In this work, we propose the subcritical water extraction as a
feasible processing method for removal of oil- and water-soluble
phase from sunflower seeds. Extraction kinetics of both phases
were investigated at different extraction temperatures and material
to water ratios and the obtained oil yields of the subcritical
water extraction (SubWE) were compared to those obtained with
the standard Soxhlet extraction procedure. Degree of hydrothermal
degradation of oil extracts (OE) was checked, by determining (1)
the free fatty acid composition and (2) the total antioxidant capacity
of lipid soluble compounds and results were compared to the
oil obtained with the Soxhlet extraction procedure. Degree of
hydrothermal degradation of water soluble extracts (WSE) was
checked by analyzing the content of (1) proteins, (2) carbohydrates
and (3) phenolic compounds. WSE were also analysed for products
of hydrothermal degradation and the total antioxidant capacities of
water soluble compounds.