Triterpene saponins are naturally occurring compounds found in a variety of medicinal plants, such as Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), Panax ginseng, and Tribulus terrestris. Their use in supporting or treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) is primarily based on traditional herbal medicine practices, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. Historically, plants containing triterpene saponins have been used for their diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which are believed to aid in the relief of UTI symptoms.

From a scientific perspective, the evidence supporting triterpene saponins specifically for UTIs is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that triterpene saponins can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria associated with UTIs and reduce inflammation, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. The proposed mechanisms include disruption of bacterial membranes and enhancement of urinary flow, which may theoretically help clear infections. However, these effects are not conclusively demonstrated in clinical settings, and most available data comes from studies on whole plant extracts rather than isolated saponins.

In summary, while the traditional use of triterpene saponin-containing herbs for urinary health is well-documented, scientific validation for their use specifically in UTIs is weak and incomplete. Therefore, their use is best characterized as traditional, with a moderate (2/5) level of supporting evidence.