Abstract
Abstract Guaco is a common medicinal plant in Brazil used for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Coumarin serves as a chemical marker for quality control of products derived from guaco. In this study, the drying kinetics and coumarin yield of guaco leaves dried with and without treating the surface with ethanol were evaluated. The drying experiments were carried out in a forced convection tunnel at 50 and 60 oC temperatures and air velocities of 0.42 and 0.84 m/s. The results show that the samples with ethanol experienced faster water evaporation during drying experiments, thereby reducing the drying time by up to 35%, and also had higher yields of coumarin. Storage experiments and color analysis were also performed. Treatment of dried guaco leaves with ethanol resulted in color degradation, but increased shelf life by 20%.
Highlights
Medicinal plants have been used by mankind for a long time
It is used as a chemical marker for ensuring quality control of products derived from guaco (Anvisa, 2005a; Ferreira and Oliveira, 2010; Rufatto et al, 2012)
Considering the encouraging results obtained for drying fruits and the importance of shortening the drying time to minimize loss of coumarin content and, to improve the quality of the phytotherapeutic drugs, we studied the influence of ethanol on the drying characteristics and on the coumarin yield from guaco leaves dried with and without the surface treatment with ethanol
Summary
Medicinal plants have been used by mankind for a long time. It is undeniable that they are a source of phytochemicals for phytotherapeutic drugs as well as prototypes for discovery and or synthesis of new pharmaceutical compounds.Mikania laevigata Schultz Bip. An active component found in guaco, is considered to be one of the main constituents responsible for its medicinal activity. It is used as a chemical marker for ensuring quality control of products derived from guaco (Anvisa, 2005a; Ferreira and Oliveira, 2010; Rufatto et al, 2012). Drying of guaco is a preferred method for conserving the activity of its active ingredients and extending the shelf life to ensure a continuous supply to the phytotherapeutic industry. It involves drying the plant at physiological maturity to a level such that the plant can be stored
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