Saponins

This book gives detailed information on the occurrence and distribution of saponins, their structural types, isolation, analysis and structure determination.

K. Hostettmann (Author), A. Marston (Author)

9780521020176, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 September 2005

564 pages, 200 b/w illus. 30 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 3.2 cm, 0.82 kg

"This comprehensive monograph is an authoritative, well-written, and up-to-date volume which contains much chemistry and biological activity of saponins. The careful organization, systematic approach, and comprehensiveness of the volume make it a valuable resource for both scientists in industrial organizations, graduate students, and faculty members in the agricultural, biological, chemical, and medical sciences....I found this book a pleasure to read, and I believe it would be an asset to the young scientists and the established investigators who are interested in natural products, as well as creating interest in the complex field of saponin chemistry and biology." George R. Waller, Journal of the American Chemical Society

This is the first comprehensive monograph to look in depth at saponins. Saponins are glycosides of triterpenes, steroids or steroid alkaloids which have a very wide distribution in plants and some marine organisms. Their biological activity includes haemolysis and fish poisoning, and the steroid saponins are essential for the manufacture of oral contraceptives and sex hormones. Saponins have also been exploited commercially as soap substitutes and in several other industrial applications. This book gives detailed information on the occurrence and distribution of saponins, their structural types, isolation, analysis and structure determination. Biological and pharmacological activities are discussed, as are aspects of commercial and industrial use. The volume provides a valuable source of data for the different classes of compound and includes and extensive list of references.

Glossary
1. Introduction
2. Occurrence and distribution
3. Analysis and isolation
4. Structure determination
5. Triterpene saponins - pharmacological and biological properties
6. Steroid saponins and steroid alkaloid saponins: pharmacological and biological properties
7. Commercially important preparations and products
Appendices
References
Index of Latin names
General index.

Subject Areas: Biochemistry [PSB]