Assessing the effects of spray-drying and freeze-drying on the functional compounds recovery and physical properties of Braziling ginseng powders

Abstract

Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia glomerata) is a native plant from Brazil traditionally used in folk medicine to treat several diseases, as nutritional supplement for athletes. Its properties are associated to the steroid beta-ecdysone present in the Brazilian ginseng roots. Recently, inulin-type polysaccharides, also named fructooligosaccharides (FOS) were found in Brazilian ginseng, which are considered prebiotic compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preservation of functional compounds in the powdered Brazilian ginseng extract and to characterize its physical properties.The results showed that the beta-ecdysone and FOS contents of Brazilian ginseng powders were preserved after the drying processes and the physical properties of powders enables its use as instant tea or functional ingredient.