Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Saponin
Saponins are glycosides of steroids, steroid alkaloids (steroids with a nitrogen function) or triterpenes found in plants, especialy in the plant skins where they form a waxy protective coating. They dissolve in water to form a soapy froth. Saponins are believed to be usefull in the human diet for controlling cholesterol.
Saponins have been identified in:
- Digitalis (as digitonin )
- Grape skin[1]
- Olives
- Panax (as ginsenoside)
- Quillaja saponaria (member of the Rosaceae family)
- Soybeans
- Yucca
- Quinoa
- Soapberry (member of the Sapindaceae family)
The saponin QS21 is being investigated for possible beneficial effects on the immune system.
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10-26-2009 08:16:03
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The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details