An improved method for thin layer chromatographic analysis of saponins

► Saponins are important nutraceuticals with a number of bioactivities. ► We report an excellent method for the detection of saponins using TLC. ► Detection is based on immersion of developed chromatogram in a suspension of RBC. ► The saponins cause haemolysis and give sharp spots on a uniform pink background. ► The method has been validated using saponins isolated from wide spectrum of plants. Analysis of saponins by thin layer chromatography (TLC) is reported. The solvent system was n-butanol:water:acetic acid (84:14:7). Detection of saponins on the TLC plates after development and air-drying was done by immersion in a suspension of sheep erythrocytes, followed by washing off the excess blood on the plate surface. Saponins appeared as white spots against a pink background. The protocol provided specific detection of saponins in the saponins enriched extracts from Aesculusindica (Wall. ex Camb.) Hook.f., Lonicera japonica Thunb., Silene inflata Sm., Sapindusmukorossi Gaertn., Chlorophytum borivilianum Santapau & Fernandes, Asparagusadscendens Roxb., Asparagus racemosus Willd., Agave americana L., Camellia sinensis [L.] O. Kuntze. The protocol is convenient, inexpensive, does not require any corrosive chemicals and provides specific detection of saponins.