molecules Review Saponins from Quillaja saponaria and Quillaja brasiliensis: Particular Chemical Characteristics and Biological Activities Juliane Deise Fleck 1, Andresa Heemann Betti 2, Francini Pereira da Silva 1, Eduardo Artur Troian 1, Cristina Olivaro 3, Fernando Ferreira 4 and Simone Gasparin Verza 1,* 1 Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Institute of Health Sciences, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo 93525-075, RS, Brazil; julianefl
[email protected] (J.D.F.);
[email protected] (F.P.d.S.);
[email protected] (E.A.T.) 2 Bioanalysis Laboratory, Institute of Health Sciences, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo 93525-075, RS, Brazil;
[email protected] 3 Science and Chemical Technology Department, University Center of Tacuarembó, Udelar, Tacuarembó 45000, Uruguay;
[email protected] 4 Organic Chemistry Department, Carbohydrates and Glycoconjugates Laboratory, Udelar, Mondevideo 11600, Uruguay;
[email protected] * Correspondence:
[email protected]; Tel.: +55-51-3586-8800 Academic Editors: Vassilios Roussis and Efstathia Ioannou Received: 25 October 2018; Accepted: 28 December 2018; Published: 4 January 2019 Abstract: Quillaja saponaria Molina represents the main source of saponins for industrial applications. Q. saponaria triterpenoids have been studied for more than four decades and their relevance is due to their biological activities, especially as a vaccine adjuvant and immunostimulant, which have led to important research in the field of vaccine development. These saponins, alone or incorporated into immunostimulating complexes (ISCOMs), are able to modulate immunity by increasing antigen uptake, stimulating cytotoxic T lymphocyte production (Th1) and cytokines (Th2) in response to different antigens. Furthermore, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antitumor activities are also reported as important biological properties of Quillaja triterpenoids.