Yamogenin 3–O–b–D-glucopyranosyl (10 Right arrow 4)–O–a–D-xylopyranoside from the seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum

Trigonella foenum-graecum (NO – Leguminosae) is cultivated in many parts of India. It has been found to possess significant medicinal value. Its leaves are used both internally and externally to reduce swelling, prevent falling of hair and in treating burns. Its seeds are carminative, antipyretic, anthelmintic and diuretic, and are also useful in treatment of dropsy, chronic cough, heart diseases, bronchitis, piles and small pox. This plant also possesses antidiabetic property. The present communication deals with the isolation and identification of steroidal saponin SA-III, characterised as yamogenin 3–O–beta–D-glucopyranosyl (10 right arrow4)–O–alpha–D-xylopyranoside, which was isolated from the seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum.