Study of Mathematical Models in Hot Air Drying of Herbs in Herbal Compress Ball

Supacharee Roddecha,J Wang,Prapakorn Tantayotai,Y.F Yang,Boochita Wongpanit,Malinee Sriariyanun,Sumitta Chotikamas

doi:10.1051/matecconf/201818701002

Abstract

Herbal compress ball is currently one of important products of Thailand for exporting sales worldwide. It is used in Thai traditional medical treatment and spa to reduce muscle pain and relaxation. This research aimed to generate the mathematical models representing the behaviors of herbs in hot air drying to extend shelf life for exporting sales. Here, six types of herbs, including Prai (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.), Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.), Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix), Soap Pod leaves (Acacia concinna) and Tamarind Leaves (Tamarindus indica Linn.) were dried in different temperature at 60, 70, and 80 °C. Fours drying models, Page, Henderson and Pabis, and Logarithmic and Fick's second law equation were applied with experimental data of drying herbs to predict the rate of diffusion of water. The results showed that the Page model is the most suitable model due to the highest decision coefficient (R2) but the lowest Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) of the herbs in herbal compress ball was increased with increased the drying temperature. The size of the herb particle translated inversely with effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) value.

Highlights

Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO), 80 % of the population in developing countries have used traditional medicine and herbs for treatment of sickness and nourishing health
One of the traditional formula of Thai compress consists of 6 types of herbs, including Prai (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.), Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.), Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix), Soap Pod leaves (Acacia concinna), and Tamarind Leaves (Tamarindus indica Linn.)
Several previous studies reported that Prai (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.), kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) [3], Tamarind Leaves (Tamarindus indica Linn.) [4], and turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) [5] have anti-inflammatory activities

Summary

Introduction

Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO), 80 % of the population in developing countries have used traditional medicine and herbs for treatment of sickness and nourishing health. One of applications of herbs in Thailand is in the form of herbal compress, so called Luk-Prakob in Thai, that various types of mixed herbs are wrapped in the thin cheese clothes. One of the traditional formula of Thai compress consists of 6 types of herbs, including Prai (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.), Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.), Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix), Soap Pod leaves (Acacia concinna), and Tamarind Leaves (Tamarindus indica Linn.). Several previous studies reported that Prai (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.), kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) [3], Tamarind Leaves (Tamarindus indica Linn.) [4], and turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) [5] have anti-inflammatory activities. Soap Pod leaves (Acacia concinna) has major compositions, such as phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids that have antioxidant activities [7]

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