Quantitative determination of coumestrol in dried alfalfa and alfalfa leaf protein concentrates containing chlorophyll.

An improved analytical method for the determination of coumestrol in dried alfalfa and leaf protein concentrates is described. In this method, chlorophyll is removed from an alcohol extract prior to the paper chromatographic-fluorometric measurement of coumestrol. Ninety-eight per cent of the coumestrol added to alfalfa leaf protein concentrates is recovered by this method.