Histochemistry. V. Soyasaponins in Soybeans (Glycine max MERRILL, Seeds)

Abstract

In order to clarify the distribution of soyasaponins, which are the bioactive constituents of the seeds of Glycine max MERRILL, in various organs of soybeans, histochemical analysis has been performed. By means of high-performance liquid chromatography of fluorescent derivatives of the saponins, it was found that soyasaponins, except soyasaponin II, are located predominantly in certain organs of soybeans (the plumule, hypocotyl, and radicle) which subsequently grow to form the adult plant.