Saponins disrupt red blood cells and may produce diarrhea and vomiting. They may also have a beneficial effect by complexing with cholesterol and thus lowering serum cholesterol levels. In humans, intestinal microflora seem to either destroy saponins or inactivate them in small concentrations.. Saponins are glycosides with a distinctive foaming characteristic. They are found in many plants, but get their name from the soapwort plant (Saponaria), the root of which was used historically as a soap (Latinsapo)
Last modified: Saturday, 18 February 2012, 7:52 AM
