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Saponins – A ubiquitous phytochemical: A review of its biochemical, physiological and pharmacological effects

Saponins are ubiquitous phytochemicals widely reported to be present in many species of plants and animals. Some saponin containing plants, mainly legumes, have been used as animal feed, but others are toxic. In this review, the biochemical, physiological and pharmacological effects of saponins in h...

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Published: 2014
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MARC

LEADER 00000njm a2000000a 4500
001 oai:repository.ui.edu.ng:123456789/13370
042 |a dc 
720 |a Soetan, K. O.  |e author 
720 |a Ajibade, T. O.  |e author 
720 |a Akinrinde, A. S.  |e author 
260 |c 2014 
520 |a Saponins are ubiquitous phytochemicals widely reported to be present in many species of plants and animals. Some saponin containing plants, mainly legumes, have been used as animal feed, but others are toxic. In this review, the biochemical, physiological and pharmacological effects of saponins in humans and animals have been highlighted. Physiological and biochemical effects examined include the effects on biological membranes, gastrointestinal absorption, blood and liver cholesterol, enzymes and general body metabolism, reproductive, antioxidant and free-radical scavenging effect, smooth muscle activity and effects on ruminant digestion. Pharmacological effects of saponins such as anti-inflammatory, diuretic, hypoglycaemic, antidiabetic, antiulcer and anti-ageing effects are also examined. From the literature reviewed, it can be concluded that saponins, in general, are toxic when administered intravenously but possess a lot of therapeutic potentials especially as cytotoxic agents. 
024 8 |a 978-0976184911 
024 8 |a https://repository.ui.edu.ng/handle/123456789/13370 
653 |a Saponins 
653 |a Bioactive 
653 |a Cytotoxic 
653 |a Ubiquitous 
653 |a Phytochemical 
245 0 0 |a Saponins – A ubiquitous phytochemical: A review of its biochemical, physiological and pharmacological effects