Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Biological Effects of Feed and Forage Saponins and Their Impacts on Animal Production

  • Chapter
Saponins Used in Food and Agriculture

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 405))

Abstract

Saponins occur in numerous forages and crop plants used to provide feed for domestic animals. The objective of this paper is to review the significance of saponins to animal production, with particular emphasis on new findings. In some cases, saponins are being revisited after a period of many years of inactivity. This applies, for example, to the roles of saponins in bloat and photosensitization.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Al-Bar, A., A. Ismail, P.R. Cheeke and H. Nakaue, 1993, Effect of dietary Yucca shidegera extract (Deodorase) on environmental ammonia and growth performance of chickens and rabbits, Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 44:106.

    Google Scholar 

  • Applebaum, S.W., and Birk, Y., 1979, Saponins, pp. 539–566 in: Herbivores. Their Interaction With Secondary Plant Metabolites, G.A. Rosenthal and D.H. Janzen, Eds., Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Birk, Y., and Peri, I., 1980, Saponins, pp. 161–182 in: Toxic Constituents of Plant Foodstuffs, I.E. Liener, Ed., Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bridges, C.H., Camp, B.J., Livingston, C.W., and Bailey, E.M., 1987, Kleingrass (Panicum coloratum) poisoning in sheep, Vet. Pathol. 24:525.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Camp, B.J., Bridges, C.H., Hill, D.W., Patamalai, B., and Wilson, S., 1988, Isolation of a steroidal sapogenin from a sheep fed Agave lecheguilla, Vet. Human Tox. 30:533.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cheeke, P.R., 1971, Nutritional and physiological properties of saponins: a review, Can. J. Anim. Sci. 51:621.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cheeke, P.R., 1976, Nutritional and physiological properties of saponins, Nutr. Rep. Int. 13:315.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cheeke, P.R., 1983, Biological properties and nutritional significance of legume saponins, pp. 396–414 in: Leaf Protein Concentrates, L. Telek and H.D. Graham, Eds., AVI Publ. Co., Westport, CT.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheeke, P.R., 1994, A review of the functional and evolutionary roles of the liver in the detoxification of poisonous plants, with special reference to pyrrolizidine alkaloids, Vet. Human Toxicol. 36:240.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cheeke, P.R., and Shull, L.R., 1985, Natural Toxicants In Feeds and Poisonous Plants, AVI Publishing Co., Inc., Westport, CT.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheeke, P.R., Powley, J.S., Nakaue, H.S., and Arscott, G.H., 1983, Feed preference responses of several avian species fed alfalfa meal, high and low saponin alfalfa, and quinine sulfate, Can. J. Anim. Sci. 63:707.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke, R.T.J., Reid, C.S.W., and Young, P.W., 1969, Bloat in cattle. XXXII. Attempts to prevent legume bloat in dry and lactating cows by partial or complete elimination of the rumen holotrich protozoa with dimetridazole, New Z. J. Agric. Res. 12:446.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cornick, J.L., Carter, G.K., and Bridges, C.H., 1988, Kleingrass—associated hepatotoxicosis in horses, J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 193:932.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Diaz, A., Avendano, M., and Escobar, A., 1993, Evaluation of Sapindus saponaria as a defaunating agent and its effects on different ruminal digestion parameters, Livestock Res. Rural Dev. 2:1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fenwick, G.R., Price, K.R., Tsukamoto, C., and Okubo, K., 1991, Saponins, pp. 285–327 in: Toxic Substances in Crop Plants, J.P.F. D’Mello, C.M. Duffus and J.H. Duffus, Eds., The Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, UK.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Foley, W.J., McLean, S., and Cork, S.J., 1995, Consequences of biotransformation of plant secondary metabolites on acid—base metabolism in mammals — A final common pathway?, J. Chem. Ecol. 21:721.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Freeland, W.J., Calcott, P.H., and Anderson, L.R., 1985a, Tannins and saponin: Interaction in herbivore diets, Biochemical Systematics Ecol. 13:189.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Freeland, W.J., Calcott, P.H., and Geiss, D.P., 1985b, Allelochemicals, minerals and herbivore population size, Biochemical Systematics Ecol. 13:195.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gee, J.M., and Johnson, I.T., 1988, Interactions between hemolytic saponins, bile salts and small intestinal mucosa in the rat, J. Nutr. 118:1391.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gee, J.M., Price, K.R., Ridout, C.L., Wortley, G.M., Hurrell, R.F., and Johnson, I.T., 1993, Saponins of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa): Effects of processing on their abundance in quinoa products and their biological effects on intestinal mucosal tissue, J. Sci. Food Agric. 63:201.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gee, J.M., Wortley, G.M., and Johnson, I.T., 1994, Effects of some purified alfalfa (Medicago sativa) saponins on transmural potential difference in mammalian small intestine, J. Sci. Food Agric. 65:35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Glastonbury, J.R.W., Doughty, F.R., Whitaker, S.J., and Sergeant, E., 1984, A syndrome of hepatogenous photosensitisation, resembling geeldikkop, in sheep grazing Tribulus terrestris, Aust. Vet. J. 61:314.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Graydon, R.J., Hamid, H., Zahari, P., and Gardiner, C., 1991, Photosensitisation and crystal—associated cholangiohepatopathy in sheep grazing Brachiaria decumbens, Aust. Vet. J. 68:234.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harwood, H.J., Jr., Chandler, C.E., Pellarin, L.D., Bangerter, F.W., Wilkins, R.W., Long, C.A., Cosgrove, P.G., Maliow, M.R., Marzetta, C.A., Pettini, J.L., Savoy, Y.E., and Mayne, J.T., 1993, Pharmacologic consequences of cholesterol absorption inhibition: alteration in cholesterol metabolism and reduction in plasma cholesterol concentration induced by the synthetic saponin β- tigogenin cellobioside (CP-88818; tiqueside), J. Lipid Res. 34:377.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Headon, D.R., 1991, Glycofractions of the yucca plant and their role in ammonia control, pp. 95–108 in: Biotechnology in the Feed Industry. Proc. 7th Alltech Symposium, Alltech Technical Publications, Nicholasville, KY.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henrici, M., 1952, Comparative study of the content of starch and sugars of Tribulus terrestris, lucerne, some Gramineae and Pentzia incana under different meteorological, edaphic and physiological conditions. 2. Carbohydrate nutrition. Onderstepoort J. Vet. Res. 25:45.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hussain, I., and Cheeke, P.R., 1995, Effect of dietary Yucca schidigera extract on rumen and blood profiles of steers fed concentrate— or roughage—based diets, Anim. Feed Sci. Tech. 51:231.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jenkins, K.J., and Atwal, A.S., 1994, Effects of dietary saponins on fecal bile acids and neutral sterols, and availability of vitamins A and E in the chick, J. Nutr. Biochem. 5:134.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, I.T., Gee, J.M., Price, K., Curl, C., and Fenwick, G.R., 1986, Influence of saponins on gut permeability and active nutrient transport in vitro, J. Nutr. 116:2270.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, N.L., Quarles, C.L., Fagerberg, D.J., and Caveny, D.D., 1981, Evaluation of yucca saponin on broiler performance and ammonia suppression, Poul. Sci. 60:2289.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kellerman, T.S., Erasmus, G.L., Coetzer, J.A.W., Brown, J.M.M., and Maartens, B.P., 1991, Photosensitivity in South Africa. VI. The experimental induction of geeldikkop in sheep with crude steroidal saponins from Tribulus terrestris, Onderstepoort J. Vet. Res. 58:47.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Klita, P.T., Mathison, G.W., and Fenton, T.W., 1996, Effect of alfalfa root saponins on digestive function in sheep, J. Anim. Sci. 74:(in press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Lajis, N.H., Abdullah, S.H., Salim, S.J.S., Bremner, J.B., and Khan, M.N., 1993, Epi—sarsasapogenin and epi—smilagenin: two sapogenins isolated from the rumen content of sheep intoxicated by Brachiaria decumbens, Steroids 58:387.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leamaster, B.R., and Cheeke, P.R., 1979, Feed preferences of swine: Alfalfa meal, high and low saponin alfalfa, and quinine sulfate, Can. J. Anim. Sci. 59:467.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leng, R.A., 1973, Ruminal fermentation and bloat: The possible role of protozoa in the development of bloat, pp. 57–62 in: Proceedings of a Symposium Held at the University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia, R.A. Leng and J.R. McWilliam, Eds., University of New England Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Low, S.G., Bryden, W.L., Jephcott, S.B., and McL. Grant, I., 1993, Photosensitization of cattle grazing signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) in Papua New Guinea, New Z. Vet. J. 41:220.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu, C.D., and Jorgensen, N.A., 1987, Alfalfa saponins affect site and extent of nutrient digestion in ruminants, J. Nutr. 117:919.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lu, C.D., Tsai, L.S., Schaefer, D.M., and Jorgensen, N.A., 1987, Alteration of fermentation in continuous culture of mixed rumen bacteria by isolated alfalfa saponins, J. Dairy Sci. 70:799.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Majak, W., Howarth, R.E., Fesser, A.C., Goplen, B.P., and Pedersen, M.W., 1980. Relationships between ruminant bloat and the composition of alfalfa herbage, II. Saponins. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 60:699.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Micich, T.J., Foglia, T.A., and Holsinger, V.H., 1992, Polymer—supported saponins: An approach to cholesterol removal from butteroil, J. Agric. Food Chem., 40:1321.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miles, C.O., Munday, S.C., Holland, P.T., Smith, B.L, Embling, P.P., and Wilkins, A.L., 1991, Identification of a sapogenin glucuronide in the bile of sheep affected by Panicum dichotomiflorum toxicosis, New Z. Vet. J. 39:150.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miles, C.O., Wilkins, A.L., Munday, S.C., Holland, P.T., Smith, B.L., Lancaster, M.J., and Embling, P.P., 1992, Identification of the calcium salt of epismilagenin β-d-glucuronide in the bile crystals of sheep affected by Panicum dichotomiflorum and Panicum schinzii toxicoses. J. Agric. Food Chem. 40:1606.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miles, C.O., Wilkins, A.L., Munday, S.C., Flaoyen, A., Holland, P.T., and Smith, B.L., 1993, Identification of insoluble salts of the β-D-glucuronides of episarsasapogenin and epismilagenin in the bile of lambs with alveld, and examination of Narthecium ossifragum, Tribulus terrestris, and Panicum miliaceum for sapogenins. J. Agric. Food Chem. 41:914.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miles, C.O., Wilkins, A.L., Erasmus, G.L., Kellerman, T.S., and Coetzer, J.A.W., 1994a, Photosensitivity in South Africa. VII. Chemical composition of biliary crystals from a sheep with experimentally induced geeldikkop, Onderstepoort J. Vet. Res. 61:215.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miles, C.O., Wilkins, A.L., Erasmus, G.L., and Kellerman, T.S., 1994b, Photosensitivity in South Africa. VIII. Ovine metabolism of Tribulus terrestris saponins during experimentally induced geeldikkop, Onderstepoort J. Vet. Res. 61:351.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Munday, S.C., Wilkins, A.L., Miles, C.O., and Holland, P.T., 1993, Isolation and structure elucidation of dichotomin, a furostanol saponin implicated in hepatogenous photosensitization of sheep grazing Panicum dichotomiflorum, J. Agric. Food Chem. 41:267.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oakenfull, D., and Sidhu, G.S., 1989, Saponins, pp. 97–141 in: Toxicants of Plant Origin Vol. II, P.R. Cheeke, Ed., CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oleszek, W., Nowacka, J., Gee, J.M., Wortley, G.M., and Johnson, I.T., 1994, Effects of some purified alfalfa (Medicago sativa) saponins on transmural potential difference in mammalian small intestine. J. Sci. Food Agric. 65:35–39.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Owens, F.N., and Zinn, R., 1988, Protein metabolism of ruminant animals, pp. 227–249 in: The Ruminant Animal. Digestive Physiology and Nutrition, D.C. Church, Ed., Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.

    Google Scholar 

  • Preston, T.R., and Leng, R.A., 1987, Matching Ruminant Production Systems With Available Resources in the Tropics and Sub tropics, Penambul Books, Armidale, Australia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Price, K.R., Johnson, I.T., and Fenwich, G.R., 1987, The chemistry and biological significance of saponins in foods and feedingstuffs, CRC Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr. 26:27.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rao, A.V., and Sung, M.-K., 1995, Saponins as anticarcinogens, J. Nutr. 125:717S.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Story, J.A., LePage, S.L., Petro, M.S., West, L.G., Cassidy, M.M., Lightfoot, F.G., and Vahouny, G.V., 1984, Interactions of alfalfa plant and sprout saponins with cholesterol in vitro and in cholesterol—fed rats, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 39:917.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sung, M.-K., Kendall, C.W.C., Koo, M.M., and Rao, A.V., 1995, Effect of soybean saponins and gypsophilla saponin on growth and viability of colon carcinoma cells in culture, Nutr. Cancer 23:259.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wallace, R.J., Arthaud, L., and Newbold, C.J., 1994, Influence of Yucca shidigera extract on ruminal ammonia concentrations and ruminal microorganisms, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:1762.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wu, Z., Sadik, M., Sleiman, F.T., Simas, J.M., Pessarakli, M., and Huber, J.T., 1994, Influence of Yucca extract on ruminal metabolism in cows, J. Anim. Sci. 72:1038.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang, C.-M.J., and Varga, G.A., 1993, The effects of continuous ruminal dosing with dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate on ruminal and metabolic characteristics of lactating Holstein cows. British J. Nutr. 69:397.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA

    P. R. Cheeke

Authors
  1. P. R. Cheeke
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Oklahoma State Univesity, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA

    George R. Waller

  2. Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan

    Kazuo Yamasaki

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1996 Plenum Press, New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Cheeke, P.R. (1996). Biological Effects of Feed and Forage Saponins and Their Impacts on Animal Production. In: Waller, G.R., Yamasaki, K. (eds) Saponins Used in Food and Agriculture. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 405. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0413-5_32

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0413-5_32

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-8041-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-0413-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation