Development of Drying Protocol for Withania Somnifera Roots

Abstract

Objective: This experiment was conducted to develop a drying protocol for Withania somnifera roots (during the year 2009–2010 under the National Medicinal Plants Board project, B.R. Nahata College of Pharmacy-Scientific Institute of Research Organization, Mandsaur [M.P.]).Methods: The roots of Withania were harvested and cut into different sizes (2–4 inches) and subjected into sun drying, shade drying, and hot air oven drying in temperature ranging from 40°C to 60°C. The temperature for sun drying ranging from 32°C to 42°C during daytime, and in night hours, the samples were kept in plastic covers to prevent reabsorption of moisture. In shade drying, the pieces of roots were kept in shade (proper air flowing place) at normal climatic temperature. Moreover, in hot air oven drying method/mechanical drying method, the pieces of roots were kept at 50°C, 55°C, and 60°C, respectively. The samples were weighed, and the moisture content of the samples was taken at regular intervals until the standard moisture content of the dried roots was obtained that is mentioned in literature (10–5%).Result: The result revealed that hot air oven drying of roots took the lowest time (12 h), while sun drying method took 24 h for drying. The alkaloid content, namely, Withanolide A was significantly influenced by different methods of drying. The highest alkaloid content (0.010%) was observed in sun drying and hot air oven drying with 0.021.abc% as compared to shade drying with 0.009% Withanolide A.Conclusion: It may be concluded that sun drying and hot air oven drying are suitable methods for drying W. somnifera roots.

Biotic and Abiotic Elicitors Induce Biosynthesis and Accumulation of Some Withanolide Compounds in the Callus Culture of Withania somnifera L.

“…While, the UV rays were also applied at different durations (0, 30, 60 and 90) min, then the incubation process was continued in dark conditions. All treatments were maintained at 25±1°C and harvested after 30d, then the fresh callus weight was determined before oven-drying at 45ºC for 24h to determine the dry weight (Soni et al, 2018). Changes in fresh and dry weight can reveal information on the growth, development and metabolite formation within a cell as a function of the culture medium, incubation conditions, or stress level (Pan et al, 2020).…”

Photoperiod and UV light influence secondary metabolites of Hyoscyamus niger callus induced from leaves

“…dark). After 30 days of incubation, the fresh and dry weights were measured using a sensitive balance, and the dry weight was recorded after being dried in an electric oven at 45 C° for 24 hours (12). Five replicates were used for each treatment.…”