The term adjuvant is derived from the Latin word adjuvare, which means to help. In veterinary medicine the most popular adjuvants are aluminium hydroxide and oil adjuvants, but these chemical adjuvants may cause many adverse reactions. Saponins from various herbs are mentioned among potential adjuvants. To date, saponins with adjuvant activity have been identified, among others, in Panax ginseng Astragalus species, Cochinchina momordica, Quillaja saponaria, Polygala senega, Chenopodium quinoa, and Acacia concinna. The mechanisms of immune-stimulating action of saponins have not been clearly understood. It is probable that saponins enhance cross-presentation of exogenous antigens into MHC class I pathway, thereby promoting the cellular response. Moreover, they are likely to increase the permeability of the mucosal epithelium and facilitate the entry of antigens into the bloodstream or the interaction between the mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue and antigens. Saponins induce a mixed Th₁/Th₂ response, which stimulates the production of typical cytokines (INF-γ, IL-4 or IL-10). Data presented in this article indicate clearly that saponins possess strong adjuvant properties and do not cause adverse reactions. However, a great deal of research is still needed to explain the mechanism of fitoadjuvant activity.
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