Saponin dosage

Saponin analysis allows for the determination of the content of natural amphiphilic compounds found in numerous plants, such as ginseng ( Panax ginseng ) , quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa ) , licorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra ) , and soybeans ( Glycine max ) . These molecules, composed of a triterpenic or steroidal aglycone and a sugar chain , are known for their foaming, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and adaptogenic properties .

Their dosage is essential for the characterization of plant extracts , the standardization of nutraceutical products , and the quality control of food and pharmaceutical formulations.

Analytical methods: colorimetry, HPLC and LC-MS

The choice of method depends on the level of precision required and the type of saponins (total or specific):

• Vanillin-sulfuric colorimetric method : used for the overall quantification of total saponins , this method is based on the formation of a colored complex measured by spectrophotometry.
• HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) : allows the separation and quantification of specific saponins (e.g., ginsenosides, sapogenins).
• LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) : offers fine identification and ultra-sensitive detection , suitable for complex extracts or formulation studies.

These analyses are carried out according to standardized protocols , in compliance with ISO 17025 standards and the requirements of European regulations on plant and nutraceutical products.

Industrial and scientific applications

Saponin analysis has applications in many sectors:

• Nutraceuticals : standardization of plant extracts (ginseng, tribulus, fenugreek).
• Human and animal food : control of saponin content to limit bitter or anti-nutritional effects.
• Cosmetics : evaluation of the foaming and surfactant power of natural extracts.
• Research and pharmacognosy : study of the therapeutic potential of bioactive saponins.

This analysis can be combined with ginsenoside or gypenoside XVII for a more in-depth characterization of ginseng and adaptogenic plant extracts .

Affected matrices

YesWeLab's partner laboratories perform saponin analysis on:

• Dry or liquid extracts of medicinal plants
• Powders and food supplements
• Functional foods and nutraceutical formulations
• Plant-based raw materials and finished cosmetic products

Each protocol is adapted according to the matrix , the desired saponin profile and the level of analytical precision required.

YesWeLab expertise

At YesWeLab , we collaborate with a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited laboratories , experts in phytochemical and nutraceutical analyses .

Our scientific team will assist you in choosing the most suitable method , managing the logistics of your samples and monitoring the results via our digital platform .

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been helping manufacturers, distributors and design offices to guarantee the quality, compliance and traceability of their plant-based products.

Order a saponin analysis

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