What is the difference between saponins and sapogenins?
Nov 10, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Saponins are a class of glycosides in which the aglycones are triterpenoid or spirostane compounds. They are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and possess various biological activities. During different historical periods and in different regions, these compounds have been given varying names, leading to confusion between the terms "saponin" and "sapogenin." Currently, the international community generally uses the term "saponin" to refer to this class of compounds.
Under normal circumstances, saponins and sapogenins are not different but are actually different names for the same class of compounds.
Saponins are glycosides with aglycones of triterpenoid or spirostane compounds. They are widely present in the plant kingdom and have various bioactive properties. During different historical periods and in different regions, various naming conventions have been used for this class of compounds, leading to confusion between the terms "saponin" and "sapogenin". Currently, the international community generally uses the term "saponin" to refer to this class of compounds.
The chemical structure of saponins consists of an aglycone and a glycoside group. The aglycone is typically a lipid composed of fatty acids or steroids. The glycoside group is made up of sugars such as glucose, galactose, and arabinose.
Saponins have various bioactive properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. Additionally, they can enhance memory, reduce fatigue, regulate the nervous system, improve heart function, modulate kidney function, lower blood glucose, reduce cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and enhance immune function.
Saponin components are commonly found in medications such as licorice compound tablets, oryzanol tablets, Hongyao tablets, compound Salvia miltiorrhiza droppills, sodium aescinate tablets, and drugs containing pyridine, steroidal saponins, or steroidal glycopeptides.
