IN VITRO STUDIES ON SAPONIN‐MINERAL COMPLEXATION

Abstract

ABSTRACT The possibility that certain saponins produce growth depression by complexing minerals was studied. Saponins tested included digitonin, ammoniated glycyrrhizin, quillaja saponin and saponin‐containing extracts from alfalfa leaves and roots. Minerals studied were zinc, iron and magnesium. Alfalfa root saponins and ammoniated glycyrrhizin, but not digitonin, quillaja and alfalfa leaf saponins, complexed zinc and iron, but not magnesium. It is proposed that one mechanism of action whereby saponins suppress growth is by the formation of insoluble saponin‐mineral complexes. Such complexes could reduce the availability of minerals necessary for growth.