Saponaria Officinalis Root Extract
Saponaria saponins are surface-active and at high doses can be irritating to gastrointestinal mucosa and hemolytic in vitro. Traditional dietary use (e.g., halva) is at low levels.
What it is
Extract from soapwort root, naturally rich in saponins; used as a natural surfactant.
Foaming agent (limited traditional foods, e.g., halva); cosmetics surfactant.
Why it's flagged
- GI irritation at high doses
- saponin hemolytic activity in vitro
What regulators actually say
"Saponins from Saponaria and similar plants exhibit surfactant and hemolytic properties relevant to dietary safety considerations."
"EFSA scientific opinions on saponin-containing extracts (e.g., Quillaja) discuss safety bounds for food use."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Soapbark/soapwort saponins regulated only in specific applications; Quillaja extract has separate GRAS notices.
European Union — EFSA
Not listed as a general EU food additive.
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