Abstract: Saponins are bioactive ingredients derived from higher plants and marine animals. They possess a range of medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and cholesterol-lowering effects. Furthermore, as natural antibacterial and surfactant agents, they exhibit significant potential for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural industries. Marine animal saponins mainly exist in sea cucumbers and starfishes, which have good biological activity and have broad prospects for development and utilization. However, due to the low content of saponins in marine animals, their industrial application is limited. Therefore, enhancing the extraction efficiency and purity of marine animal saponins has become a major research focus. This article delineates and classifies contemporary methodologies for the extraction and purification of saponins from marine fauna. Although laboratory-scale isolation of high-purity saponins predominantly relies on organic solvent extraction coupled with chromatographic purification, the transposition of this paradigm to an industrial context is impeded by limitations pertaining to solvent toxicity, suboptimal efficiency, and prohibitive costs. Emerging strategies to circumvent these drawbacks encompass the implementation of environmentally benign solvents, notably deep eutectic solvents and supercritical fluids, frequently augmented by physical (e.g., ultrasonic, microwave) or enzymatic treatments. The incorporation of a pre-enrichment step prior to final purification further constitutes a viable optimization tactic. This comprehensive analysis provides a foundational framework for the preparation of marine saponins and underscores their potential in the formulation of functional foods, thereby advocating for their enhanced utilization in promoting human health.