Advances in Camellia oleifera seed meal Saponins: Extraction, analysis, bioactivity, and application

Tea seed meal, which is a by-product of oil extraction from Camellia oleifera Abel, is rich in bioactive compounds such as tea saponins. Tea saponins exhibit notable surface activity and various biological properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and antitumor effects, with potential applications in various fields. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the extraction, purification, analysis, and mechanisms of bioactivity of tea saponins, as well as explore their potential applications in food, pharmaceuticals, daily chemicals, and environmental management. Optimizing extraction processes and elucidating structure-activity relationships can significantly enhance the high-value utilization of tea saponins. These endeavors support the sustainable development of the Camellia oleifera industry and facilitate the innovative applications of natural bioactive compounds across multiple fields. This review synthesizes current research findings and identifies gaps. Ultimately, future research should focus on clinical validation and industrial scalability to fully realize tea saponins' potential in various applications.