Micro propagation and phytochemical analysis of Trigonella foenum-graecum with special reference to the estimation of chlorophyll with UV spectrophotometer

Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) is an annual plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. The green leaves and seeds of fenugreek (methi) are widely used in food and medicinal applications dating back to ancient times. However, the seeds are sour in taste due to the presence of bitter saponins, which limit their acceptability in foods. Research shows that extracts from seeds and leaves, and the active compounds in them, can lower cholesterol and blood sugar, fight inflammation and ulcers, relieve pain and fever, act as antioxidants, help heal wounds, and support the immune system. The plant contains active constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, etc. We performed phytochemical analysis and micropropagation, focusing especially on estimating chlorophyll with a UV spectrophotometer. We also compared roots and shoots in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Tissue culture is the in vitro aseptic culture of cells, tissues, organs, or whole plants under controlled nutritional and environmental conditions, often used to produce plant clones. We conducted a comparative phytochemical screening of ethanol and aqueous extracts. Important phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, steroids, glycosides, and terpenes exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Identification of phytochemicals allows for prediction of a plant’s pharmacological activity. Phytochemicals are currently identified using various modern techniques, yet conventional qualitative tests remain popular for preliminary phytochemical screening of plants. Recent research has identified fenugreek as a valuable medicinal plant with potential for treating diseases and as a source of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry, including steroidal hormones. Chlorophylls are essential components for photosynthesis and occur as green pigments in the chloroplasts of all photosynthetic organisms. These pigments are loosely bound to proteins and can be readily extracted with organic solvents like acetone or ether. Each chlorophyll molecule consists of a porphyrin ring with a central magnesium atom and a long phytol hydrocarbon side chain linked via a carboxylic acid group. Plants contain at least five types of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll was extracted with 80% acetone, and absorbance was recorded at 663 nm, 645 nm, and 470 nm using a UV spectrophotometer. Chlorophyll content was determined from the absorption coefficients.