Saponins are plant chemical compounds belonging to the group of glycosides, i.e. substances derived from sugars. The name of saponin comes from the Latin word "sapo" which means "soap". What are the properties of saponins? Are saponins poisonous?
Contents:
- Saponins - action
- Saponins and libido
- Saponins - expectorant action
- Saponins - occurrence
- Saponins - side effects
- Saponins in food
- Saponins in cosmetics
Saponinsis one of the plant substances with washing properties. Saponins foam in water like soap, which is why parts of plants rich in saponins have been used for decades as a readily available replacement for soap, e.g. for washing.
Saponins - action
It is now known that saponins, apart from washing properties, also have valuable he alth properties and quite broad healing effects. For these reasons, this substance has been used in the treatment of many diseases. Saponins work:
- diuretic
- expectorant
- increase mucus secretion
- support the absorption of nutrients from the intestines into the blood
- have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antifungal properties
- stimulate the secretion of gastric juice, bile and intestinal juice, supporting the digestive processes
- they may also lower the level of "bad" cholesterol
- enhance the digestion of fats
- high doses administered orally have an emetic effect
Saponins and libido
For therapeutic purposes, the herb and fruit of Tribulus terrestris are most often used - its fruits are a rich source of saponins, mainly protodioscin and protogracilinin. It has been proven that in the body these compounds are transformed into dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which stimulates the libido, and also increases the satisfaction with sexual intercourse. Both the mace fruit and the herb extract can be purchased in the form of tablets or dried.
It is also worth knowing that the herb tribulus has been used by many athletes since the 1970s, because the saponins contained in it increase the concentration of anabolic hormones in the blood, which helpsincrease muscle mass and develop physical fitness.
Saponins - expectorant action
Due to their expectorant effects, saponins are a frequent component of preparations stimulating the cough reflex and expectoration of secretions. For example, primrose root saponins irritate the nerve endings of the gastric mucosa, thereby stimulating the vagus nerve center, which in turn increases the production and secretion of watery mucus in the respiratory tract, resulting in a cough reflex.
Plants that also contain these healing substances and have an expectorant effect also include:
- common ivy
- medicinal primrose
- witch frog
- medical soap
- smooth licorice
However, currently manufacturers of herbal medicines pay the most attention to common ivy and medicinal primrose. Extracts of these plants can be easily found in cough syrups.
Saponins - occurrence
Most saponins are found in the roots, stems (especially the skins) and in the fruits of plants. Their highest concentration is noted especially in such plants as:
- smooth licorice
- medical soap
- gypsophila
- marigold
- horse chestnut
- digitalis
- common ivy
- grapevine
- olives
- ginseng
- soybeans
- yucca
- aloes
- quinoa
- common starfish
- paraguayan holly
- lily of the valley
- nightshade sweetgórz
Some of them can be grown in a home garden or on your own windowsill, keeping in mind, however, that some of such plants may be dangerous for small children and for animals. Such plants include ivy (especially its leaves and fruits can lead to severe poisoning) and dracaena (especially dracaena leaves are dangerous).
- See also: Poisonous potted plants in your home
Saponins - side effects
Saponins have many benefits, although, like all medicinal substances, they can have adverse side effects.
The most dangerous of these is hemolysis of red blood cells, as a result of which defective blood cells leak hemoglobin into our blood plasma, contributing to anemia, and can also seriously damage the bone marrow.
It is also worth realizing that saponins consumed in large amounts are toxic and can even lead to electrocutionbrain and cerebral core, they can also damage the heart muscle and respiratory system.
Therefore, use caution when using saponins, and in the event of any disturbing symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
Saponins in food
Saponins can also be found in food, because they are an ingredient of animal feed - so they can penetrate into meat or milk. However, in this form they are not harmful, as both meat and milk are usually subjected to heat treatment, which partially neutralizes the saponins.
Saponins are found not only in herbs, but also in coffee, tea, halva, asparagus, beetroot, spinach and oats, i.e. in well-known products.
Saponins in cosmetics
Saponins are found in soaps, shower gels, bath gels, toners, face cleansing gels and make-up removers. They are also found in face creams and body lotions. They brighten the skin, reduce enlarged pores, help to get rid of blackheads, improve blood supply to the skin, oxygenate it, making it look he althy and radiant. They are also found in hair cosmetics, mainly in shampoos, which, thanks to saponins, foam well, and at the same time do not dry the hair, but soften it and make it shiny.
Cosmetics with a high content of saponins are also recommended for the care and treatment of so-called "problematic" skin. This applies, inter alia, to diseases such as:
- atopic dermatitis
- psoriasis
- acne
The pulp of crushed leaves of plants rich in saponins can also be used as compresses on irritated skin and on redness and itching after insect bites.