What is Saponin?

Saponin, also known as saponinoid, is a kind of glycoside mainly found in the roots, stems, and leaves of plants. There are also a small amount of saponins present in marine organisms such as sea stars and sea cucumbers. Common plants such as ginseng, licorice, radix bupleuri, panax notoginseng, and anemarrhena rhizome contain relatively rich saponins. Saponins are widely used in medicine and have the effects of relieving fever, sedation, and anticancer, preventing and treating various diseases.

Classification of Saponins:

1. Steroidal saponins: Their saponin aglycones are derivatives of spirostane, mostly composed of 27 carbon atoms (such as diosgenin). This type of saponin is mostly found in plants of the Liliaceae and Dioscoreaceae families.

2. Triterpene saponins: Their saponin aglycones are derivatives of triterpene, mostly composed of 30 carbon atoms. Triterpene saponins are divided into tetracyclic triterpene and pentacyclic triterpene. This type of saponin is mostly found in plants of the Araliaceae and Umbelliferae families.

Sources of Saponins:

1. Plants containing saponins include the Fabaceae, Rosaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Amaranthaceae, and others. Animals include sea cucumbers and sea stars. Ginsenosides are the most effective medicinal ingredients in ginseng, with nearly 30 types, each with its specific pharmacological function.

2. Soybean saponins are not only non-toxic to humans but also have many beneficial physiological functions. They have various physiological activities and good pharmacological effects, including anticancer, immune regulation, reducing serum cholesterol levels, preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases, antibacterial, antiviral, liver protection, weight loss, and other multiple physiological effects. In addition to being used as medicine, soybean saponins can also be used as high-end cosmetics, food additives, and surfactants in the chemical industry.