Detection of Saponins in Plant Tissues

Saponins are one of the largest classes of plant natural products with vast structural and functional diversity. They are typically composed of a hydrophobic aglycone linked to hydrophilic oligosaccharide moieties, which makes the saponins highly amphipathic and confers foaming and emulsifying properties. According to the aglycone structure from which they are derived, saponins can be classified into triterpenoids, steroids or steroidal glycoalkaloids.

Saponins and their biosynthetic intermediates play an important role in plant growth and development. The quality and quantity of saponin content is influenced by biotic stress including herbivory and pathogen attack as well as abiotic stress factors such as humidity, nutrient starvation, light and temperature.

The saponins and their biosynthetic intermediates display a variety of biological activities of interest to the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food sectors.  A number of therapeutic properties have been ascribed to saponins, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective properties, as well as prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Saponin extracts can be used as foaming agents in carbonated beverages and cosmetics, and as flavor modifiers in baked foods, herbs and dietary supplements.

The distribution of saponins varies greatly among plant species, individual plants, organs and tissues, during development and maturation, and shows seasonal fluctuations. STEMart is able to identify the composition and determine the content of saponins in the plant tissues.

Test Capabilities

• Extraction and purification of saponins from different plant samples
• Pretreatment for analysis of saponins in different plant samples
• Detection and analysis of saponins in plant samples

For more information about our plant saponins detection service, please contact us.