Saponin anyone?

[kurt]

Neighbor down the road was preparing some harvested Quinoa seeds by soaking and washing them in water.He was saving the water in jugs and told me in his country in Peru they used the water/tea for insecticide,fungicide around thier gardens.Did some quick web searches and seems to be a substance called saponin.The substance has to be washed from Quinoa for consumption(leaves a bitter taste and somewhat toxic).It is a natural defense from the plant for insecticdal and fungicidal qualitys.Is there anyone out there in TVille(academia,scientific)that can chime in?Looks promising.