Saponariae rubrae radix

Saponariae rubrae radix, also known as red soapwort, is an herb derived from the dried and crushed roots, rhizomes and stolons of red soapwort.

HMPC: not processed

ESCOP: not processed

Commission E Monograph: Catarrh of the upper respiratory tract

Experimental medicine: Cough, expectorant and mucolytic. Rarely skin diseases: itchy lichen and eczema, also for rheumatic complaints.

Cosmetics: see under Saponaria officinalis root extract (INCI)

Still used today as a cleaning agent in stain sprays and laundry detergents for particularly delicate fabrics such as lace, silk or wool, also as an alternative cleaning agent for carpets and upholstered furniture, especially for cleaning antique textiles and furniture.

The red soap root contains 2 to 8 % triterpene saponins with saponarioside A and D (monodesmoid of gypsogenic acid), flavone glucosides (saponarin).

Saponariae rubrae radix becomes toxic to cells in high doses. In therapeutic doses the drug has expectorant effects.

Envelopes with Saponariae rubrae radix are commonly used for itchy lichens and eczema.

The red soap root is used to treat catarrhal diseases of the upper respiratory tract (see below bronchitis).

The daily dose of the drug is 1.5 g. It is mostly taken in the form of tea infusions.

In rare cases, irritation of the stomach may occur.

Due to the triterpene saponins contained, degreasing of the skin, exsiccation, possibly contact allergic reaction, exsiccation eczema. Also hypoglycemic effect.

There are no known contraindications.

There are no known interactions with other substances.

1. Koike K et al. (1999) New triterpenoid saponins and sapogenins from Saponaria officinalis. J Nat Prod 62:1655-1659.
2. Moniuszko-Szajwaj B et al.(2013) New triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Saponaria officinalis. Nat Prod Commun 8:1687-1690.
3. Schilcher H (2016) In: Leitfaden Phytotherapie, Urban & Fischer Verlag Munich, p. 291 f.
4. Blaschek W (2015) Wichtl-Teedrogens and phytopharmaceuticals. A handbook for practice. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Munich. S 596-597
5. Montag A (2023) Plants and skin. Springer-Verlag GmbH. S. 881-882.