Plu/sical cnid Chemical Papers. 103 



Aqueous solutions of saponins have a marked power of re- 

 taining dissolved gases, as carbon dioxide; for this reason 

 saponins are occasionally added to effervescent beverages, a 

 use which is to be avoided in case the saponin is toxic, 



PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION. 



The saponins are characterized by their strongly marked 

 toxic properties. It is a well-established custom among fisher- 

 men to use saponins for killing fish. The fish so killed are not 

 rendered unfit for human consumption. 



By their powerful solvent action on the blood, saponins pro- 

 duce haemolysis — a fact made use of in their identification. 



PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION. 



Inasmuch as yucca is found abundantly in Kansas, especially 

 so in the arid regions, it seemed advisable for the Department 

 of the State Chemical Research of the University of Kansas 

 to make a preliminary investigation of this plant, to answer, 

 in a way, the numerous inquiries from over the state as to 

 what use could be made of the plant commercially. The aim 

 of the project was centered around the possibility of utilizing 

 the saponin and fiber of the soap weed. 



Without going into the details of the chemical analysis, 

 which are found in the original report, the following summary 

 will aid in holding in mind the general conclusions reached : 



1. A method will have to be devised to obtain saponin di- 

 rectly. As it is at present, the percentage of saponin is esti- 

 mated by measuring the hydrolytic products. 



2. The maximum amount of saponin found in any part of 

 the plant was two per cent — far too small an amount to profit- 

 ably extract when the time of drying and expensive chemicals 

 needed are considered. 



3. After the plants are thoroughly dried, great care has to 

 be exercised in preventing fermentation. Of course, on a 

 small scale this factor can be easily avoided. 



4. The fiber is much shorter than wood fiber; therefore a 

 poor competitor, even though an inexpensive method could be 

 devised for its preparation. 



5. After the fiber has been dried it becomes brittle — a fact 

 which is true of all vegetable fibers. 



6. No chemical process has yet been found which will 

 profitably separate the pith from the fiber without weakening 

 the product. 



