AN OVERVIEW ON THE BIOLOGICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF SAPONINS
Keywords:
Saponins, Biological activities, Pharmacological activitiesAbstract
Saponins are secondary metabolites synthesized by many different plant species and marine animals. They derive their name from the Latin word "sapo" meaning soap, due to their surfactant properties, which allows forming stable soap-like foam when shaken in aqueous solution. They are large molecules and contain a hydrophobic part, composed of a triterpenoid (30 carbon atoms) or steroid backbone (27 carbon atoms with a 6-ring spirostane or a 5-ring furostane skeleton) and a hydrophobic part consisting of several saccharide residues linked to the hydrophobic scaffold through glycose bonds. They have many medical uses including microbial, anti-tumor, anti-insect hepatoprotective, haemolytic and anti-inflammatory activities. They also decrease the blood cholesterol level and may be used as adjuvant in vaccines. In addition, saponins are used in preparation of soaps, detergents, fire extinguishers, shampoos, beer and cosmetic. Many saponins that exhibit haemolytic activity have a bitter taste and are toxic to fish. This work provides an overview on the biological and pharmacological activities of saponins with a special focus on their mechanism of action.
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