Physiological Aspect and Biotechnology of Trigonelline

This chapter describes the biosynthesis of trigonelline, and its various roles in plants, and plant biotechnology. Changes in trigonelline biosynthesis occur during the growth of leaves and fruits of coffee plants. Several in planta roles for trigonelline have been proposed, namely: as a nutrient source, a compatible solute, a bioactive substance for nyctinasty, cell cycle regulation, detoxification of nicotinate, and an eco-chemical function such as host selection by herbivores. Exogenously supplied nicotinate and nicotinamide, but not trigonelline, both inhibit the growth of roots of mung bean seedlings, and the division and colony formation of lettuce cells derived from protoplasts. Trigonelline has potential protective effects in humans and manipulation of the trigonelline content in foods has been carried out. Trigonelline in coffee beans is demethylated to form nicotinate during the roasting process.