Isolation, chemical characterization and biological activity of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) root saponins

Abstract

Crystalline saponins were isolated from red clover (<em>Trifolium pratense</em> L.) roots. They were a mixture of two glycosides showing no haemolytic or fungistatic activity. Acid hydrolysis of these saponins yielded soyasapogenols B. C. D. E and F and rhamnose. xylose, arabinose glucose and glucuronic acid as sugar components. They were poorly or not soluble in water and well soluble in ethanol. Water suspensions of these saponins did not affect winter wheat seedling growth.