Saponins

Saponins are non-nitrogenous substances of glycosidic nature, composed of a sugar part – glycone, and a non-sugar part – sapogenin. Saponins are found in various plants, especially in the families of Caryophyllaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rosaceae, and Solanaceae. They are used to facilitate expectoration and promote urine excretion, increase cell membrane permeability, reduce external tension, strengthen the absorption of poorly digestible substances, have anticancer, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering effects. Some saponins are used as raw materials for the production of steroid hormones. Saponins foam when shaken with water, so they are used in the production of various detergents.

Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė