Quillaja saponaria, saponins for every species
Derived from the branches of a Chilean tree, the triterpenoid saponins of quillaja have been studied for decades in animal feed: rumen fermentation, gut microbiota balance, fish performance, air quality in livestock houses.
A Chilean tree, two processes
Quillaja saponaria Molina is a tree of the dry regions of central Chile. The powder is obtained simply by grinding its branches; the liquid is an aqueous extract⁴ standardised for saponins. On its own or combined with Yucca schidigera, it completes the Actifeed saponin range.
Triterpenoid versus steroidal
The difference is chemical before it is botanical. This structural difference governs solubility, foaming capacity and affinity for membrane cholesterol, and therefore the uses: the two families do not target the same lipid structures with the same affinity².
Quillaja saponins are among the best characterised: their use as an immunological adjuvant in human and veterinary vaccinology has given rise to an extensive literature on their structure and mode of action¹¹.
Triterpenoid saponins in brief
Three mechanisms behind the observed effects
Quillaja saponins have an amphiphilic triterpenoid structure, part hydrophilic, part lipophilic. It is this structure that explains their action in the digestive tract and beyond¹˒².
Membrane interaction
Saponins bind to the cholesterol in cell membranes, which explains their action on protozoa and certain micro-organisms²˒³.
Modulation of the flora
By altering the microbial balance, in the rumen as in the intestine, they steer fermentation and digestion⁶.
Surface properties
Foaming, emulsifying, wetting: these properties support formulation and uniform application, particularly in liquid form³˒⁴.
Among the most studied saponins in the world
Their quillaic acid-type aglycone, bearing two glycosidic chains, has been characterised in detail. This scientific foundation, built well beyond livestock farming, directly benefits nutritional applications.
Modulating rumen fermentation
In the rumen, saponins interact with ciliate protozoa and alter the balance of fermentation. This is the sector in which quillaja has been studied the most.
Supporting intestinal balance
In poultry, saponins are studied for their action on intestinal flora and parasites, and for their effect on air quality in the house when combined with yucca.
Acting on nitrogen and air quality
In pig farming, saponin extracts, quillaja and yucca, are described for their value with regard to ammonia nitrogen and odours, an issue for both air quality and the environment.
Documented effects in fish
Aquaculture has published trials specific to quillaja: in common carp and Nile tilapia, a quillaja saponin supplement has been associated with improved growth and metabolic efficiency.
A complementary profile in formulation
In pet food, quillaja is used for its surface properties and as a complement to yucca, which is better documented for odours. It is a formulation use rather than a health claim.
A wetting agent of natural origin
Outside livestock farming, quillaja saponins are used as a wetting agent: they lower the surface tension of water and improve the distribution of applications.
The Chilaja range: two forms, the same high standards
Actifeed offers its Quillaja saponaria extract under the Chilaja brand, in powder and liquid form, to suit every method of incorporation.
Request a Chilaja technical data sheet →
Why combine Quillaja and Yucca
The two extracts are not interchangeable: their distinct profiles partly overlap and complement each other in several respects described in the literature.
Triterpenoid + steroidal
Combining the two families broadens the spectrum of membrane interactions: they do not target the same lipid structures with the same affinity.
Two ways of acting on ammonia
Yucca acts on ammonia nitrogen and urease; quillaja contributes pronounced surface properties.
Combined effects
Combined effects greater than those of either extract alone are reported for certain parameters, which may allow individual doses to be lowered.
Surfactant and carrier
Wettability, dispersion in the liquid phase, emulsion stability: quillaja facilitates the uniform application of a yucca programme.
Two origins, one specification
Mexican yucca, Chilean quillaja: two supply chains, the same requirement for a consistent saponin content.
Complementarities described in the published literature on the saponins of Quillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera (notably Francis et al., 2002²; Cheeke, 2000¹). Combination protocols and doses specific to the Actifeed ranges to be established by Actifeed before any claim is made.
- Cheeke P.R. (2000). Actual and potential applications of Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria saponins in human and animal nutrition. Journal of Animal Science, 77(E-Suppl.), 1-10.
- Francis G., Kerem Z., Makkar H.P.S., Becker K. (2002). The biological action of saponins in animal systems: a review. British Journal of Nutrition, 88(6), 587-605.
- Mitra S., Dungan S.R. (1997). Micellar properties of Quillaja saponin. 1. Effects of temperature, salt, and pH on solubilization of cholesterol. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 45(5), 1587-1595.
- San Martín R., Briones R. (1999). Industrial uses and sustainable supply of Quillaja saponaria (Rosaceae) saponins. Economic Botany, 53(3), 302-311.
- EFSA ANS Panel (2019). Re-evaluation of Quillaia extract (E 999) as a food additive and safety of the proposed extension of use. EFSA Journal, 17(3), 5622.
- Patra A.K., Saxena J. (2009). The effect and mode of action of saponins on the microbial populations and fermentation in the rumen and ruminant production. Nutrition Research Reviews, 22(2), 204-219.
- Holtshausen L. et al. (2009). Feeding saponin-containing Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria to decrease enteric methane production in dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 92(6), 2809-2821.
- Pen B., Sar C., Mwenya B., Kuwaki K., Morikawa R., Takahashi J. (2006). Effects of Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria extracts on in vitro ruminal fermentation and methane emission. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 129(3-4), 175-186.
- Francis G., Makkar H.P.S., Becker K. (2002). Dietary supplementation with a Quillaja saponin mixture improves growth performance and metabolic efficiency in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Aquaculture, 203(3-4), 311-320.
- Francis G., Makkar H.P.S., Becker K. (2001). Effects of Quillaja saponins on growth, metabolism, egg production and muscle cholesterol in individually reared Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C, 129(2), 105-114.
- Kensil C.R., Patel U., Lennick M., Marciani D. (1991). Separation and characterization of saponins with adjuvant activity from Quillaja saponaria Molina cortex. Journal of Immunology, 146(2), 431-437.
Bibliography drawn from the published literature, to be verified by Actifeed before publication. No data are presented as results of Actifeed trials; product claims remain to be worded in accordance with the regulations in force.