Bupleurum species has been used in China as a traditional remedy for inflammatory diseases [20]. The main constituents of this drug are oligoglycosides of oleanane triterpenes called saikosaponin a-f. Saikosaponins cause a reduction in histamine secretion and enhance the anti-inflammatory actions of glucocorticoids [22]. Some of them have been shown to inhibit prostaglandin E2 production in the macrophage culture system [23]. It has recently been reported that the saikosaponins present in Heteromorpha trifoliata, which are structurally related to those of Bupleurum falcatum (saiko in Japanese), have anti-inflammatory activity. One in vivo study concluded that the isolated saikosaponins act by a mechanism close to that of steroids, but do not involve the glucocorticoid receptor [24]. 

Given their structural relationship to steroids, many saponins are renowned for their anti-inflammatory effects. Among the most potent are saikosaponins from Bupleurum falcatum and boswellic acid from Boswellia serrata. Saikosaponins are also immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective. Some saponins have been found to reduce... 

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