Saponins from Genus Albizia: Phytochemical and Biological Review

Abstract

Albizia is a large genus that belongs to family Fabaceae; most of Albizia species are rich in triterpenoidal saponins. These species were used in folk medicine for the treatment of rheumatism, stomach ache, cough, diarrhea, wounds, and as an anthelmintic. Many pharmacological activities were reported for the fractions or extracts containing saponins. Also, various pharmacological activities were reported for the pure isolated saponins. This review focuses on the distribution of saponins among the different species of genus Albizia and their pharmacological activities.