Optimization of Microwave-assisted Extraction of Polysaccharide from Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Seeds

Introduction: Fenugreek seed polysaccharides (FSP) have gained significant attention in research due to their availability in different forms, which play a tremendous role in the pharmaceutical industry as a natural excipient like matrix-former, binder, gelling, and suspending agent. Extraction of polysaccharides plays a vital role in their purity, cost, etc. In extraction processes, several parameters like time, temperature, pressure, solvent to be used, or the combination of all these can be modified to optimize the process.Aims and Objective: The aim of this study was to optimize the extraction of the fenugreek seed polysaccharide. In other words, the objective of this study was to optimize the various parameters of the microwave-assisted extraction of polysaccharide content from the fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum) using the Box-Behnken design (BBD).Methods: The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction of the FSP. This study finds the interactive effects of the independent process variables (irradiation time, power, and solvent-to-solid ratio) on polysaccharide yield (%) by using BBD.Results: The result showed a 40.11% yield of polysaccharides when ideal conditions were met, such as a 9.95 minute irradiation time, 51.03 solvent-to-solid ratio, and a microwave power of 180.09. The presence of functional groups in polysaccharides was confirmed by the FTIR spectrum of the isolated polysaccharide.Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that microwave-assisted extraction is a viable method for extracting FSP.