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Saponins and their role in biological processes in plants

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Abstract

Saponins are steroid and triterpenoid glycosides that display diverse biological activities. The wide-spread occurrence in plants as well as the potential for pharmaceutical application has led to saponin extraction and identification in numerous species. Although these efforts are important to extend our knowledge of naturally occurring saponin structures, recent attention has been given to the biosynthesis and distribution in plants. In this review, we present recent advances on saponin production and distribution and highlight studies showing effects on the growth and development.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the BOF (special research fund No. 01WI0111, Ghent University) for A.F. Ph.D. fellowship.

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  1. Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    Ahmad Faizal & Danny Geelen

  2. Plant Science and Biotechnology Research Group, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Ganesha 10, Bandung, 40132, Indonesia

    Ahmad Faizal

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Faizal, A., Geelen, D. Saponins and their role in biological processes in plants. Phytochem Rev 12, 877–893 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-013-9322-4

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