Abstract: In this study,macroporous resin column chromatography (MRCC) was used for the enrichment of two main stibenes,namely rhaponticin and rhapontigenin,in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seeds.The MRCC enrichment conditions were optimized using single-factor tests and response surface methodology (RSM) while the total recovery and the total content of two compounds were recorded as response index.The content of targeted compounds was determined by HPLC.Finally,HPD300 macroporous resin was selected from 11 resins.The optimized enrichment conditions were as follows:25.0 mL as sample size,5.0 as pH value of sample solution,0.5 mL/min as flow rate of sample solution.After fully adsorption,3 BV deionized water was used to wash out the substance without being absorbed,and then 27.0 mL of ethanol (50%) was used for the desorption of targeted compounds,and the flow rate was set at 0.6 mL/min.Under these optimized parameters,the total recovery of two compounds was over 91.76%,and the total concentrations of two compounds enriched by HPD300 macroporous resin increased from 15.5 to 56.94%.

Key words: Trigonella foenum-graecum L., stibenes, macroporous resin, high performance liquid chromatography, response surface method