Quillaja saponaria Molina

Quillaja saponaria Mol., Quillajaceae is an endemic Chilean tree known by the vernacular name: “quillay”. Infusions of its leaves and bark are employed traditionally to combat cough and bronchitis. The bark decoction is used to treat chronic skin lesions. Also, the Mapuche people use the bark as an analgesic and as a detergent. The whole aerial parts are one of the main industrial sources of triterpene saponins. Their structures and biosynthesis are quite complex. These saponins are responsible for the biological properties for which they are used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries for their surfactant properties. Due to their powerful immunoadjuvant properties, Quillaja saponins are used to manufacture vaccines for human and veterinary use. Together with antigens, cholesterol and phospholipids, they form immunostimulant complexes (ISCOMs) which have proved to be an effective way of presenting antigens to the immune system. Additionally, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the main aglycone, quillaic acid, have been demonstrated in preclinical models.