Quillaja

Generic name: Quillaja Saponaria Molina
Brand names: China Bark, Murillo Bark, Panama Bark, Quillaja, Soap Tree, Soapbark

Usage of Quillaja

Anti-inflammatory activity

Animal data

Quillaic acid derived from Q. saponaria demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity against arachidonic acid and phorbol ester–induced inflammation when applied topically to mouse ears.Rodriguez-Diaz 2011 In rats, orally administered saponins (100 mg/kg/day for 10 days) from the bark of Q. saponaria offered a hepatoprotective effect against iron overload involving a suppression of oxidative mechanisms.Ahmed Abdel-Reheim 2017

Antimicrobial effects

The use of saponins may produce viricidal activity through interaction of the viral envelope, causing destruction of the cell membrane and a loss of viral binding sites.Roner 2007

Animal and in vitro data

In mice, quillaja saponin enhanced immune response by stimulating macrophages.Naknukool 2011 In an in vitro study, saponins from Q. saponaria demonstrated activity against Trichomonas vaginalis, with maximum cytotoxicity noted at 0.025%.Rocha 2012 In another in vitro study, quillaja saponin extracts exerted antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and also demonstrated hemolytic activity.Hassan 2010

Quillaja extracts were also found to possess antiviral activity against cells infected with rotavirus and reovirus in an in vitro study. Specifically, these effects were noted at concentrations 1,000-fold lower than concentrations that demonstrate cytotoxicity. In addition, cells treated with quillaja were resistant to infection for 16 hours after removal of quillaja exposure. However, 24 hours after being removed from quillaja, infection rates were similar to those of untreated cells, demonstrating a lack of sustained effect after quillaja treatment.Roner 2007

In a separate in vitro study, Q. saponaria did not inhibit the growth of EscheriChia coli strains, but instead increased multidrug-resistant strains of E. coli at quillaja concentrations between 6 and 12 mcg/mL. Quillaja also enhanced E. coli growth in the presence of antibiotics tested.Arabski 2012

Cancer

In vitro data

Q. saponaria fractions have cytotoxic activity against cancer cells in vitro but, because of their toxic effects, have been converted into stable nanoparticles for study. Two fractions have been used for particle formation: one with an acyl-chain was used to form "killing and growth-inhibiting" particles, and one without the acyl chain was used to formulate "blocking and balancing effect" particles.Hu 2010 In one in vitro study, "blocking and balancing effect" particles selectively induced caspase activity and apoptosis in a renal cell carcinoma cell line.Hassan 2013 In another in vitro study, "killing and growth-inhibiting" particles, as well as "blocking and balancing effect" particles, exerted cytotoxic effects against human leukemia cells. Specifically, the "killing and growth-inhibiting" particles demonstrated cytotoxic effects against 9 of 10 cells lines, while "blocking and balancing effect" particles demonstrated cytotoxic effects in only 1 of 10 cell lines.Hu 2010

Cholesterol-lowering effects

In vitro data

An in vitro digestion model found a cholesterol-lowering effect of dry, nonpurified quillaja extract via the formation of small aggregates. The effect was predominantly due to the saponins or polyphenols and, to a lesser degree, to the calcium content of the extract. The solubilization of saturated fatty acids, and similarly the unsaturated fatty acids, was entirely a result of the calcium ions present in the extract. No effect was found on monoglycerides.Vinarova 2015

Immunization adjuvant

The QS-21 saponin fraction from Q. saponaria has been studied extensively as an adjuvant in immunizations, particularly against cancer and infectious diseases.Gin 2011, Ragupathi 2011 Although saponins enhance antibody response and cytotoxic T-cell responses, their use in clinical practice is hindered by dose-limiting local and systemic toxicity, chemical instability in solutions with a pH of 7.4 or higher and in warmer temperatures, and limited availability from natural sources.Ragupathi 2011 Purity challenges also exist because composition can vary greatly.Gin 2011

Quillaja side effects

A case report describes the development of rhinitis and asthma in a 24-year-old man with a history of asthma occupationally exposed to quillaja bark dust. The man reported wheezing, rhinorrhea, and itchy, watery eyes after 3 months of working at a factory that manufactured saponin dust. He noticed wheezing and dyspnea after exposure to raw bark dust, but only nasal symptoms after exposure to saponin dust. His symptoms improved on weekends and while on vacation. Skin testing was not completed for quillaja bark; however, total immunoglobulin E was markedly elevated at 2,000 units/mL (normal range, 10 to 250 units/mL). In addition, he developed asthma and anaphylaxis, necessitating epinephrine and intravenous steroids after a bronchial challenge test.Rocha 2012, Roner 2010

Before taking Quillaja

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

How to use Quillaja

There is no clinical evidence supporting specific dosage recommendations for Q. saponaria.

Warnings

Quillaja is permitted by the FDA for use as a natural flavoring or substance to be used in conjunction with other flavors.CFR 2019, ECFR 2019, Maier 2015, Roner 2010 It is likely safe when used in amounts found in food.

Quillaja is toxic when ingested orally in large amounts. Severe toxic effects following ingestion of large doses of the bark include liver damage, gastric pain, diarrhea, hemolysis, respiratory failure, convulsions, and coma.Leung 1980, Montbriand 2005

What other drugs will affect Quillaja

None well documented.

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