Saponin Glycosides

Group of organic compounds that form

persistent froth when shaken with water.

Saponins cause haemolysis of red blood

cells.

The word Soap means Soap like.

 Properties:
 Soluble in water, alcohol and mixture of them.
 Form persistent froth with water.
 Used as detergent and emulsifying agents.
 Aglycones are called Sapogenin.
 Cause haemolysis of RBC’s if reach the blood.
 Form complex with cholesterol.
 Only small part absorbed when taken orally.
 Enhace the absorption of other drugs.
 Classification:
 According to the nature of the aglycone
saponins are classified into Steroidal and
Triterpenoidal saponins.

Sug-O
Sug-O

Steroidal Saponins Triterpenoidal Saponins

 Steroidal Saponins

 They are C-27 with 5 methyl groups.

 Less distributed in nature comparing to
Triterpenoidal saponins.
 Used mainly as precursors for the partial
synthesis of sex hormones and corticosteroids.
 Drugs containing Steroidal saponins such as:
 Discoria species Diosgenin
 Sarsaparilla Roots Sarsapogenin
 Ginseng Saponins
(Ginsenosides)

 Source: Roots of Panax ginseng

  Nature: They are C-30 compounds but they
have typical Steroidal skeleton.
 Classification: a- Protopanaxdiols
b- Protopanaxtriols

Protopanaxdiols Protopanaxatrion

OH OH
Sug-O Sug-O

Sug-O Sug-O
O-Sug
 Uses:
 It has an adaptogenic (antistress, anti-fatigue)
effect.
 It improves both physical and mental
performance including learning, memory and
physical capabilities.
 It improves the immune function and
metabolism.
 Improve liver functions.

 Stabilize blood glucose and blood pressure.

 Triterpenoidal Saponins
(Pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins)

 They are C-30 compounds.

 Much more distributed in nature.
 Have pentacyclic skeleton with 8 methyl
groups.
 1- Horse Chestnut
 Contain mixture of triterpenoidal saponins
called “Aescin”
 It is used as:
 Anti-inflammatory.
 Peripheral
vascular disorders such as Varicose
veins and Hemorrhoids.
 2- Liquorice
 Source: Glycyrrhiza glabra.
 Constituents: Sweet triterpenoidal saponins
“Glycyrrhizin”.
 COO-

Glc Glc O
Glycyrrhetic acid

Glycyrrhizinic acid

Glycyrrhizin
 Uses:
 Flavoring agent in Pharmaceutical preparation.
 Demulcent and expectorant.
 Treatment of peptic ulcer.
 Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis and Inflammatory
conditions as it has cortisone like action.
 Sweetener
 Treatment of liver diseases and liver protection
 3- Senega

 Source: Senega roots.

 Constituents: Triterpenoidal saponins “Senegin II”.
 COOH
HO
CH2OH

RO
COOH

 Uses:
 Stimulant expectorant in chronic bronchitis.