- Certain saponins are excreted via the plant tissue, released after plant injury or decay. They are exuded from roots into the ecosystem, but if placed by humans in concentrated form within the soil, plant health is severely affected.
- Scientists have classified types of saponins as relating to plant-insect, plant-plant and plant-microbe interactions. Some saponins have been found to affect plant development, act in immune functions or as an insecticide.
- Some saponins derived from desert plants growing wild have a history of being used as food and medicine for natives for centuries. Some studies have shown that these edible saponins can bind with cholesterol and certain pathogens in humans resulting in lower cholesterol and better health.
- Agricultural studies particularly on the oat root, alfalfa and tomato have found that saponins can form antifungal compounds. Many pharmaceutical companies are researching practical applications of how saponins can be mass-produced to protect farm products.
- Studies show spraying saponins concentrated at 0.1 to 0.2 percent on leaves have reduced beetles, mites, aphids and various pests by significant amounts.
