Advances in the study of alfalfa saponins

Alfalfa is considered the " king of forage crops”, as it is the forage legume with the largest cultivation area. Alfalfa contains many secondary metabolites, including a high content of saponins, which are a widely distributed bioactive substance. Saponins can act as antioxidants to enhance the immune response of animals. They also have a great number of benefits to humans, including lowering cholesterol levels and regulating the lipid metabolism. Due to the global research progress in recent years, the physical properties, chemical properties, distribution, content, separation, and extraction of alfalfa saponins are better understood. The prospect of its application is widely anticipated, however further research is still required to provide important information. Additionally, it is pointed out that alfalfa saponin as a green plant additive will be of great development and utilization value, which will also provide important information for the further study of alfalfa saponin.