Studies on Processing of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (Ghrit- kumari) Leaves

Abstract

Indeed, there are great market potential of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (Ghrit-kumari) due to their medicinal and cosmetic values. However, the serious problems faced by farmers related to supply of harvested leaves materials after cultivation for industrial extraction and production of juice under a short and specific time of transportation to avoid spoil of materials and protect from decayed condition of leaves. Hence, the cultivation practices of the plant are not being popular although the utilization of leaves by pharmaceutical companies is gradually increasing. To solve the above problems, an analysis on extraction of pulp from leaves and preparation of juice in a small scale level has been carried out useful for the farmers and medicinal plant growers for processing of leaves at plantation site. It has been observed that after harvesting of leaves the boil or warm water is useful to process the leaves for pulp extraction in cold season. The standard percentage of activated charcoal observed in processing of pulp for removal of pigments varies from 12-15 gm/ kg according to pulp. The processing in homogenization, filtration and better preservation and stability of juice different ratio have been analyzed for keeping in good condition up to 180 days and above and the requirement of EDTA is 0.9-1.2gm/kg of pulp. The citric acid required 1.1-1.3 gm/kg for better and good condition of juice. The maintenances of PH of processed material various composition of different preservatives have been assessed. Effects of natural preservatives like lemon and honey to protect juice up to 30 days has been studied and found at least 10:5 ml/100ml respectively in closed container under good storage condition.