BIOCHANIN A AND FORMONONETIN CONTENT IN RED CLOVER VARIETIES AT SEVERAL MATURITY STAGES

Abstract

A method has been developed for quantitative estimation of the isoflavones — biochanin A and formononetin in red clover. This involved scanning the paper chromatograms with a densitometer for biochanin A and with a fluorimeter for formononetin. Some variation in isoflavone content was observed between varieties. Highest isoflavone content (approximately 1% of dry weight of each isoflavone) occurred in the leaves before flowering and then it fell off rapidly. Only small amounts of isoflavone were present in stems and petioles throughout the growing season.