Effects of Saikosaponins on Biological Membranes

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Abstract
The effects of plant saponins, saikosaponins a, b1, b2, c and d extracted from Bupleuri Radix, on the surface contours and the distribution of surface anionic sites of EHRLICH ascites tumour cells were examined by electron microscope. Saikosaponins d and a having the bridged 13β, 28-epoxyoleanene system in the aglycone D-ring, which show stronger haemolytic activity and higher pharmacological potency than other saikosaponins, were found to cause a significant decrease in the negative charge on the cell surface and the destruction of microvilli. These results suggest that the biologically potent saponins have an effect on the negatively charged carbohydrate portions of cell membrane.

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