Saponins, which are present in plants, have been suggested as possible anticarcinogens. They possess surface-active characteristics that are due to the amphiphilic nature of their chemical structure. However, the anticarcinogenic effects of saponins from commonly consumed plant foods have not been studied.
Soybeans are one of the most important sources of dietary saponins.
They are the main protein supplier in many vegetarian diets. Viability was also signiflcantly reduced. Soybean saponins did not increase cell membrane permeability in a dose-dependent fashion, whereas gypsophilla saponin, a nondietary saponin, increased permeability with increasing concentrations. Electron microscopy indicated that soybean and gypsophilla saponins alter cell morphology and interact with the cell membrane in different ways.