Saponin — herbalism term · PlantSage glossary
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Saponin defined
— Soap-like plant compounds.
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The definition
Compounds that form soap-like foams when shaken in water. Found in soapwort, soapnut, many adaptogens, and licorice. Vary widely in action — some are expectorants, others adaptogens, others gut-irritants.
Mechanism
Amphiphilic structure interacts with cell membranes — at low doses mildly stimulating, at high doses irritating or haemolytic. Improve absorption of other compounds taken alongside.
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Example plants
Classic species in this category from the PlantSage archive.
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See also
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