STUDIES IN THE STEROIDAL SAPOGENIN YIELD FROM TRIGONELLA FOENUMGRAECUM SEED

Abstract

The effect of the endogenous enzyme system of the seed of Trigonella foenumgraecum L. and of added enzymes on its steroidal sapogenin yield is reported from experiments in which the seed germinated abnormally or germination was prevented. Increases in sapogenin yield of the order 10–20 % were obtained. A classification of the steroidal sapogenins in the plant kingdom is proposed on the basis of their occurrence as glycosides in the plant i. e. Class I sapogenin: releasable by acid (needed by the plant) and Class II: releasable by aqueous incubation prior to acid hydrolysis (unneeded by the plant). Fenugreek seed has only about 10 % of the latter class.