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. Trigonelline is produced in green coffee beans by nicotinic acid (pyridinium**-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 **0 percent water soluble. At **4 degrees F, it thaws into pure crystalline form. Disintegration of trigonelline starts approximately at **8 degrees F.