Determination of Saponin Content in Turkish Tahini Halvah by Using HPLC

The total saponin content, components and fatty acid composition of 14 different Tahini Halvah samples were investigated. Total saponin was determined by HPLC. The quantities of moisture, oil, protein, ash, total sugar and brix were determined with various methods. The fatty acid composition was determined by GC. Moisture, oil, protein, ash, total sugar, brix and total saponin samples from 1.22-2.60, 27.5-35.2, 9.2315.12, 1.40-1.87, 40.79-49.80, 49-57% and 32-172 mg/kg in Tahini Halvah, repectively. The main components of Tahini Halvah are tahini, sugar and the liquid extract of soapwort. Tahini is obtained by sesame seeds. Soapw ort extract is obtained by boiling the roots of the soapwort. Saponin that is active substance of soapw ort extract effects positively the colour and consistency of the Tahini Halvah and prevents especially the oozing of the oil from the halvah in time by acting an emülsifier. Many saponins show haemolytic activity, have a bitter taste and are toxic to fish. The research was shown that saponin is a highly significant component for Tahini Halvah.