Analysis of soybean sapogenins by high-performance liquid chromatography

A method for the analysis of soybean sapogenins is described. The method is based on the extraction of soybean saponins from a defatted sample. The triterpene glycosides are then hydrolysed with subsequent analysis of the liberated sapogenins by high-performance liquid chromatography using gradient elution and mass detection. By use of a sapogenin/carbohydrate ratio, an estimate of the total saponin content can be made.