What Is Quillaja Saponaria Extract? Quillaia extract is obtained by aqueous extraction of the milled inner bark, stems and branches of the Quillaia saponaria Molina tree. The tree is native to China and South America. The extract is a heterogeneous mixture of over 100 tri-terpenoid saponins. The saponins consist mainly of quillaic acid as the hydrophobic moiety with various attached oligosaccharides (JECFA 2005). The oligosaccharides consist of various combinations of sugars such as glucose, galactose, arabinose, xylose and rhamnose. Other components that may be present include polyphenols, tannins and calcium oxalate (JECFA 2005; The Commission of the European Communities 2012). Quillaja Saponaria Extract, also known as Soap Bark Extract is a natural foaming agent (surfactant) that is derived from the outer layer of the Quillaja Saponaria Molina tree. The extract has a high level of triterpenic saponins. Saponins are natural emulsifiers and multipurpose foaming agents. It’s used in foods and beverages such as beer and root beer as well as in natural soaps, shampoo, detergent, and beauty products. Quillaja Extract is vegan, kosher, and gluten-free. BASIC ANALYSIS Items Specifications Results Extract Ratio 20:1 20:1 Appearance Brown powder Complies Odor Characteristic Complies Particle Size 100% pass 80mesh Complies Loss on Drying ≤5.0% 1.52% Ash ≤3.0% 1.07% Heavy Metals ≤10ppm Complies Pb ≤1ppm Complies As ≤1ppm Complies Microbiological Total Plate Count Yeast & Mold E.Coil Salmonella Staphylococcus ≤1,000cfu/g ≤1,00cfu/g Negative Negative Negative Complies Complies Complies Complies Complies Quillaja Saponaria Extract Benefits Saponin Properties: Quillaja Saponaria Extract contains a high concentration of saponins, which are compounds with excellent surfactant properties. It can produce abundant foam and possesses good foaming and cleansing abilities. Therefore, it is commonly used in soaps, detergents, and shampoos to effectively remove dirt and oil, providing a gentle cleansing action for the skin and hair. Thickening Agent: Quillaja Saponaria Extract also possesses excellent thickening properties and can increase the viscosity of liquid products. This characteristic makes it a common ingredient in various cosmetics and personal care products, including creams, lotions, and oral care products. Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Properties: Quillaja Saponaria Extract exhibits some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi and alleviate inflammatory responses. Therefore, it is often used in skincare products and oral care products to promote skin health and soothe inflammation. Antioxidant: Quillaja Saponaria Extract is rich in antioxidants, which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress on the skin and hair. This makes it a valuable ingredient in many anti-aging products and sunscreens. Quillaja Saponaria Extract Application Quillaja saponaria extract is used as a food additive and as an ingredient in pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and fire-fighting foam. Quillaja saponaria extract powder is used as additive for photographic films and foaming for drinks. Quillaja saponaria extract helps to stimulate the production of a more fluid mucous in the airways, thus facilitating the removal of phlegm through coughing. Quillaja saponaria extract is also considered to have adjuvant properties for vaccine solutions. QS21 adjuvant is a saponin obtainable from quillaja saponaria extract.