Therapeutic Value of Plant Saponins, Challenges and Opportunities: A Review

Saponins are natural compounds that predominate in numerous plant species and are characterized by foaming in aqueous solutions. Chemically, they are composed of a hydrophobic structure of triterpene or steroidal nature that is linked to hydrophilic sugar chains; this combination gives them the ability to interact uniquely with cell membranes and even modulate physiological processes, which provides them with versatile properties with applications as therapeutic agents for various diseases of public health importance. Given the need for safer and less invasive therapeutic approaches, the study of bioactive compounds of plant origin has gained relevance. In this context, saponins emerge as potential biopharmaceuticals, thanks to their multiple mechanisms of action and relatively low toxicity compared to synthetic drugs. This review aims to deepen the knowledge of plant-derived saponins, explore their therapeutic applications validated by in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies, and identify the main challenges in their development as pharmaceuticals.