Phytochemical retention and antioxidant capacity of xao tam phan (Paramignya trimera) root as prepared by different drying methods

Abstract

ABSTRACTXao tam phan (Paramignya trimera (Oliv.) Guillaum) has been used as an herbal medicine for the treatment of cancer or cancer-like diseases in recent years, particularly in Vietnam. Drying is an important step for preparation of dried materials for storage and further investigation; however, the effects of drying must be taken into account when processing samples, because this can have profound effects on the stability of phytochemical compounds and the biological activity of the dried P. trimera root. As such, this study assessed the effects of four different drying methods (conventional, hot air, vacuum, and microwave) on phytochemical retention and antioxidant capacity of P. trimera root, to identify an optimal drying method for P. trimera root. The results showed that the drying methods significantly affected phytochemical levels and antioxidant capacity of P. trimera root and that among the four drying methods tested, microwave drying (400 W) had the highest levels of phytochemical compounds, with total phenolic, total flavonoid, proanthocyanidin, and saponin contents of 11.27 mg GAE, 19.88 mg RE, 3.98 mg CE, and 267.15 mg EE/gram of dried sample, respectively. Dried sample prepared using this method had antioxidant capacity comparable to that of other drying methods. In addition, this method had the shortest drying time (0.28 h) and consumed the least energy (0.28 kWh). Therefore, microwave drying should be considered for drying P. trimera root for further investigation and utilization.