• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.137-140
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• 1995

Saponin isolated from Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn has been shown to contain a strong anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, several pharmacological properties such as acute toxicity, local irritation and hemolytic activity of Sapindus saponin and its genin component, hederagenirl, were examined. The acute toxicity of Sapindus saponin was very low. Estimated from the LD$_{50}$ values, it showed much weaker toxicity in oral administration than in intraperitoneal injection. Hederagenin gave a very high LD$_{50}$ value even in intraperitoneal injection. Sapindus saponin showed a potent local irritation after topical application, whereas hederagenin did a very weak local irritation. Sapindus saponin also gave a high hemolytic activity.