What Is Trigonelline?
Trigonelline is a colorless solid. Its IUPAC name is 1-methylpyridin-1-ium-3-carboxylate, and it is also known as caffearine or N-methylnicotinate. Methylnicotinate.
It is an alkaloid, an organic compound containing nitrogen atoms with the chemical formula C7H7NO2 and a molecular weight of 137.14. The CAS registration number is 535-83-1.
Uses of Trigonelline
Trigonelline has a variety of effects, including antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Fenugreek, a plant with trigonelline as one of its main constituents, is a traditional Chinese herb and Indian spice that has long been used for diabetes, coughs, increased milk production, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Today, it is attracting attention as a highly effective substance for improving dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, by generating nitric oxide in blood vessels, it can promote vasoconstriction and dilation to maintain supple blood vessels. It is also attracting attention as a substance that prevents myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction caused by arteriosclerosis.
Properties of Trigonelline
Trigonelline is heat sensitive and decomposes at temperatures above 200°C. In order to maintain the function of Trigonelline, it must be heated below 200°C, or Trigonelline must be extracted before heating and returned after heating.
Upon heating, trigonelline is converted to nicotinic acid. This substance is different in type from the nicotine found in cigarettes and has the effect of promoting brain energy metabolism and reducing cholesterol.
Nicotinic acid is a form of vitamin B3, which helps replace carbohydrates and fats with energy. Trigonene has a betaine structure with both positive and negative charges in a molecule.
The melting point of the monohydrate is 218°C, and it decomposes upon melting. It is solid at room temperature. It is very soluble in water, soluble in alcohols, and almost insoluble in organic solvents such as ether, benzene, and chloroform.
Other Information on Trigonelline
1. How Trigonelline Is Produced
Trigonelline is found in abundance in the seeds of the osmanthus and coffee beans. It was first isolated from the leguminous plant fenugreek.
In plants, it is biosynthesized from nicotinic acid by nicotinic acid-N-methyltransferase (EC No. 2.1.1.7). Industrially, it can be synthesized by heating nicotinic acid with methyl iodide in the presence of silver oxide.
Trigonelline can also be purified by recrystallization from water or alcohols.
2. Handling and Storage Precautions
Trigonelline produces harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) vapors when heated to decomposition. It is important to use the product in a draft chamber with local exhaust ventilation to avoid direct inhalation of the vapors. In case of fire, use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers.
Because of its skin irritant properties, care should be taken to avoid skin contact. Always wear protective clothing, such as a lab coat or work clothes and protective gloves when using the product. Never roll up the sleeves of protective clothing to avoid skin exposure. In the unlikely event of skin contact, it is important to wash it off with soap and copious amounts of water. If pain or other symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
It is also highly irritating to the eyes. It is important to always wear protective eyewear or goggles when using this product, as it can cause serious damage. In the unlikely event of contact with the eyes, rinse carefully with water for several minutes. If you are wearing contacts and can easily remove them, do so and rinse thoroughly.
Store in a cool, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight, around 4°C is preferable.