Saponins from and : Particular Chemical Characteristics and Biological Activities.

Molina represents the main source of saponins for industrial applications. triterpenoids have been studied for more than four decades and their relevance is due to their biological activities, especially as a vaccine adjuvant and immunostimulant, which have led to important research in the field of vaccine development. These saponins, alone or incorporated into immunostimulating complexes (ISCOMs), are able to modulate immunity by increasing antigen uptake, stimulating cytotoxic T lymphocyte production (Th1) and cytokines (Th2) in response to different antigens. Furthermore, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antitumor activities are also reported as important biological properties of triterpenoids. Recently, other saponins from (A. St.-Hill. & Tul.) Mart. were successfully tested and showed similar chemical and biological properties to those of barks. The aim of this manuscript is to summarize the current advances in phytochemical and pharmacological knowledge of saponins from plants, including the particular chemical characteristics of these triterpenoids. The potential applications of saponins to stimulate further drug discovery research will be provided.