A poisonous glucoside found in many plants, as in the root of soapwort (Saponaria), in the bark of soap bark (Quillaia), etc. It is extracted as a white amorphous powder, which occasions a soapy lather in solution, and produces a local anæsthesia. Formerly called also struthiin, quillaiin, senegin, polygalic acid, etc. By extension, any one of a group of related bodies of which saponin proper is the type.
steroid vegetable glycosides that are characterized by the property of producing a soapy lather toxic to many animals.
any of various plant glucosides that form soapy lathers when mixed and agitated with water; used in detergents and foaming agents and emulsifiers
A glycosidic surfactant produced by plant cells.
any of a group of plant constituents known as glycosides that have a distinctive foaming, soapy characteristic. Saponins can have water-binding properties for skin. There is evidence that saponins can have antimicrobial benefit for skin.
Compounds of plant origin found commonly in herbs such as ginseng, cat's claw, and licorice root, and some vegetables such as yams.
any of several surfactant glycosides that produce a soapy lather; found in plants.
Chemicals from plants, frequently associated with adverse or toxic reactions. They uniformly produce soapy lathers.
A glycoside plant compound. Present in many species of plants, saponins are charecterized by their soaplike nature. Many saponins may be irritating to the digestive tract and may cause toxic reactions if ingested.
A glycoside compound in plants, which, when shaken with water, has a foaming or "soapy" action.
A chemical naturally found in many plants. Such plants often produce a good lather when crushed and rubbed in water. Saponin can often be boiled out of a plant, making that plant more edible. Too much saponin ingested can cause diarrhea.
A substance found in soybeans and many other plants. Saponins may help lower cholesterol and may have anticancer effects.
Any of various mostly toxic glucosides that occur in plants (as soapwort or soapbark) and are characterized by the property of producing a soapy lather.
Saponins are glycosides of steroids, steroid alkaloids (steroids with a nitrogen function) or triterpenes found in plants, especially in the plant skins where they form a waxy protective coating. Some authors distinguish a third class of saponin, the alkaloid saponins. They dissolve in water to form a stable soapy froth; this is thought to be due to their amphiphilic nature.