Sapindus

Sapindus species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) species including Endoclita malabaricus. Kernel extracts of soapnut disrupt the activity of enzymes of larvae and pupae and inhibit the growth of the mosquito Aedes aegypti, an important vector of viral diseases. == Uses ==

'' leaves, India The drupes (soapnuts) contain saponins, which have surfactant properties, being used for washing by ancient Asian and American peoples. A number of other uses for Sapindus have also been reported such as making arrows from the wood and decorative objects from the seeds. Folk medicine Leaf and fruit extracts of Sapindus have historically been used in folk remedies to treat various conditions. Dyeing process Soapnut is used as a scouring agent for preparation of coloring fibers such as the yarn of Tussar silk and cotton. == Species ==

'' drupes in Hyderabad, India '', the Western Soapberry: drupes , Plants of the World Online includes 20 species: Formerly placed here • Lepisanthes fruticosa (Roxb.) Leenh. (as S. fruticosus Roxb.) • Lepisanthes senegalensis (Juss. ex Poir.) Leenh. (as S. senegalensis Juss. ex Poir.) • Lepisanthes tetraphylla (Vahl) Radlk. (as S. tetraphylla Vahl) • Talisia cerasina (Benth.) Radlk. (as S. cerasinus Benth.) • Talisia esculenta (A.St.-Hil.) Radlk. (as S. esculenta A.St.-Hil.) == References ==