Extraction, purification and assessment of galactomannan from fenugreek seeds

Introduction and Aim: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graceum) is extensively cultivated in several Asian nations. The leaves and seeds of this plant are well recognized for their potential against diabetes, some cancers and imparting immunity. They are often employed as adhesives and emulsifying agents. Polysaccharides can be found in abundance in fenugreek seeds. Galactomannan, a water-soluble polysaccharide, efficiently reduces the surface tension and increases the viscosity of liquids.   Materials and Methods: In this study, a simple method for extracting as well as purifying galactomannan was developed. It was produced from fenugreek plant's seeds and purified by centrifugation and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) spirit precipitation methods.   Results: The presence of carbohydrates by Molisch test and an absence of reducing sugar by Fehling’s test was revealed. The pH of the purified galactomannan was 6.37, and its foaming capability was 14.28 %. The Galactomannan gum was found to possess 81 % emulsifying capacity. It revealed that the capacity to hold water was 1480% and the ability to hold oil was 268%.   Conclusion: In contrast to guar gum as well as the locust bean gum which are employed in various industries as thickeners, emulsifiers and stabilizers, galactomannan, produced in this study, is an effective and affordable method of stabilizing and emulsifying various products.