Chemistry of Naturally Occurring Saponins

Abstract

The current review paper goes deeply into the chemistry of saponin, specifically triterpenoid saponin.  Saponin is a naturally occurring bioorganic molecule with a high molecular weight that is isolated from medicinal plants. It has an aglycone nucleus with 27 to 30 carbon atoms and one or two sugar moieties with at least 6 or 12 carbon atoms each. Saponins were considered as a starting precursor for the semi-synthesis of steroidal drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. Many scientists and researchers may regard saponin chemistry's complexities as a gap in their understanding of the relationship between the chemical structure and its medicinal or medical function. The need for saponin applications has lately expanded due to a variety of biological, medicinal, and pharmacological benefits. The topics covered were classifications, chemical structure, potential classical techniques of isolation, qualitative and quantitative saponin testing. Examples of hederagenin and oleanolic acid with mono- and bidesmosidic structures are also provided. Triterpenoid, steroid, and alkaloid glycoside structural distinctions were established based on their atoms, rings, and functional groups.