Bisdesmosides, monodesmosides, and other bisdesmosidic saponins were observed in the particles of Saponaria vaccaria L seeds (15.35% dry basis) with diameter of 0.044 to 1.19mm and an average thickness of 124 mu m as investigated with liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy at methanol concentration of 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90% (vol., aq.), temperature of 30 degrees C, 45 degrees C, and 60 degrees C, and eight extraction time intervals between 1 and 180 min. The saponins yield increased significantly with temperature (45 degrees C to 60 degrees C) and methanol concentration (50% to 70%) with negligible effect of moisture content. The maximum yield was obtained at 60 degrees C for 70% methanol concentration and 30 min of extraction time. The mass transfer properties of the test material may have potentials for modeling, simulation and optimization of similar products and processes. A diffusional mathematical model simulated extraction kinetics, and estimated partition coefficient, and effective diffusivity of saponins very well.