The Effect of Escin on the Plasma Membrane of Human Red Blood Cells

Escin is a steroidal triterpene saponin isolated from the seeds of horse chestnut (<i>Aesculus hippocastanum</i> L.). Due to its anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory, and venotonic properties, it is used in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. This study aimed to determine the effect of escin on human red blood cells (RBCs). The effect of escin on RBC hemolysis, plasma membrane fluidity, and thiol, amino, and carbonyl group levels was examined, while the conformational state of membrane proteins was also determined. Low concentrations of saponin (15-60 µg/mL) led to RBC hemolysis and increased RBC membrane fluidity, as determined using the spin probe method. Escin caused a statistically insignificant increase in thiol groups but a significant increase in amino and carbonyl groups in cell membranes. Using two spin labels that covalently bonded with thiols, we demonstrated that treatment of RBCs with escin did not affect cytoskeletal proteins or plasma membrane surface proteins. Research indicates that the main target of escin's action is the lipid portion of the membrane, not membrane proteins.