quillaja

**Quillaja** is the milled inner bark (or smaller stems/branches) of the Chilean soapbark tree (*Quillaja saponaria*). Its main active ingredients are **triterpene saponins**, especially highly purified fractions such as **QS-21**, which possess immunomodulatory, adjuvant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and cholesterol-lowering properties[1][5][6]. Saponin extracts from quillaja are used as **vaccine adjuvants** (notably in formulations like Quil A, Matrix-M, and QS-21)[5]. Quillaja is also used in foods as a natural flavoring, foaming agent, and humectant, and is found in beverages, dairy desserts, and baked goods[1][5]. Traditionally, it is used orally for cough/bronchitis, and topically for scalp itchiness, dandruff, and skin inflammation[1][2][6]. In industry, quillaja extracts function as emulsifiers and surfactants, notably for stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions used in various food and cannabis products[3]. Quillaja saponins exhibit anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting edema and may reduce cholesterol by binding dietary fats in the stomach[6][4]. Quillaja components can stimulate the immune system, particularly macrophages, and show cytotoxic activity against some cancer cells[1]. Major limitations include chemical instability, variability of composition, and dose-limiting toxicity when administered in medicinal doses[1].

Other names

china barkmurillo barkpanama barksoapbarkquillayquillaiasoap treesoap tree barkquillaja saponariamurillo bark extractpanama bark extractquillaia extractquillay bark extractsoapbark extractquillajae cortexsavonnierbois de panamaarbre à savon