Characterisation of volatile compounds in Tunisian fenugreek seeds

In this study, we intend to develop a simple and fast analytical procedure to identify the volatile compounds implicated in the odour of Tunisian fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graceum L.) seeds. Two procedures, solvent extraction and static headspace solid-phase microextraction (SHS-SPME), have been used under different conditions. The volatile compounds extracted were systematically identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, based on their mass spectrum and Kovats index on two columns of different polarity. A total of 67 compounds were identified, some of them being reported for the first time in fenugreek seeds (e.g. several pyrazines, 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone or 1-epi-cubenol). Methanol was found to be the preferred solvent for high and medium boiling point volatile compounds, such as sotolone and nitrogen compounds. For SHS-SPME, the fibre coated with divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane 2 cm was the most suitable for extracting volatile compounds from ground seeds. The efficiency of this fibre was confirmed by direct gas chromatography–olfactometry, with a global odour similar to that of fenugreek seeds.