Evaluation of saponin-rich extracts as natural alternative emulsifiers: A comparative study with pure Quillaja Bark saponin

Due to synthetic surfactants' environmental impact, their replacement by natural alternatives has gained relevance, with saponins emerging as sustainable approaches. In this work, three saponin-rich extracts from different sources (Tribulus terrestris (TT), Trigonella foenum-graecum (FG), and Ruscus aculeatus (RA)) were tested emulsifiers, performance compared Quillaja Bark saponin (PS). Characterisation comprised FTIR, solubility studies, CMC assays, emulsifying properties (emulsifying capacity (EC) foaming (FC)). For all samples, assays indicated high in water low apolar solvents (e.g., n-hexane), compatible O/W emulsifier character. general, the content ruled extracts' (PS > TT FG RA). EC values (without pH adjustment) found be 82.5, 55.0, 47.5, 36.3%, respectively. When changed for 7 9, a shift RA order was observed. The pseudo-ternary diagrams, constructed map emulsion's composition zones, indicate formation of single-phase systems region oil extract content. Except extract, gel samples formed, which are interesting technological solutions several applications. Among studied alternative PS, showed best performance.