What is "trigonelline"

n. (context biochemistry English) An alkaloid product of the metabolism of niacin, found in many plants including fenugreek.

Trigonelline is an alkaloid with chemical formula . It is a zwitterion formed by the methylation of the nitrogen atom of niacin (vitamin B). Trigonelline is a product of niacin metabolism that is excreted in urine of mammals.

Trigonelline occurs in many plants. It has been isolated from fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum, hence the name), garden peas, hemp seed, oats, potatoes, Stachys species, dahlia, Strophanthus species, and Dichapetalum cymosum. Trigonelline is also found in coffee. Higher levels of trigonelline is found in arabica coffee.

Holtz, Kutscher, and Theilmann have recorded its presence in a number of animals.