Explain Chemical Structure of saponins?
Let us briefly understand their chemical nature. Their structures are characterized by the presence of a steroid or triterpene group, i.e. an aglycone linked to one or more sugar molecules. Since these compounds have both polar (the sugar moiety) and non-polar (steroid or triterpene) group, obviously they will have surface-active properties. These properties are responsible for whatever effects saponins exert.