Stimulation of pancreatic lipase activity by saponins isolated from Medicago sativa L

Saponins isolated from Medicago sativa L. appeared to stimulate lipolytic activity and did not influence amylolytic or proteolytic activity of Neopancreatinum (extract of pancreatic enzymes: lipase, proteases and amylases). Saponins isolated from the aerial part of Medicago sativa L. were demonstrated to stimulate lipase activity more effectively than saponins separated from the root of this plant. When saponins were treated with 0.02 M HCl at 37 degrees C for 1 hour their lipase stimulation ability did not change. The saponins stimulated Neopancreatinum lipolytic activity more intensively in the presence of sodium cholate.