Identification and Quantitative Determination of 4-Hydroxyisoleucine in Trigonella foenum-graecum L. from Iran

  Background: The seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Fenugreek) are used in Iranian traditional medicine as blood sugar lowering agent. According to last investigations, hypoglycemic property is related to the amino acids of the plant specially 4-hydroxyisoleucine.   Objective: In this research, identification and quantitative determination of 4-hydroxyisoleucine in Fenugreek seeds from Shahreza, central part of Iran, has been investigated.   Methods: Powdered seeds of the plant were defatted and then extracted by using ethanol 50%. In order to isolation of 4-hydroxyisoleucine from the extract, ion exchange chromatography was used and the amino acid content was determined by using high performance liquid chromatography technique.   Results: The results showed the presence of 0.4% 4-hydroxyisoleucine in the plant seeds which is considerable amount of the amino acid in the plant collected from Iran. Conclusion: According to the effects of 4-hydroxyisoleucine such as antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties, fenugreek can be considered as an herbal remedy in supportive treatment of these disorders.