Saponins properties

Guglu-Ustiindag, O. and Mazza, G. (2007). Saponins Properties, applications and processing. Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr. 47, 231-258. 

Gu9lu-Ustimdag O, Mazza G (2007) Saponins properties, applications and processing. Crit Rev Food SciNutr47 231-258... 

There has been considerable discussion regarding the mode of action of the sea cucumber and starfish saponins. Both the triterpene and steroidal glycosides inhibit both Na/K ATPase and Ca/Mg ATPase 06) possibly as a result of their aglycone structures. However, their detergent properties cause membrane disruption which will influence the activity of membrane-bound enzymes such as the ATPases. In investigating the actions of saponins on multilamellar liposomes, it was found that cholesterol serves as the binding site for such saponins and that cholesterol-free lip-somes are not lysed by saponins 107). 

Saponins and phenolics also have anti-microbial properties (Chung et ah, 1998) and have been associated with reduced rumen functions (Klita et al., 1996 Reed, 1995), thereby limiting the nutrient quality of forages. Also, carbohydrate complexes with hgnins and other compounds reduce carbohydrate utilization by rumen bacteria (Cornu et al., 1994). The influence of such anti-microbials on rumen functions can affect small intestine characteristics by altering nutrient concentrations (Barry and McNabb, 1999). 

A significant advance in the understanding of the anti-inflammatory properties of Bupleurum fruticescens has been provided by Prieto et al. (36). The showed that a methanol extract from the aerial parts had a significant effect on 5-lipoxygenase activity, inhibiting both LTB4 and 5(S)-HETE production, with IC50 values of 112 and 95 (xg/mL, respectively. At concentrations of 200 (Xg/mL, the extract inhibited COX-1 (90%) and elastase activities (54%). What are the principles involved here, saponin ... 

Fujikawa et al. made the interesting observation that an extract from the stem bark given orally at a dose of 250 mg/kg once a day for 2 weeks protects rats against MPTP-induced Parkinsonian bradykinesia and catalepsy and inhibited neuronal loss of dopamine (70). The active constituents involved here are unknown. Note that the plant abounds with pentacyclic oleanene saponins (71-73). Note that Acanthopanax species are known to elaborate a series of diterpenes, a group that has the potency to bind to dopamine receptors, as reported in Vitex agnus-castus. Are diterpenes involved in the dopaminergic properties of Acanthopanax gracilistylus W. W. Sm. ... 

Malaysia, the seeds are poisonous and used to catch fish. The plant has not been studied for its pharmacological potentials. The ichthyotoxic property could involve some naphthoquinones and/or saponins. 

Solvents have been added to nerve agents to facilitate handling, to stabilize the agents, or to increase the ease of percutaneous penetration by the agents. Percutaneous enhancement solvents include dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylpalmitamide, N,N-dimethyldecanamide, and saponin. Color and other properties of these solutions may vary from the pure agent. Odors will vary depending on the characteristics of the solvent(s) used and concentration of nerve agent in the solution. 

Saponins are a family of glycosides (sugar derivatives) widely distributed in plants. Each saponin consists of a sugar moiety bound to a sapogenin (either a steroid or a triterpene). The immunostimulatory properties of the saponin fraction isolated from the bark of Quillaja (a tree) has been long recognized. Quil A (which consists of a mixture of related saponins) is used as an adjuvant in selected veterinary vaccines. However, its haemolytic potential precludes its use in human vaccines. Research efforts continue in an attempt to identify individual saponins (or derivatives thereof) that would make safe and effective adjuvants for use in human medicine. 

A more detailed understanding of the biochemical pathways and enzymes involved in saponin biosynthesis will facilitate the development of plants with altered saponin content. In some cases, enhanced levels of saponins or the synthesis of novel saponins may be desirable (for example, for drug production 4 or improved disease resistance3,5,6), while for other plants, reduction in the content of undesirable saponins would be beneficial (for example, for legume saponins that are associated with antifeedant properties in animal feed7). This chapter is concerned with recent progress that has been made in the characterization of the enzymes and genes involved in the synthesis of these complex molecules and focuses on triterpenoid saponins. 

Saponins are glycosylated natural products with soap-like properties [3]. The aglycones (sapogenins) are either triterpenoid- or steroid-derived. Dicotyledonous... 

Saponins occur in Liliaceae such as asparagus, in legumes, spinach, and yams. They are triterpenoid glycosides with soap-like properties. Many are glycosides of steroid alcohols, and all have a bitter taste. Two types are... 

Saponins have been variously attributed with a diverse range of properties, some of which include both beneficial and detrimental effects on human health, piscidical, insecticidal and molluscicidal activity, allelopathic action, antinutri-tional effects, sweetness and bitterness, and as phytoprotectants that defend plants against attack by microbes and herbivores [2-11]. A more detailed understanding of the biochemical pathways and enzymes involved in saponin... 

Glycosides that have soaplike properties are called saponins. Similarly, glycosides that liberate hydrocyanic acid (HCN) on hydrolysis are known as cyanogenic glycosides, and glycosides that have an effect on heart muscle are called cardiac glycosides. 

Xanthoxylum piperitum DC Chuan Jian (fruit) Essential oils, phellandrene, limonene, citronellol, geraniol, and sanshol in fruit sesquiterpene lactones-xanthatin, limonene in seed saponin, citral, citronellol, geraniol in leaf berberine, xanthoxylinin root.49-430 Diaphoretic properties, prophylactic against hydrophobia, used as a diuretic, stomachic, carminative, stimulant, resolving inflammatory swellings, it is sedative. 

N.A. Saponins, anagalline, tannins, cucurbitacins. Diuretic, sweat-inducing and expectorant properties. 

N.A. Steroidal saponins, albuminoides, diosgenin, progestoron, sapogenin.126 Hormonal effect, treat vaginal discharge, diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. 

N.A. Sitosterol, tannins, saponins, tribulusamide A and B, n -1 mn.v-fcru loy 1 tyram i nc, terrestriamide, n -1 runs-a mm aroy Ityram i nc.174 Estrogenic properties, antiandrogenic action, reduce benign prostate hyperlasia (BPH). 

N.A. Viola tricolor L. Saponins, mucilage, violin, salicylic compounds, tannins.100,114 Diuretic, diaphoretic, tonic, antiinflammatory, blood-purifying properties. 

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