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Sapindus is a genus of about five to twelve species of shrubs and small trees. Common names include soapberry and soapnut, both names referring to the use of the crushed seeds to make soap.

Soapnuts are used medically as an expectorant, emetic, contraceptive, and for treatment of excessive salivation, epilepsy, chlorosis, and migraines. Studies show that saponin from soap nuts inhibits tumor cell growth.

Soap nuts contain saponin, a natural detergent which is used to clean clothes, tread greywater, and remediate contaminated soil. Since they do not not leave the residues bumociated with more familiar soaps and synthetic detergents, soap nuts (or concentrated extracts thereof) can be used for cleaning in situations where discretion is a must.