Anti-nutritional and flatulence factors at various stages of vegetative growth of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) leaves

The changes in anti-nutritional and flatulence factors (alpha-galactosides) at growth stages of fenugreek leaves (var. 'Kasun', 'Pusa Early Bunching' (PEB), 'HM-57' and 'HM-46') were studied. Saponin content ranged from 0.17 to 0.60% and decreased with advancement of growth from 25 to 35 days after sowing (DAS). Phytate ranged from 7.40 to 24.45 mg/g, increased at second stage (35 DAS) but decreased afterwards except in 'HM-57'. Total phenol, catechol and flavonol ranged from 11.09 to 17.52, 0.57 to 1.07 and 2.03 to 5.78 mg/g, respectively. Total phenol and flavonol increased with growth of leaves in 'Kasuri' and 'PEB' but it increased upto second cutting and thereafter decreased in 'HM-57' and 'HM-46'. Catechol increased at second cutting and decreased in all the cultivars except 'PEB'. All the values observed were significant. Sucrose, raffinose and stachyose in leaves ranged from 0.26 to 1.77, 0.80 to 1.22 and 0.23 to 1.47%, respectively. Sucrose increased, raffinose and stachyose contents decreased with advancement of vegetative growth in all the cultivars except 'Kasuri'. Phytate had reverse trend to those of flatus causing sugars.