[Antimicrobial activity of saponins from Hedera taurica C a r r].

The antibacterial and antifungal action of saponins Sx1, taurozide H2, taurozide I and their effect on bioluminescent system of photobacteria Photobacterium phosphoreum (Cohn) Ford were investigated. Saponins H2 and I had no antimicrobial effect. Saponin Sx1 possessed antifungal activity in vitro with respect to Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. tropicalis. Saponin Sx1 is less toxic to P. phosphoreum than well-known antiseptics--chlorhexedin and miramistin.