Fenugreek seed extract (4-hydroxyisoleucine)

Fenugreek is the seed of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (family Fabaceae), methi in Hindi and Methika in Ayurveda. Thovek supplies extract produced by hydroalcoholic or aqueous extraction of cleaned seed, concentrated and spray dried. Three quite separate chemistries are bought out of this one seed and they are not interchangeable. The furostanolic saponin fraction - protodioscin, the trigoneosides and related glycosides, with diosgenin as the aglycone - is what most "fenugreek saponin" grades measure. 4-Hydroxyisoleucine (CAS 55399-93-4, C6H13NO3, MW 147.17, the (2S,3R,4S) isomer) is a free hydroxy amino acid and the principal free amino acid of the seed; it is a different purchase with a different price. The third is galactomannan: fenugreek endosperm gum runs about 73.6% galactomannan at a galactose-to-mannose ratio near 1:1, the highest galactose substitution among the common seed gums, which is why it hydrates faster and more completely in cold water than guar or locust bean gum. Whole seed carries roughly 26.8% soluble fibre on this chemistry. Two numbers on this ingredient deserve scrutiny before a purchase order is cut. First, a survey of 31 genotypes across irrigated and rainfed environments put seed 4-hydroxyisoleucine at 0.41-1.90%, diosgenin at 0.50-0.93% and trigonelline at 5.22-13.65 mg/g. A 20% 4-hydroxyisoleucine grade is therefore a concentration of roughly twenty-fold or more over the raw seed, and the 90% and 98% grades circulating in the market are isolated amino acid rather than extract in any useful sense. Ask for the HPLC chromatogram and the identity of the reference standard, and expect the yield to show up in the price. Second, "saponins" is not one assay. A gravimetric total-saponin figure, a UV figure read against diosgenin or protodioscin, and an HPLC figure for named glycosides can differ by a factor of two or more on the same drum. Name the method and the reference standard on the purchase order, not just the percentage. Testofen and Fenuside are marks of Gencor Pacific covering a specific fenugreek seed extract standardised to a proprietary saponin glycoside matrix and covered by patent. Thovek does not supply that ingredient, and material bought here must not be labelled, invoiced or marketed as Testofen; what we offer is generic fenugreek seed extract built to your own specification. On handling, fenugreek carries sotolon, the lactone behind its maple and curry aroma, and it is potent enough to taint neighbouring goods in a shared store or container - segregate it and use odour-barrier liners. All grades are vegan, vegetarian and non-GMO. Fenugreek is not among the fourteen allergens in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 and is not a US major food allergen, but it is a legume: its 7S vicilin and 11S legumin share substantial homology with peanut Ara h 1 and Ara h 3, and in vitro cross-reactivity with peanut, chickpea, pea and soy is documented, so brands selling into peanut-aware markets should take their own view on precautionary labelling. Batch documentation covers assay, loss on drying, ash, heavy metals, residual solvents, pesticide residues and microbiology, with allergen, GMO, irradiation and country-of-origin statements.