De novo Biosynthesis of Trigonelline in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seedlings

Abstract

The concentration of trigonelline in dry seeds of fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum) was 29±3 μmol/g fresh weight. Trigonelline occurred in cotyledons and embryonic axes of the seedlings, but it was found mainly in the above-ground parts of the young fenugreek plants. 15NH4+-feeding experiments suggest that the de novo biosynthesis of trigonelline from NH4+ occurs mainly in roots. Trigonelline, which is formed in roots using inorganic nitrogen, is transported to the stems and accumulates in leaves.