Saponin glycosides

1. Saponin Glycosides
Parts of plants containing saponins are used as detergents.
For example;
Root of Saponaria officinalis
Types:
Aglycone may be of two types;
Steroidal
Tri terpenoidal

2. a) Glycyrrhiza
Botanical origin:
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Family:
leguinosae
Part used:
Dried rhizome and root
Collection:
Root and rhizome is excised from 3-4
years old plant i.e. which have not
yet grown fruit. It is done to ensure
maximum sweetness. These are dried
in shade for 3-4 months.

3. Chemistry:
Glycyrrhiza contains Glycyrrhizic acid.
Upon hydrolysis, it produces;
Glycyrrhizic acid
2 molecules of glucuronic acid
In addition to this, it contains;
Flavonoid glycosides
Mannitol
Glucose
20% starch
Uses:
Flavoring agent in Pharmaceutical preparation.
Demulcent and expectorant.
Treatment of peptic ulcer.
Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis and Inflammatory conditions
Sweetener
Treatment of liver diseases and liver protection

4. b) Sarsaparilla
Botanical Origin:
Smilax febrifuga
Smilax regelii
Family:
Liliaceae
Part used:
Dried root
Collection:
Root collected from 2-3 year old
plant and sun dried.

5. Chemistry:
Active ingredient is Sarsaponin
Upon hydrolysis, it produces;
Sarsapogenin
3 D-glucose
1 L-rhamnose
Uses:
Flavoring agent
Used in skin diseases
Used in rheumatism

6. Cyanophore Glycosides
Upon hydrolysis these glycosides produce
“Hydrocyanic acid” i.e. HCN

7. Wild cherry
Botanical origin:
Prunus serotina
Family:
Rosaceae
Part used:
Dried bark
Collection:
Bark is collected in autumn and sun
dried. Drug is almost odorless when
dried but attains strong odor of
benzaldehyde after moisturizing.

8. Chemistry:
Active principle is Prunasin.
It is formed from partial hydrolysis of
amygdalin.
In addition to this,
it contains;
Tannins
Volatile oil
Benzoic acid
Uses:
Astringent
Sedative
Flavoring agent
Anti-tussive