Chemiluminescence of Oxygen Radical Scavengers such as DDMP Saponins in the Presence of Radicals and Aldehyde

Abstract

Many kinds of saponins have been isolated from soybean seeds, and can be divided into two groups, group A¹ and DDMP (2,3-dihydro-2,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one) saponins² (Fig.1). Group A saponins are present only in the soybean hypocotyl, whilst DDMP saponins are widely distributed in leguminous seeds and are present in both hypocotyl and cotyledon, especially in the case of soybean. From the pharmacological or health point of view, it has been reported that soybean saponins show various properties such as hypolipidemic and antioxidative activity³, and HIV-infection-inhibitory properties⁴. Although both group A and DDMP saponins are present in the hypocotyl of soybean seeds at high concentration, the interrelationship concerning their physiological role is not clear.