From the root of Saponaria Officinalis (N. 0. Caryophyl-laceee) and the bark of Quillaia Saponaria (2V. 0. Rosacecę). Probably also contained in the fruit of Sapindus Saponaria, West India Soap Nuts (N. 0. Sapindacecę). Soluble in water, slightly in alcohol, insoluble in ether and chloroform.

This glucoside, which exists, according to Bucholz, over 30 per cent, in the first-named root, is brown and brittle; also, when pure, as a colourless powder and soluble in water, which froths on agitation. Taste, at first sweet, then acrid. Its aqueous solution dissolves some salts which are insoluble in water, PbS, BaS04, etc. Locally, an irritant "muscle poison"; seldom used in medicine. Dose, 1/10 to 1/5 grain. Heated with dilute acids, separates into glucose and crystalline Saponetin, C10H69O15.

Dr. R. Kobert says "The commercial article contains four organic substances - pure Saponin (C13 H30 O10) inert; inert Laetosin; Quillaic Acid and Sapotoxin, both acrid and poisonous." - Pharm. Journ. xvi. 366.