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Review
. 2023 Mar;50(3):2779-2793.
doi: 10.1007/s11033-022-08233-z. Epub 2022 Dec 30.

A review: structure-activity relationship between saponins and cellular immunity

Xuetao Cui  1 , Xumin Ma  1 , Chunhai Li  2 , Hong Meng  2 , Chunchao Han  3
Affiliations
Review

A review: structure-activity relationship between saponins and cellular immunity

Xuetao Cui et al. Mol Biol Rep. 2023 Mar.

Abstract

Saponins, which exhibit many different biological and pharmacological activities, are present in a wide range of plant species and in some marine organisms. Notably, the researchers have found that saponins can activate the immune system in mammals. The strength of this function is closely related to the chemical structure of saponins. The present study of the structure-activity relationship suggests that aglycones, glycochains on aglycones and special functional groups of saponins affect the immune activity of saponins. This paper reviews the effects of different saponins on cellular immunity. As well as the structure-activity relationship of saponins. It is hoped that the information integrated in this paper will provide readers with information on the effects of saponins on cellular immunity and promote the further study of these compounds.

Keywords: Cellular immunity; Saponins; Structure–function relationship; Sugar side chain.

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