Saponin

Chemical properties

Light yellow powder

The Uses of Saponin

Saponin is an amphipathic glycoside and surfactant.

The Uses of Saponin

Glycoside widely distributed in plants. Nonionic sufactant that forms oil-in-water emulsions and acts as protective colloid. Used for the direct determination of metals in milk by flame atomic-absorption spectrophotometry. Also used in permeabilization of cell membranes and separation of low molecular weight contaminants, and as an adjuvant in vaccine development.

What are the applications of Application

Saponin is an amphipathic glycoside and surfactant

Definition

saponin: A type of toxic glycosidethat forms a frothy colloidal solutionon shaking with water. Saponinsoccur in many plants (such as horsechestnut). They break down redblood cells and have been used forpoisoning fish. On hydrolysis theyyield a variety of sugars.

General Description

Saponins are natural steroidal glycoside (terpenes).

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Biochem/physiol Actions

Saponins solubilize the low density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction of cholesterol in micelles, thus lowering their concentration. Saponin from Quillaja bark is used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages. This saponin has been shown to enhance immune-cell proliferation in vitro.