Abstract
In this study, phenolic compounds (PCs) were extracted from fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) by mechanical agitation using pure water at different temperatures. The effects of the extraction temperature, extraction time, and agitation rate on the total PCs (TPCs), total flavonoids (TFLs), and antioxidant capacities (ACs) of the extracts were investigated. Optimum conditions for which TPCs, TFLs, and ACs reached their highest value were determined using the desirability function of the central composite design. Optimization results at 45°C extraction temperature, 65 min extraction time, and 20000 rpm agitation rate showed that TPCs were 137.37 ± 1.87 mg gallic acid/g dry sample, TFLs were 86.96 ± 1.44 mg quercetin/g dry sample, and ACs were 18.11±0.55 mM Trolox/g dry sample. The fenugreek seed extracts having high amounts of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant capacity are believed to have the potential for use in different food formulations.