Pharmacological Effect of Trigonelline

Trigonelline is a hormone found naturally in plant products. It is a derivative of vitamin B6. A major ingredient of coffee, trigonelline is believed to have anti-migraine, anti-carcinogenic, antiseptic, hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic activities. It may also act as a stimulant and sedative. There are no regulations in place regarding the production or use of trigonelline. It is not included in the list of toxic materials mentioned in the toxic substances control act. Therefore, trigonelline exposure to humans does not cause any level of toxicity. Also, no severe side effects of trigonelline have been noted so far.

Structure and Composition of Trigonelline

• Trigonelline (N-methyl-nicotinate) is a vitamin B6 derivative having a low, bitter taste in comparison to caffeine. It is also known as Coffearin, Coffearine and Gynesine. Its content in green coffee beans is between 0.6 percent (w/w) to 1 percent (w/w). When roasted at 230 degrees C, trigonelline is broken down to nicotinic acid by about 85 percent with few unchanged molecules remaining in the roasted beans.Trigonelline is produced in green coffee beans by nicotinic acid (pyridinium-3-carboxylic acid) methylation using methionine, a kind of amino acid containing sulfur. Trigonelline, probably the most substantial element which contributes to undue bitterness in coffee, is 100 percent water soluble. At 424 degrees F, it thaws into pure crystalline form. Disintegration of trigonelline starts approximately at 378 degrees F.

Biological Effects of Trigonelline

• Oral preparations of fenugreek, one of the substances containing trigonelline, using hot water extraction are considered to have anti-diarrheal and anti-pyretic properties. The extract is also known to be effective in hair rejuvenation and strengthening the nails. Trigonelline exposure to humans occurs when plants containing trigonelline are ingested, and 20 percent of the compound ingested is excreted through urine.

  Trigonelline exposure to humans may also have several therapeutic properties, such as anti-migraine, anti-carcinogenic (cervix and liver), antiseptic, hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic, activities. It is a niacin metabolite present in humans, known to be a constituent of over-the-counter vitamin supplements which can be used as an anti-hyperlipidemic and hypocholesterolemic. Niacin is created in the form of a tablet with typical dosage ranging from 1 to 2 g, two to three times a day.

Trigonelline and Cancer

• There is no substantial evidence relating trigonelline to treatment of cancer. However, an anti-carcinogenicity study proved that trigonelline displayed anti-carcinogenic activity for P-388 lymphocytic leukemia in mice. Trigonelline may play a role in estrogen-dependent breast cancer and can also be of great help against occurrence of colon cancer. According to a study conducted by Texas AgriLife researchers, trigonelline can also operate as a hormone.

Bioavailability

• Fenugreek and coffee are the commonly occurring and widely known substances containing trigonelline. The seeds of fenugreek contain 45 to 60 percent carbohydrates, mostly mucilaginous fiber; 5 to 10 percent permanent oils (lipids); 20 to 30 percent proteins with high tryptophan and lysine; pyridine-type alkaloid -trigonelline (0.2 to 0.36 percent), gentianine, choline (0.5 percent) and carpaine. A major portion of the trigonelline is broken into pyridines and nicotinic acid lending a bitter flavor to the seed.

  Coffee contains many bioactive compounds, including trigonelline, giving it the characteristic aroma and taste. Other common food sources containing trigonelline include barley, corn, cantaloupe, onions, soybeans, peas and tomatoes. Approximately 5 percent of niacin taken is converted to trigonelline.

Possible Side Effects

• There have been no side effects of trigonelline relating to the compound in a substance. Extract of fenugreek containing trigonelline is considered safe for medicinal use. However, excessive intake of substances containing trigonelline may lead to diarrhea, which is cured once the specific food is discontinued. Up to 100 grams of a food item, such as fenugreek, should be used for medicinal purpose. Other possible side effects of trigonelline include nausea and intestinal distress. External application of any substance containing trigonelline may lead to skin irritation. For these reasons. any home remedies containing trigonelline must be taken with caution.