Optimization and HPLC-DAD Characterization of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Ferula communis L. Inflorescence

An ultrasound-assisted extraction method combined with response surface methodology was applied to optimize the extraction of phenolic compounds and evaluate the antioxidant capacity of Ferula communis inflorescence. Response surface methodology with a central composite design was used to optimize the process. As independent variables, ethanol concentration (40–80% v/v), solvent-to-sample ratio (10–40 mL/g), and extraction time (14–30 min) were assessed. A solid-to-liquid ratio of 19 mL/g, a 60% ethanol concentration, and a 23 min extraction duration were the ideal extraction parameters. The extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and DPPH radical scavenging capacity (IC50) were predicted to be 18.91%, 34.93 mg GAE/g, 18.03 mg QE/g, and 0.58 mg/mL, respectively, under these optimized conditions. The efficacy of the central composite design in optimizing polyphenol extraction from F. communis was validated by experimental results that closely matched the predicted values. Eleven phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC-DAD, with pyrogallol and kaempferol being the most prevalent components. These results suggest that F. communis may represent a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential antioxidant applications.