GENERATION OF NEW LIGNAN GLUCOSIDES DURIN G GERMINATION OF SESAME SEEDS

We investigated the changes in lignan glycosides during germination of sesame seed. In the early stage of germination, up to 48 h. sesamin a nd sesamolin almost disappeared, sesaminol diglucoside increased, and three new lignan glucosides appeared. These new compounds were present in the germinated sesame for at least 7 days after their appearance. Analysis of the new lignan glucosides by LC-MS and GC-MS and by their NMR, UV, and IR spectra showed that they were composed of new lignans and glucoses. A new lignan triglucoside and two lignan diglucosides we re identified. The increase in and appearance of lignan glucosides, th e disappearance of sesamin and sesamolin, and an increase in the activ ity of beta-glucosidase took place at almost the same time in the earl y stage of germination. Their metabolism may be related.