Use of Saponin
Saponin is a very diverse chemical that has had many uses in its lifetime. It is used in the poisoned arrows of South American and African tribes, it lowers cholesterol, makes the foam in root beer and can be a very useful laundry detergent. Scientists are always finding more ways they can be used to our advantage.
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What Is It and Where Is It Found?
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Saponin is a type of chemical found in many plants that foams once it combines with water. It is found most abundantly in the desert plants yucca and quillaja, but it gets its name from the soapwort plant (Saponaria). Saponins are toxic to cold-blooded animals, and certain types of the chemical can poison livestock if too much is ingested. For example, alfalfa contains many saponins, one of which creates an anti-nutritional effect if digested in excess by livestock. But small amounts of the saponins can be beneficial to livestock rumination, so ranchers will feed but limit the intake of alfalfa to their livestock.
Saponin is not poisonous to humans; it is actually beneficial to human health. Saponins are found in small amounts in legumes, such as peas, soybeans and spinach, and are found to aid human digestion and lower cholesterol.
Household Uses
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Saponins from soap nuts are used especially in cleaning agents. Soap nuts are a dried fruit containing saponin in their shells. When the shells are wet, they will foam and release a pleasant smell. They act as a fabric softener and will keep color in your clothes better than any chemical agent.
Using soap nuts as a household cleaner is especially beneficial if you or a family member suffers from soap allergies or dermatitis or if there is a baby in the household. Simply put 6 to 10 soap nuts in a small, washer-friendly bag and throw it in to be washed with your clothes. Discard them when the shells become soggy and brown. You could also grind the soap nuts to powder and use it as a powdered detergent.
Boiling soap nuts for 5 to 10 minutes in water can also result in a liquid soap and natural pesticide. Once the liquid is cooled, use it to wash your hands and spray it over your plants to keep insects away.
Saponins found in many legumes have been discovered to be very useful in regulating digestion, reducing high cholesterol, maintaining bone health, controlling cancer and heart problems and building up the immune system. Add more legumes into your diet to maintain good health.
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