Radiation processing: An effective quality control tool for hygienization and extending shelf life of a herbal formulation, Amritamehari churnam

Abstract

Shelf life extensionQuality control a b s t r a c t Amritamehari churnam (AC) is an antidiabetic polyherbal formulation constituting of four herbal medicinal plants namely Phyllanthus emblica, Salacia reticulata, Tinospora cordifolia andCurcuma longa. The feasibility of using gamma irradiation at doses between 2.5 and 10 kGy to reduce microbial load and enhance shelf life of this formulation was investigated. The irradiated and non-irradiated products were stored at room temperature (25e32 C and 50 e85% R.H., 1.5 years). Acceptability of the irradiated product was assessed based on sensory, microbial, physical and chemical attributes as well as their antioxidant status. A dose 7.5 kGy was sufficient to maintain microbial quality within acceptable limit up to 18 months of storage. No significant differences in sensory properties were observed between the non-irradiated and irradiated sample. The applied dose did not cause any significant qualitative and quantitative changes in the chemical constituents, antioxidant activities as well as physical properties when measured by EPR spectroscopy.

Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Microbiological, Phytochemical Content, Antioxidant Activity and Inhibition of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Activity of Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth

“…1 This can lead to a shorter shelf life and in some cases, it can cause disease. 2 One way can be used to overcome this problem is decontamination process. Conventional decontamination by using heat and chemicals can reduce the bioactivity of herbal products.…”

“…3 Gamma irradiation is an environmentally friendly technology that can be used to reduce contaminants in herbal products. 2,3 Available reports have clearly demonstrated that exposure of food commodities to Gamma Irradiation. Exposure of gamma irradiation at 1.4 kGy on Ginkgo biloba (L.) and Paullinia cupana (HBK) reduced the numbers of microbial load, the number of yeast and mold without cause degradation of flavonoid and caffeine.…”

Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibition, Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic Compound and Total Flavonoid of Peperomia pellucida Herbs Extract

“…This shortens their shelf life as well as in rare cases cause major illness. 1 Several reports have demonstrated that gamma irradiation method on herbal medicines is an effective method for decontamination, quarantine barriers in international trade and for improving shelf life due to its efficiency and high penetration. 2,3 Gamma rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation which originates within the nucleus of a radioisotope.…”

“…Therefore monitoring both qualitative and quantitative changes in bioactive phytochemicals after irradiation and storage is of importance. 1,12 So this study aimed to analyze the effect of gamma-ray irradiation on the ethanol extract of P. Pellucida herbs in order to eliminate contamination, without causing a decrease in its activity as ACE inhibitors.…”

Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Suruhan (Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth) Herb Powder

“…3 Nonetheless, contamination during the processing and storage stages can shorten the shelf life of those herbal materials and even cause danger to consumers if they are contaminated by pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus. 4 Even though other ways of decontamination are available, gamma irradiation is preferred due it's low temperature during a process, high penetration capability, and it also doesn't produce hazardous waste. 5 The aim of this study was to analyze and evaluate the effect of gamma irradiation on the chemical constituents and bioactivity of suruhan herb powder.…”