Saponins and its Biological Actions with Special Reference to Fenugreek

Deeptanshu, Srivastava (2009) Saponins and its Biological Actions with Special Reference to Fenugreek. Masters thesis, University of Mysore.

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Abstract

This Dissertation / Report is the outcome of investigation carried out by the creator(s) / author(s) at the department/division of Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore mentioned below in this page.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Additional Information:	Several biological effects have been ascribed to saponins. Extensive research has been carried out into the hypocholesterolaemic, anticarcinogenic, membrane-permeabilising and immunostimulant properties of saponins and they have also been found to significantly affect growth, feed intake and reproduction in animals. These structurally diverse compounds have also been observed to kill protozoans and mollusks. They are found to be antioxidants. They impair the digestion of protein and the uptake of vitamins and minerals in the gut, to cause hypoglycemia, and to act as antifungal and antiviral agents. These compounds can thus affect animals in a host of different ways both positive and negative. The biological significance of fenugreek saponins has been exploited commercially. It has been well recognized that dietary fiber offers substantial benefits to persons with diabetes mellitus. Fenugreek seeds, commonly used in India and other countries as a condiment, are an excellent source of dietary fiber and hence, are advantageous in the context of diabetes. T. foenum-graecum was found to possesses different activities such as Anticancer, Anti-Inflammatory, Antiseptic, Aphrodisiac, Astringent, Bitter, Demulcent, Emollient, Expectorant, Anthelmintic, Wound healing and Gastro protective. Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of the polysaccharide galactomannan. They are also a source of saponins such as diosgenin, yamogenin, gitogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogens. Other bioactive constituents of fenugreek include mucilage, volatile oils, and alkaloids such as choline and trigonelline. Dietary fiber and saponins being such functional constituents whose appropriate concentrations can have positive effect in maintaining good health and preventing many of the metabolic syndromes very often found across the globe. In this regard, fenugreek seeds offer great potentiality being used in medicinal and culinary spices. If processed properly, fenugreek fiber can be applied to all kinds of food formulation for fiber fortification. Recently, Central Food Technological Research Institute has developed a process for separation of husk and cotyledons from fenugreek seeds. However, more rigorous scientific research has yet to be performed to get wide acceptance to this old herb to exploit its potentiality in functional foods and nutraceuticals to maximum extent.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	saponins; Fenugreek seeds; T. foenum-graecum; Dietary fiber; food formulation; Anticancer Effect; Anti-inflammatory effect
Subjects:	600 Technology > 08 Food technology > 30 Spices/Condiments 600 Technology > 08 Food technology > 18 Processed foods > 01 Dietary Fiber
Divisions:	Plantation Products Spices and Flavour Technology
Depositing User:	Food Sci. & Technol. Information Services
Date Deposited:	20 Jul 2010 11:38
Last Modified:	28 Dec 2011 10:16
URI:	http://ir.cftri.res.in/id/eprint/9573

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