saponin

American  

[sap-uh-nin] / ˈsæp ə nɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of a group of amorphous glycosides of terpenes and steroids, occurring in many plants, characterized by an ability to form emulsions and to foam in aqueous solutions, and used as detergents.

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saponin British  

/ ˈsæpənɪn /

noun

1. any of a group of plant glycosides with a steroid structure that foam when shaken and are used in detergents

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saponin Scientific  

/ săp′ə-nĭn,sə-pō′- /

1. Any of various plant glucosides that form soapy lathers when mixed and agitated with water. They are used in detergents, foaming agents, and emulsifiers. Some saponins, such as digitalis, affect the heart and have been used as medicines and arrow poisons by indigenous peoples of Africa and South America.

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Etymology

Origin of saponin

1825–35; < French saponine < Latin sāpōn- (stem of sāpō ) soap + French -ine -in ²

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

saponin

The early steps in the saponin biosynthetic pathway that are presumably regulated by TSARL1 are shared by other pathways, including sterol biosynthesis.

From Nature ● Feb. 7, 2017

Asterisk above the top panel indicates the approximate position of TSARL1. d, The saponin biosynthetic pathway, showing enzymes that catalyse each step of the pathway and the quinoa gene ID for genes encoding each enzyme.

From Nature ● Feb. 7, 2017

Thoroughly washing quinoa before cooking removes all traces of its bitter saponin coating, nature’s way of making the high-protein seeds unattractive to birds and other seed eaters.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 12, 2014

In addition to being unpalatable, saponin is mildly toxic, causing low-level gastrointestinal distress in some people.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 12, 2014

According to Schlegel it contains the following substances: An essential oil 4.675; a green waxy material which melts at 51°, a resin, a gum and saponin.

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Thomas, Jerome Beers