DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan

 Sap·o·nin n.  Chem. A poisonous glucoside found in many plants, as in the root of soapwort (Saponaria officinalis), in the bark of soap bark (Quillaja saponaria), etc.  It is extracted as a white amorphous powder, which produces a soapy lather in solution, and produces a local anaesthesia.  It is used as a detergent and for emulsifying oils.  Formerly called also struthiin, quillaiin, senegin, polygalic acid, etc. By extension, any one of a group of related bodies of which saponin proper is the type.
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