Description
Saponin is a secondary metabolite that facilitates the penetration of proteins through the cell membrane. Studies indicate that saponins are amphipathic glycosides, which can act as hemolytic agents. Research indicates that Saponin displays antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities, which may be due to its nonglycosidic moiety, sapogenin. Saponin can also be used in environmental research to recover chromium and other metals from sludge samples. Additional studies indicate that Saponin is useful in immunoassays since it can stimulate the Th1 immune response and the production of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in response to exogenous antigens.Glycoside widely distributed in plants.Nonionic sufactant that forms oil-in-water emulsions and acts as protective colloid. Used for the direct determination of metals in milk by flame atomic-absorption spectrophotometry.Also used in permeabilization of cell membranes and separation of low molecular weight contaminants,and as an adjuvant in vaccine development