Saponins
A class of plant glycosides glycosidesthat forms colloidal, soap-like solutions in water.
They are found in large quantities in soapwort, chestnuts (approx. 10%), ivy, primroses, marigolds, cornflowers, turnips, soya beans, maple, soap bean tree (Gleditsia), ruscus, ginseng and quillaja (panama bark).
They have a particularly toxic effect on fish, as the gills become permeable to the blood and the blood components are flushed out. Some indigenous peoples use this property for fishing.