Saponins have complex structures and can generally be divided into two categories: one is triterpenoid saponins, found in soap roots and bark, which have no cardiotonic effect and are mainly used as detergents, emulsifiers, and foaming agents, as well as in pharmaceuticals; the other is steroidal saponins, found in plants of the foxglove tribe, which have cardiotonic effects and are mainly used in the preparation of hormones. Commonly used Chinese medicinal herbs such as Polygala tenuifolia, Platycodon grandiflorus, and Gleditsia sinensis contain saponins, which have hemolytic effects. Gleditsia sinensis extract is also used for washing clothes and preparing foam fire extinguisher solutions.
