De novo Biosynthesis of Trigonelline in Fenugreek (Trigonellafoenum-graecum) seedlings.

The concentration of trigonelline in dry seeds of fenugreek (Trigonellafoenum-graecum) was 29±3 [mol/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. (15)NH4⁺-feeding experiments suggest that the de novo biosynthesis of trigonelline from NH⁺4 occurs mainly in roots. Trigonelline, which is formed in roots using inorganic nitrogen, is transported to the stems and accumulates in leaves.