Fenugreek (Trigonellafoenum-graceum) is an annual plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is well known for its fiber, gum, other chemical constituents and volatile contents. Fenugreek seed extracts are widely used for their medicinal properties such as hypocholesterolemic, lactation aid, antibacterial, gastric stimulant, for anorexia, antidiabetic agent, hepatoprotective effect and anticancer but they are extremely bitter to taste. Its use is still limited due to its extremely bitter taste which limits its consumer acceptability. BARC has developed a cheap and easy methodology for de-bittering of these extracts to increase their consumer acceptability. It is prepared by using all GRAS status chemicals and enzymes.

 SALIENT FEATURES

• A cheap and easy methodology for de-bittering of fenugreek seed extracts.


• Employs all GRAS status chemicals.

 APPLICATIONS

• Useful in pharmaceutical industry.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum) is an annual plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. Fenugreek is grown worldwide but India is the largest producer. Rajasthan accounts for 80% of production in India. It finds its use as spice, herb and vegetable. Seeds of fenugreek spice have medicinal properties such as hypocholesterolemic, lactation aid, antibacterial, gastric stimulant, for anorexia, antidiabetic agent, hepatoprotective effect and anticancer. It is well known for its fiber, gum, other chemical constituents and volatile contents. Extracts from seeds are used as pharmaceutical formulations to treat various problems in traditional and modern medicine. However, fenugreek seed extracts are extremely bitter in taste which despite their excellent medicinal properties limits their consumer acceptability. Its use is still limited due to its extremely bitter taste which limits its consumer acceptability. BARC has developed a cheap and easy methodology for de-bittering of these extracts to increase their consumer acceptability. It is prepared by using all GRAS status chemicals and enzymes.

ADVANTAGES

• Can be easily processed using locally available raw materials.
• De-bittering process does not adversely affect visual appearance of reconstituted extracts.
• Significantly better sensory quality as extracts become completely debittered.
• No adverse effect of this process on shelf life of extracts.

APPLICATIONS

• Useful in pharmaceutical industry.

INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS

a. Raw Materials required

• Fenugreek seed extracts (Commercially available)
• Additives for de-bittering (GRAS status)

All the raw materials required are available in the local market.

b. Equipments

• Overhead stirrer with motor and temperature control

c. Space

• Factory shade of 600 sq. ft. area (30 ft. x 20 ft) with potable water facilities.

d. Power

• Three phase power connection.

e. Manpower

• Minimum one laboratory technician are required for production of 100 kg of de-bittered extract. Actual manpower would depend on production capacity.