Major Category
Biological Agents
Synonyms
Saponin; Saponine; [ChemIDplus]
Description
Solid; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
Sources/Uses
Glycoside found in plants; Poisonous to lower life forms and used by the aborigines of South America for killing fish; [Merck Index] "One research use of the saponin class of natural products involves their complexation with cholesterol to form pores in cell membrane bilayers, e.g., in red cell (erythrocyte) membranes, where complexation leads to red cell lysis (hemolysis) on intravenous injection." [Wikipedia]
Comments
Essentially non-toxic by ingestion but powerful hemolytics by intravenous injection; [Merck Index] A strong eye irritant; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
Lethal Concentration
LCLo (rat) = 250 mg/m3/4hr
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.