Produce soluble fiber isolate from Canadian fenugreek.

Soluble fibers are increasingly in demand as food and supplement ingredients. The health benefits of soluble fibers include hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic responses, as well as overall improved gastrointestinal function.

Seeds from the fenugreek, one of the world's oldest medicinal herbs, have been traditionally used to treat diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Research has identified the soluble fiber of fenugreek seeds as the active component that can impact our health. This soluble fiber is a highly substituted galactomannan proven to reduce glycemic response and lower cholesterol levels in individuals.

Fenugreek galactomannan is similar to guar gum in its structure and functionality. Commercial production of fenugreek fiber in the past has required solvent extraction. However, scientists at Emerald Seed Products have developed a process that is solvent-free and produces a highly concentrated fiber. By selecting Canadian-grown fenugreek varieties high in fiber content, the current technology produces products containing more than 90% total dietary fiber and over 80% soluble fiber.

The fenugreek varieties analyzed by scientists ranged from 38.6% to 50.8% total dietary fiber and from 16.4% to 26.9% soluble fiber. The fiber is located in the testa and endosperm of fenugreek seeds. Using a patented process, researchers separate the testa and endosperm from the cotyledons. The process produces a concentrated fiber product as well as a cotyledon fraction rich in protein and saponins.

Any food or industrial formulation requiring a hydrocolloid or gum could utilize fenugreek soluble fiber. The current technology is also applicable to fractionation of other seeds or grains. Emerald Seed Products is marketing worldwide Canafen[R] Gum, a purified galactomannan derived from the endosperm of Canadian grown fenugreek seed. Functioning as a hydrocolloid, Canafen[R] Gum is a white powder with low flavor and odor. It can be incorporated into many foods and health products with very low levels of the characteristic fenugreek taste, odor and color. Canafen[R] Gum has self-affirmed GRAS status.

Canafen[R] Gum can be substituted in some applications for guar, xanthan and locust bean. It can be used to thicken, emulsify, stabilize, increase moisture retention, optimize texture and extend the shelf life in such products as baked goods, salad dressings, beverages, pastas, sauces and soups. Emerald markets fenugreek fiber for dietary supplements as well.

Patent. 5,997,877--Method of extraction of commercially valuable fractions of fenugreek. Issued Dec. 7, 1999. Assigned to Emerald Seed Products.

Further information. Wendy Ziehl, Research and Development Manager, Emerald Seed Products Ltd., 101 Wood Mountain Trail E., Box 149, Avonlea, SK S0H 0C0, Canada; phone: 306-868-2030; fax: 306-868-2032; email: wendy.esp@sasktel.net.