Relationship between Chemical Structures and Biological Activities of Triterpenoid Saponins from Soybean

Abstract

Saponins can be found in more than one hundred plant families and in some marine animals. However, chemical investigation of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) saponins has begun only as recently as the 1970s. Here we focus on the chemical structure, the content, and biological activity of soybean saponins in current studies. Especially, we focus on 2,3-dihydro-2,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (DDMP) conjugated saponins and define the chemical structure of this as a natural precursor of group B and E saponins.

Preliminary investigation of the disposition of the molluscicidal saponin deltonin from Balanites aegyptiaca in a snail species (Biomphalaria glabrata) and in mice

“…Within this group of saponins, saponin-like compounds and steroidal alkaloids some, although restricted, knowledge has been gained concerning the structural demands for their activity, as also for their effects on cell membranes. 13,34) Nevertheless, Francis et al recently concluded that "the precise details of the interactions between saponins and membranes need more elucidation so that the molecular mechanisms involved could be better understood." 13) Concerning their disposition in target vector snails and in mammals, only a study on aridanin 20) exists and can be used for comparison.…”

Reduction of Blood Pressure by Soybean Saponins, Renin Inhibitors from Soybean, in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

“…2) We have already screened the human renin inhibitor from wild plants and foods, 3) and isolated soyasaponin I (also known as soyasaponin Bb), 4) a triterpenoid type of saponin, from soybean (Glycine max) as an active compound. 5) We investigated in this present study whether soybean saponin containing soyasaponin I could inhibit human renin activity in vitro, and have an anti-hypertensive effect on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).…”

“…The oral administration of soybean saponin did not influence TG, TC, HDL-C and glucose; however, the average LDL-C, AST, ALT, and BUN values in the saponin group were lower than those in the control group (29.4%, 31.7%, 18.2%, and 14.6% lower, respectively). The LDL-Clowering effect and liver injury-preventive effect of soyasaponin in laboratory animals have already been reported; 5,11,12) however, little is known about the effect of reducing the marker of kidney function (i.e., BUN) by soybean saponin. Soybean saponin may possibly protect the kidneys from hypertensive damage by reducing the BP level.…”

Effect of dietary saponins from Quillaja saponaria L. on fatty acid composition and cholesterol content in muscle Longissimus dorsi of lambs

“…Saponins are secondary metabolites produced mainly by plants and also by lower marine animals and some bacteria (Yoshiki et al, 1998). Their name derives from their ability to form stable foams in aqueous solutions.…”