Camellia seeds have been traditionally used as oil raw materials in Asia, and are known for a wide spectrum of applications. Oleanane-type triterpene saponins are the major specialised metabolites in Camellia seeds, and more than seventy saponins have been isolated and characterized. These natural compounds have caught much attention due to their various biological and pharmacological activities, including modulation of gastrointestinal system, anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-microorganism, antioxidation, neuroprotection, hypolipidemic effects, foaming and detergence, as well as helping the accumulation of pollutants by plants. These compounds have a promising application in medicine, agriculture, industry and environmental protection. The present paper summarized the information from current publications on Camellia seed saponins, with a focus on the advances made in chemical structures, determination methods, bioactivities and toxicity. We hope this article will stimulate further investigations on these compounds.

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来自山茶属种子的皂苷：植物化学和生物活性

山茶籽在亚洲传统上被用作油原料，并以广泛的应用而闻名。齐墩果型三萜皂苷是山茶籽中主要的特化代谢物，已经分离和表征了七十多种皂苷。这些天然化合物因其多种生物和药理活性而备受关注，包括调节胃肠系统、抗癌、抗炎、抗微生物、抗氧化、神经保护、降血脂作用、起泡和去污作用，以及帮助植物对污染物的积累。这些化合物在医药、农业、工业和环境保护方面具有广阔的应用前景。本论文总结了当前关于山茶籽皂苷的出版物的信息，重点关注化学结构、测定方法、生物活性和毒性方面的进展。我们希望这篇文章能激发对这些化合物的进一步研究。