Quillaic acid

Quillaic acid	Last updated: 20/02/2026
(Also known as: quillaja sapogenin)

Hazard alerts

The following Pesticide Hazard Tricolour (PHT) alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement. The alerts for Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) are based on applying the FAO/WHO (Type 1) and the PAN (Type II) criteria to PPDB data. Further details on the HHP indicators are given in the tables below. Neither the PHT nor the HHP hazard alerts take account of usage patterns or exposure, thus they do not represent risk.

PHT: Environmental fate	PHT: Ecotoxicity	PHT: Human health	Highly Hazardous Pesticide

GENERAL INFORMATION

Description

Quillaic acid is the primary triterpenoid aglycone of the saponins found in extracts from the bark (and sometimes leaves) of the soapbark tree, Quillaja Saponaria and which demonstrates some bioactivity.

Example pests controlled

Soft‑bodied insects (aphids, whiteflies, caterpillars) especially at larval stages; Powdery mildew; Grey moulds; Rhizoctonia solani; Fusarium spp.

Example applications

Fruit and berries; Vegetables and speciality crops; Potatoes; Maize; Soybean; Cotton; Sunflower; Tea; Nuts; Ornamentasl; Glasshouse crops

Efficacy & activity

Appearance and life cycle

Taxonomic classification

GB regulatory status

GB COPR regulatory status

Not approved

Date COPR inclusion expires

Not applicable

GB LERAP status

No UK approval for use as a pesticide

EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414)

EC Regulation 1107/2009 status

Not approved

Dossier rapporteur/co-rapporteur

Not applicable

Date EC 1107/2009 inclusion expires

Not applicable

EU Candidate for substitution (CfS)

Not applicable

Listed in EU database

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 in the following EU Member States

ATAustria	BEBelgium	BGBulgaria	CYCyprus	CZCzech Republic	DEGermany	DKDenmark	EEEstonia	ELGreece

ESSpain	FIFinland	FRFrance	HRCroatia	HUHungary	IEIreland	ITItaly	LTLithuania	LULuxembourg

LVLatvia	MTMalta	NLNetherlands	PLPoland	PTPortugal	RORomania	SESweden	SISlovenia	SKSlovakia

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 by Mutual Recognition of Authorisation and/or national regulations in the following EEA countries

ISIceland	NONorway

Additional information

Also used in

Chemical structure

Isomerism

Specifically, quillaic acid refers to a single, specific triterpenoid structure, however, it is a specific stereoisomer of other triterpenoids. Quillaic acid can also be converted into different isomeric forms through various chemical reactions. It belongs to the oleanane triterpenoid family where isomerism is possible and contains many positional and stereochemical isomers including oleanolic acid, hederagenin, gypsogenin, bayogenin and echinocystic acid.

Chemical formula

C₃₀H₄₆O₅

Canonical SMILES

C[C@]12CC[C@@H]([C@@]([C@@H]1CC[C@@]3([C@@H]2CC=C4[C@]3(C[C@H]([C@@]5([C@H]4CC(CC5)(C)C)C(=O)O)O)C)C)(C)C=O)O

Isomeric SMILES

International Chemical Identifier key (InChIKey)

MQUFAARYGOUYEV-UAWZMHPWSA-N

International Chemical Identifier (InChI)

InChI=1S/C30H46O5/c1-25(2)13-14-30(24(34)35)19(15-25)18-7-8-21-26(3)11-10-22(32)27(4,17-31)20(26)9-12-28(21,5)29(18,6)16-23(30)33/h7,17,19-23,32-33H,8-16H2,1-6H3,(H,34,35)/t19-,20+,21+,22-,23+,26-,27-,28+,29+,30+/m0/s1

2D structure diagram/image available?

Yes

General status

Biopesticide type

Insecticide; Fungicide; Other substance

Other bioactivity & uses

Adjuvant; Surfactant; Penetration enhancer; Spreader–sticker

Substance groups

Plant-derived substance; Pentacyclic triterpenoid

Minimum active substance purity

Known relevant impurities

Substance origin

Natural

Mode of action

As an insecticide its activity is through membrane disruption, feeding deterrence and reduced nutrient absorption. As a fungicide it disrupts fungal cell membranes (ergosterol dependent interactions), inhibit spore germination and reduces mycelial growth.

Substance source

Quillaic acid is a component of the bark (and sometimes leaves) of the soapbark tree, Quillaja Saponaria

Uses

Crop protection

Target pests

Soft‑bodied insects (aphids, whiteflies, caterpillars) especially at larval stages; Powdery mildew; Grey moulds; Rhizoctonia solani; Fusarium spp.

Target host

Fruit and berries; Vegetables and speciality crops; Potatoes; Maize; Soybean; Cotton; Sunflower; Tea; Nuts; Ornamentasl; Glasshouse crops

Farming system suitability

CAS RN

631-01-6

EC number

211-149-8

CIPAC number

US EPA chemical code

PubChem CID

101810

Molecular mass

486.68

PIN (Preferred Identification Name)

IUPAC name

(4aR,5R,6aR,6aS,6bR,8aR,9S,10S,12aR,14bS)-9-formyl-5,10-dihydroxy-2,2,6a,6b,9,12a-hexamethyl-1,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,10,11,12,13,14b-tetradecahydropicene-4a-carboxylic acid

CAS name

(3β,4α,16α)-3,16-dihydroxy-23-oxoolean-12-en-28-oic acid

Global Governance status: Listed (✓) under

UK Poisons List Order 1972	Rotterdam Convention	Montreal Protocol
XNo The Poisons List Order 1972	XNo Rotterdam Convention	XNo Montreal Protocol
Stockholm Convention	OSPAR	EU Water Framework Directive
XNo Stockholm Convention	XNo OSPAR	XNo EU Water Framework Directive

Relevant Environmental Water Quality Standards

Forever chemical

Highly Hazardous Pesticide (HHP)

Type I

Type II

Other status information

Herbicide Resistance Class (HRAC MoA class)

Not applicable

Herbicide Resistance Class (WSSA MoA class)

Not applicable

Insecticide Resistance Class (IRAC MoA class)

Not applicable

Fungicide Resistance Class (FRAC MOA class)

Not applicable

Examples of recorded resistance

Physical state

Crystalline solid

Related substances & organisms

Quillaja saponaria extract

Commercial

Property

Value

Availability status

Current

Introduction & key dates

Example manufacturers & suppliers of products using this active now or historically

Not manufactured specifically for pest management

Example products using this active

Formulation and application details

Commercial production

Commercial production of quillaic acid is essentially a controlled refinement of Quillaja Saponaria bark, designed to isolate the triterpenoid aglycone from the much larger mixture of native saponins. In practice, producers begin by sustainably harvesting and milling the bark, then extracting its saponin-rich fraction using hot water or aqueous ethanol. This crude extract undergoes clarification, filtration and solvent partitioning to enrich the triterpenoid backbone. Because quillaic acid does not occur in free form in the tree, manufacturers hydrolyse the native saponins (acid or enzymatic cleavage) to release the aglycone, which is then separated from sugars and co-occurring triterpenoids by chromatographic or crystallisation steps. The resulting material is dried, standardised, and tested for purity, though in most commercial contexts the industry still sells Quillaja extracts rather than isolated quillaic acid, because the extract is the regulatory active ingredient in various applications.

Impact on climate of production and use

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Solubility - In water at 20 °C at pH 7 (mg l⁻¹)

Solubility - In organic solvents at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)

Melting point (°C)

180

Boiling point (°C)

502

Degradation point (°C)

Flashpoint (°C)

Octanol-water partition coefficient at pH 7, 20 °C

Log P

Fat solubility of residues

Solubility

Data type

Density (g ml⁻¹)

1.02

Dissociation constant pKa) at 25 °C

Vapour pressure at 20 °C (mPa)

Henry's law constant at 25 °C (Pa m³ mol⁻¹)

Volatilisation as max % of applied dose lost

From plant surface

From soil surface

Maximum UV-vis absorption L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹

Surface tension (mN m⁻¹)

Degradation

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

General biodegradability

Readily biodegradable

Soil degradation (days) (aerobic)

DT₅₀ (typical)

DT₅₀ (lab at 20 °C)

DT₅₀ (field)

DT₉₀ (lab at 20 °C)

DT₉₀ (field)

DT₅₀ modelling endpoint

Note

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ (days) on plant matrix

Value

Note

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ (days) on and in plant matrix

Value

Note

Aqueous photolysis DT₅₀ (days) at pH 7

Value

Note

Aqueous hydrolysis DT₅₀ (days) at 20 °C and pH 7

Value

Note

Water-sediment DT₅₀ (days)

Water phase only DT₅₀ (days)

Sediment phase only DT₅₀ (days)

Air degradation

As this parameter is not normally measured directly, a surrogate measure is used: ‘Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀’. Where data is available, this can be found in the Fate Indices section below.

Decay in stored produce DT₅₀

Soil adsorption and mobility

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Linear

K_d (mL g⁻¹)

K_oc (mL g⁻¹)

Notes and range

Freundlich

K_f (mL g⁻¹)

K_foc (mL g⁻¹)

¹/_n

Notes and range

pH sensitivity

Known metabolites

None

ECOTOXICOLOGY

Terrestrial ecotoxicology

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Mammals - Short Term Oral NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Mammals - Long Term (Chronic) Oral NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Birds - Acute LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Birds - Short term dietary LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Birds - Chronic 21d NOEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Earthworms - Acute 14 day LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ dw soil)

Earthworms - Chronic NOEC, reproduction (mg kg⁻¹ dw soil)

Soil micro-organisms

Collembola

Acute LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Chronic NOEC (mg kg⁻¹)

Non-target plants

Vegetative vigour ER₅₀ (g ha⁻¹)

Seedling emergence ER₅₀ (g ha⁻¹)

Honeybees (Apis spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Unknown mode acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Chronic

Notes

Bumblebees (Bombus spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Mason bees (Osmia spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Other bee species (1)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Other bee species (2)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Beneficial insects (Ladybirds)

Beneficial insects (Lacewings)

Beneficial insects (Parasitic wasps)

Beneficial insects (Predatory mites)

Beneficial insects (Ground beetles)

Beneficial insects (Butterflies)

Contact

Notes

Oral

Notes

Aquatic ecotoxicology

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Temperate Freshwater Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Temperate Freshwater Fish - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

Tropical Freshwater Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Temperate Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Temperate Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

Tropical Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Aquatic crustaceans - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, static, water (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, sediment (mg kg⁻¹)

Aquatic Plants (free-floating, fonds growth, fresh) - 7 day (mg l⁻¹)

Aquatic plants (rooted, growth rate, fresh) - 14 day (mg l⁻¹)

Algae - Acute (growth rate, fresh; mg l⁻¹)

Algae - Chronic (growth rate, fresh; mg l⁻¹)

Mesocosm study data

NOEAEC mg l⁻¹

Marine bivalves

Regulatory Threshold Levels (RTLs)

Note: These RTLs have been calculated using the regulatory approach used in the European Union and based on ecotoxocity values in the PPDB.

Species group

RTL

Notes

Mammals

No data

No data for acute and chronic mammals

Birds

No data

No data for acute and chronic birds

Soil organisms

No data

No data for acute and chronic earthworms

Terrestrial plants

No data

No data for non-target plants vegetative vigour and seedling emergence

Pollinators

No data

No data for contact and oral honeybees

Arthropods

No data

No data for parasitic wasps and predatory mites

Fish

No data

No data for temperate acute and chronic fish

Aquatic invertebrates

No data

No data for temperate acute and chronic aquatic invertebrates

Aquatic plants

No data

No data for free-floating plants, rooted plants, acute and chronic algae

HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION

General

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Threshold of Toxicological Concern (Cramer Class)

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Mammals - Short Term Oral NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Mammals - Long Term (Chronic) Oral NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Mammals - Dermal LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ body weight)

Mammals - Inhalation LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Other Mammal toxicity endpoints

ADI - Acceptable Daily Intake (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

ARfD - Acute Reference Dose (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

AAOEL - Acute Acceptable Operator Exposure Level (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

AOEL - Acceptable Operator Exposure Level - Systemic (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

Dermal penetration studies (%)

Dangerous Substances Directive 76/464

Exposure Routes

Public

Occupational

Mammalian dose elimination route and rate

Health issues

Specific human health issues (hazard-based)

Carcinogen

Genotoxic

Endocrine disruptor

No data found

; ; ; ;

No data found

Reproduction / development effects

Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor

Neurotoxicant

No data found

Respiratory tract irritant

Skin irritant

Skin sensitiser

Eye irritant

Phototoxicant

No data found

General human health issues

Literature reports cytotoxicity against certain cancer cell lines
Anti-inflammatory agent

Handling issues

Property

Value and interpretation

General

Incompatible with strong oxidising agents

CLP classification 2013

WHO Classification

UN Number

Not regulated

Waste disposal & packaging

Shelf-life, storage, stability and reactivity

Protect from moisture. Store at -20 DegC. Stable under recommended storage conditions.

TRANSLATIONS

Language

Name

English

quillaic acid

French

German

Danish

Italian

Spanish

Greek

Polish

Swedish

Hungarian

Dutch

Norwegian

Record last updated:	20/02/2026
Contact:	aeru@herts.ac.uk
Please cite as:	Lewis, K.A., Tzilivakis, J., Warner, D. and Green, A. (2016) An international database for pesticide risk assessments and management. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 22(4), 1050-1064. DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2015.1133242

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