Eryngium Foetidum Research Articles

Phytochemicals, antioxidant, and anthelmintic activity of selected traditional wild edible plants of lower Assam.

Objective:Clerodendrum viscosum, Eryngium foetidum, Lippia javanica, and Murraya koenigii are one among the common wild edible plants in Northeast India which are also used as antidiabetic, stomach-ache relieving drugs, etc., The present study was aimed to reveal the phytochemical, antioxidant, and anthelmintic activity of the plants.Materials and Methods:The antioxidant capacity of methanolic extract of plants was studied by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power, TBARS, and total antioxidant activity (TAA). Total phenolics, flavonoids, Vitamin C, carbohydrate, and protein are also estimated following standard protocols. Anthelmintic activity of the extracts has also been studied in vitro against trematode parasites.Results:The result showed that the methanolic extracts of plants possess a substantial quantity of alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, proteins, carbohydrates, and Vitamin C. Phenolics, flavonoids, and Vitamin C contents were found higher in C. viscosum followed by M. koenigii, L. javanica, and E. foetidum. The in vitro antioxidant assays revealed substantial free radical scavenging property in all the plants. TAA increased in the order C. viscosum > M. koenigii > L. javanica > E. foetidum. Similarly, C. viscosum displayed a better antioxidant capacity with IC50 values 29.74 ± 3.63 μg and 148.77 ± 18.38 μg for DPPH and thiobarbituric acid reactive species, respectively. In addition, the plant extracts also showed good anthelmintic activity against Paramphistomum sp. Time taken for paralysis and death were 0:56 ± 0:09 h and 1:35 ± 0:07 h for L. javanica at 50 mg/mL concentration.Conclusion:The study therefore suggests the importance of tested plants as a natural source of free radical scavenger and plausible veterinary uses.

Constituents of the Essential Oils of the Leaf and Root of Eryngium foetidum L. from Two Locations in India

:Essential oils of the leaf and root of Eryngium foetidum L. from Port Blair (Andaman and Nicobar) and Nadugani (Tamil Nadu) in India were investigated by GC and GC-MS analyses. The oils of the leaf and root from the two locations were found to contain alkanes, alkanals, alkenals, fatty acids, aromatic aldehydes, mono-, sesqui- and diterpenes, aromatic aldehydes and terpene aldehyde esters. The main components of the oil of the leaf from Port Blair were identified as a trimethyl benzaldehyde (16.5 %), dodecanal (4.7 %), muurola- 4,10(14)-dien-1α-ol (10.2 %), neophytadiene isomer (4.5 %), hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (5.5 %), palmitic acid (4.6 %) and phytol (4.9 %). The composition of the root oil from Port Blair was found to be qualitatively similar to that of leaf oil, having the major constituents two isomers of trimethyl benzaldehydes (4.00 % and 57.0 %) and 2-formyl 1,1,5-trimethyl 2,5-cyclohexadien-4-yl-2-methylbutenoate (4.9 %). The leaf and root oils from Nadugani were found to be qualitatively similar but differed widely in their composition from the oils of Port Blair origin. The principal constituents of the oils of the leaf and root from Nadugani were found to be a trimethyl benzaldehyde (14.3 % and 24.1 %), (E)-2-dodecenal (2.8 % and 14.3 %), τ-cadinol (5.1 % and 7.3 %) and α-cadinol (6.9 % and 10.2 %). Many compounds which were hitherto not reported in the essential oils of E. foetidum were identified in the oils from the two locations in India.

Proximate and vitamin C analysis of wild edible plants consumed by Bodos of Assam, India

Aim: The State of Assam is gifted with diverse flora including thousands of wild edible plants. The consumption of a large variety of wild plants by Bodos, an ethnic group and dominant inhabitant of Bodoland Territorial Area Districts of Assam of North-East India, is a common practice since time immemorial. The objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional values of wild edible plants consumed by the Bodos of this region. Materials and Methods: In this study, twelve wild edible plants viz. Blumea lanceolaria (Roxb.) Druce, Stellaria media (L.), Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC., Cryptolepis sinensis (Lour) Merr., Polygonum perfoliatum L., Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC., Tetrastigma angustifolium (Roxb.), Antidesma acidum Retz., Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd.ex Schult., Eryngium foetidum L., Lippia javanica (Burm.f.) Spreng. and Enhydra fluctuans Lour. consumed by the Bodos were selected, scientifically identified and their proximate and vitamin C contents were determined using standard food analysis methods. Results: Proximate compositions were presented and the vitamin C content was found highest in T. angustifolium (79.06 ± 0.02 mg) and lowest in A. acidum (11.39 ± 0.0002 mg). All the results were based on 100 g fresh weight of the sample. Conclusion: In the present study, all the twelve plants have shown variable values of proximate composition and vitamin C contents. These plants could be a promising alternate food sources which are easily available, affordable and could provide several health benefits on consumption.

Potential Larvicidal Principles in Eryngium foetidum L. (Apiaceae), An Omnipresent Weed, Effective Against Aedes albopictus Skuse

:The current investigation emphasizes the crucial role of natural products of plant origin in vector control by evaluating the mosquito larvicidal efficacies of the essential oil from Eryngium foetidum L. (Apiaceae) against the fourth instar larvae of Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was used to reveal the chemical composition of essential oil obtained from aerial parts. The essential oil showed good larvicidal effect and the LC50 value in 24 h was 33.3 ppm (LC90=57.7 ppm). The major chemical constituents found in the essential oil were 2-dodecen-1-al (46.68 %) and caprinic alcohol (14.8 %). Results of this study showed that the leaf essential oil of E. foetidum may be used as a potent source of natural larvicidal principles against A. albopictus.

Trace elements content in the selected medicinal plants traditionally used for curing skin diseases by the natives of Mizoram, India

ObjectiveTo determine the trace elements content in the selected medicinal plants, namely, Eryngium foetidum L., Mimosa pudica L., Polygonum plebeium, and Prunus cerasoides D. Don traditionally used by the natives of the Mizoram, one of the north eastern states in India as their folklore medicines for curing skin diseases like eczema, leg and fingers infection, swelling and wound. MethodsA 3 MeV proton beam of proton induced X-ray emission technique, one of the most powerful techniques for its quick multi elemental trace analysis capability and high sensitivity was used to detect and characterized for trace elements. ResultsThe studies revealed that six trace elements, namely, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, V, and Co detected in mg/L unit were present in varying concentrations in the selected medicinal plants with high and notable concentration of Fe, Zn, Mn and appreciable amount of the Cu, Co and V in all the plants. ConclusionsThe results of the present study support the therapeutic usage of these medicinal plants in the traditional practices for curing skin diseases since they are found to contain appreciable amount of the Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, V and Co.

Spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.): a commonly used, neglected spicing-culinary herb of Mizoram, India

Spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.) is a leafy spice herb of tropical regions of world (America, South Asia, Pacific Islands, South Europe and Africa) which is used extensively for garnishing, marinating, flavouring and seasoning of foods. It is also used as an ethno-medicinal plant for the treatment of a number of ailments such as fevers, chills, vomiting, burns, fevers, hypertension, headache, earache, stomachache, asthma, arthritis, snake bites, scorpion stings, diarrhea, malaria and epilepsy. The main constituent of essential oil of the plant is eryngial (E-2-dodecenal). However, a significant variation in the plant morphology, composition of essential oil (>60 constituents reported) and secondary metabolites resulted from genetic variability and geographic location. Pharmacological investigations have demonstrated anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-convulsant, anti-clastogenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic and anti-bacterial activity. Focus on holistic research approaches such as genetic enhancement to develop high yielding varieties (collection, conservation, evaluation, breeding and development of potential genotypes); efficient production technologies to harvest the plants in mass (cultivation under 50–75 % shed-net and spray of gibberellic acid at a concentration of 100 ppm); post-harvest management to minimize marketing loss; and medicinal/pharmaceutical investigations would be the best strategies to increase the yield and to promote industrial uses of E. foetidum as an economically relevant crop.

Characterization of Mexican Coriander (Eryngium foetidum) Essential Oil and Its Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes In Vitro and during Mild Thermal Pasteurization of Pineapple Juice

The aim of this work was to characterize the essential oil (EO) of Eryngium foetidum (EfEO) and assess its activity toward Listeria monocytogenes in broth and during thermal inactivation of the pathogen in pineapple juice. In this respect, EfEO was chemically characterized, and its antilisteria potential in broth as a function of pH, cell load, and EfEO concentration was assessed through a central composite design. Furthermore, the inactivation kinetics of L. monocytogenes in the juice were assessed by combining EfEO and low pasteurization temperatures. A total of 81 compounds were identified from EfEO. The reduction of pH and cell load increased EO activity. The use of only 15 ppm of EfEO during pasteurization of pineapple juice at 60°C reduced the time required for a 4-log reduction in L. monocytogenes CFU/ml by 74.9% (i.e., from 8.5 to 2.1 min) compared with treatment without EfEO. It could be concluded that EfEO activity toward L. monocytogenes increases with the reduction of pH and that it can be used at sublethal concentrations in combination with low temperatures in pineapple juice pasteurization. This study demonstrates that EO-assisted pasteurization is a promising strategy for the reduction of thermal impact during juice production. EfEO is easily available and compatible with many juices and is thus promising for industrial application.

Wild Edible Herbs in Paddy Fields and Their Sale in a Mixture in Houaphan Province, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Wild Edible Herbs in Paddy Fields and Their Sale in a Mixture in Houaphan Province, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Multiple wild edible herbs coexist in paddy fields under the agricultural practices used for growing rice. Paddy field vegetation was surveyed and the rural population’s perceptions and use of wild edible herbs were investigated in the northern Lao People’s Democratic Republic. A total of 115 wild herbaceous species were observed in the paddy fields of two villages; 52 species grew in fields, 95 on levees, and 63 on banks. Of these, 25 species were locally used, and 22 were sold as a mixture at the Xamneua market, with species composition varying by availability and season. The total number of edible greens increased during the summer season when available vegetables were scarce. Marsilea quadrifolia L. (Marsileaceae), the most abundant in the field and in the market, as well as Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. (Apiaceae), Eryngium foetidum L. (Apiaceae), Spilanthes oleracea L. (Asteraceae), and Monochoria hastata (L.) Solms (Pontederiaceae) were the most popular wild herbs sold. Wild edible herbs are called “phak”, which is also used to indicate cultivated vegetables, and clearly distinguishes them from the inedible herbs referred to as “nya.” Two methods are employed to gather wild edible herbs: some plants are uprooted as a way of thinning individuals, and other plants have only their young leaves picked so that they can be harvested repeatedly. Gathering and selling wild edible herbs was mainly conducted by women and children for whom it was a source of cash income. Thus, the relationships that exist between people and the wild plants they maintain as part of their farming activities can be considered an indicator of paddy field agrodiversity.

Leishmanicidal activity of a daucane sesquiterpene isolated from Eryngium foetidum

Context: Eryngium foetidum L. (Apiaceae) is a traditional herb that has been used for numerous medicinal applications, including as a treatment for parasitic infections, especially in the Neotropics from where it originates.Objective: This study evaluates the in vitro leishmanicidal and cytotoxicity activities of isolated compounds based on a bioassay-guided fractionation approach.Materials and methods: Defatted aerial parts of E. foetidum were subjected to extraction with methanol followed by partitioning with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and 50% methanol. Then, the first two fractions were subsequently fractionated by column chromatography and HPLC. Compound identity was confirmed by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. Leishmania tarentolae (promastigotes) and L. donovani (amastigotes) were used as testing parasites. L6 rat myoblasts were used for cytotoxicity. All extracts and fractions were tested at 20 μg/mL.Results: The initial methanol extract showed 20% growth inhibition of L. tarentolae. Then, the n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions were also active showing approximately 40% growth inhibition. From these two fractions, the following compounds were isolated: lasidiol p-methoxybenzoate (1), a daucane sesquiterpene; and 4-hydroxy-1,1,5-trimethyl-2-formyl-cyclohexadien-(2,5)-[α-acetoxymethyl-cis-crotonate] (2), a terpene aldehyde ester derivative. Compound 1 inhibited the growth of both L. tarentolae and L. donovani with IC50 values of 14.33 and 7.84 μM, respectively; and showed no cytotoxicity (IC50 > 50 μM). Compound 2 was inactive in the L. tarentolae assay (IC50 > 50 μM).Discussion and conclusion: This study presented the bioassay-guided fractionation with the leishmanicidal and cytotoxicity activities of two compounds isolated for the first time from an Eryngium species.

Eryngial (trans-2-dodecenal), a bioactive compound fromEryngium foetidum: its identification, chemical isolation, characterization and comparison with ivermectinin vitro

Methanol-water (4:1, v/v) crude extracts (50 mg mL(-1)) of 25 Jamaican medicinal plants were screened in vitro for anthelmintic activity using infective third-stage larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis. The most effective extract was further chemically scrutinized to isolate and identify the source of the bioactivity, and the efficacy of this compound was compared with ivermectin. Eosin exclusion (0.1 mg mL(-1)) served as the indicator of mortality in all bioassays. A crude extract of Eryngium foetidum (Apiaceae) was significantly (Probit Analysis, P<0.05) more potent than the other plant extracts, taking 18.9 h to kill 50% (LT50) of the larvae. Further, the petrol extract of E. foetidum was significantly more effective (Probit Analysis, P<0.05) at killing the larvae (LT50, 4.7 h) than either its methanol-water or dichloromethane extract. The latter two effected less than 1% larval mortality after 120 h. With bioassay-driven column chromatography of the petrol extract, trans-2-dodecenal (eryngial) was identified and chemically isolated as the main anthelmintic compound in E. foetidum. There was a significant difference between the 24 h LD50 values (mm) of trans-2-dodecenal (0.461) and ivermectin (2.251) but there was none between the 48 h LD50 values (mm): trans-2-dodecenal (0.411) and ivermectin (0.499) in vitro.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Bioaccessible Fraction fromEryngium foetidumLeaves

Eryngium foetidum (EF) has long been used as a medicinal plant and culinary spice in tropical regions. Phytochemicals in its leaves have been proposed to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The present study used in vitro digestion coupled with Caco-2 cells to assess such activities. Caco-2 cells were incubated with aqueous fraction from simulated digestion (bioaccessible fraction) of EF leaves with/without bile extract prior to stimulation with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and IL-8 in culture media and the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. Approximately 24% β-carotene and 35% lutein of leaves were present in the aqueous fraction. The transfer of caffeic and chlorogenic acids to the aqueous fraction was 76%–81%, while that of kaempferol was 48%. Prior incubation of Caco-2 cells with the bioaccessible fraction suppressed IL-1β activated IL-8 and MCP-1 by 33%, but the fraction lacking mixed micelles decreased IL-8 and MCP-1 levels only by 11%. The pretreatment of Caco-2 cells with the bioaccessible fraction of EF reduced ROS by 34%; the fraction lacking mixed micelles decreased ROS by 28%. These data suggest that bioactive compounds partitioning in mixed micelles play a significant role to suppress the proinflammatory insult but with a modest antioxidant effect.

Effect of Seed Treatment and Soaking Duration on Germination of &lt;i&gt;Eryngium foetidum&lt;/i&gt; L. Seeds

Seed viability and germination of Eryngium foetidum using soaking duration and chemicals treatments was studied at the field laboratory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University during July 2010 to June 2011. Seed treatment with growth regulator (GA 3 500 ppm + Kinetin 50 ppm) and soaking of seeds enhanced seed germination in the laboratory. Chemical treatment (copper oxi-chloride 0.2% + tetracycline 1000 ppm) had no significant increase of seed germination over control. Untreated or pesticide treated seeds exhibited lower germination than growth regulator treatment. Increase of soaking duration enhances and increased seed germination up to 96 hours. Consecutive 96 hours soaking and drying (8 hours soaking and 4 hours drying) of Eryngium seeds treated with GA 3 500 ppm and Kinetin 50 ppm gave the maximum germination percentage 74.7% in laboratory and enhanced germination by 2 ~ 3 days over control.

Effect of Row and Plant Spacing on Seed Production of &lt;i&gt;Eryngium Foetidum&lt;/i&gt;

The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Field Laboratory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University during December 2007 to July 2008 under upland condition to observe the seed production potentiality of Eryngium foetidum at different spacing. Individual plant performance, flower stalk size, number of inflorescence, seeds/inflorescence and thousand seed weight were higher in wider spacing but marketable fresh yield and seed yield per unit area was better in medium (10 cm×10 cm) spacing. The spacing 10 cm×10cm gave the maximum profitability including fresh plant and seed yield. The maximum fresh yield was obtained from 15 cm×15 cm spacing (16.23 t/ha) while the highest seed yield was recorded in 10 cm×10 cm spacing (136.3 kg/ha). The maximum gross return (Tk. 0.75 million/ha) and BCR (4.76) were obtained from 10 cm×10 cm spacing.

Anticlastogenic Effect of Eryngium foetidum L. Assessed by Erythrocyte Micronucleus Assay

The aim of this study was to investigate the anticlastogenicity as well as the clastogenicity of Eryngium foetidum leaf (EF) using the in vivo mouse peripheral blood erythrocyte micronucleus assay. Eighty ICR male mice were fed AIN-76 diet supplemented with ground freeze-dried EF at 0.0%, 0.8%, 1.6% and 3.2% for 2 weeks prior to the administration of both direct-acting, mitomycin C (MMC), and indirect-acting, 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA) clastogens. Peripheral blood samples were collected from mice just before administration of clastogen and at 24 and 48 h thereafter for MMC. Blood samples were collected at the same times and after 72 h for DMBA. Then, reticulocytes in blood samples were counted using fluorescent microscopy. The results indicated that EF had no clastogenic effect in mice. All doses of diets supplemented with EF decreased the number of micronucleated peripheral reticulocytes in all the MMC-treated groups in a dose dependent manner, but significant reduction was found only at 1.6% and 3.2% EF in the DMBA-treated groups. It can be concluded that EF has no clastogenicity, but possesses anticlastogenic potential against both direct- and indirect-acting types of clastogen in mice.

Seeking novel Leishmanicidal natural products from common medicinal plants, the example of Eryngium foetidum L

Leishmaniasis is a human parasitic tropical disease that urgently requires new chemotherapeutic agents. Eryngium foetidum L. (Apiaceae), known as “culantro”, is a popular culinary herb and a medicinal plant used in Latin America for its anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic properties. A defatted methanolic extract was partitioned with organic solvents and water. The n-hexane fraction inhibited the Leishmania growth by 41.4% at 20µg/ml. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the n-hexane fraction yielded two compounds: (1) lasidiol p-methoxybenzoate, a daucane sesquiterpene and (2) a terpene aldehyde ester. Compound 1 showed an IC50 of 5.34µg/ml in the Leishmania assay and no cytotoxicity in L6 cells (IC50 >20µg/ml), while compound 2 was inactive in the Leishmania assay (IC50 >20µg/ml). These compounds were previously isolated from the medicinal plants Xanthium catharticum Kunth (1) and Ferula hispanica Rouy (2). However, this is the first report of their Leishmanicidal activity, cytotoxicity, and their isolation from a Eryngium species. In conclusion, there is potential to find new Leishmanicidal natural products from common medicinal plants.

Eryngium foetidum Suppresses Inflammatory Mediators Produced by Macrophages

This study assessed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of E. foetidum leaf extract on LPS-activated murine macrophages. RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with or without E. foetidum extract for 1 h prior to incubation with LPS for 24 h. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated with reference to iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α and IL-6 gene expression. In addition, NO and intracellular ROS generation were determined by Griess method and fluorescence intensity and activation of MAPKs and IκB by Western blotting. Prior treatment with E. foetidum leaf extract inhibited elevation of IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS and COX-2, together with their cognate mRNAs in a dose-dependent manner. NO and intracellular ROS contents were similarly reduced. These effects were due to inhibition of LPS-induced phosphorylation of JNK and p38 as well as IκB. E. foetidum ethanol extract was shown to contain lutein, β-carotenes, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol and caffeic acid, compounds known to exert these bioactive properties. E. foetidum leaf extract possesses suppressive effects against pro-inflammatory mediators. Thus, E. foetidum has a high potential to be used as a food supplement to reduce risk of cancer associated with inflammation.

Aroma Constituents and Enzyme Activities of Japanese Long Coriander Leaves (Culantro, Eryngium foetidum L.)

Aroma Constituents and Enzyme Activities of Japanese Long Coriander Leaves (Culantro, Eryngium foetidum L.)

Thrips atactus (Thysanoptera, Thripidae): first records of the male and host plant, intercepted in quarantine at Japan

Thrips atactus Bhatti was described from a single female taken without host data at Sibpore, West Bengal (Bhatti, 1967, 1980), and this has remained the only known specimen apart from some adults recorded by Palmer (1992) from Nepal. Thus no biological information is available about this species. In Japanese plant quarantine, this species has been intercepted several times on Eryngium foetidum [Umbelliferae] from Laos and Thailand, also on roses from Nepal. Moreover, a male adult was intercepted recently together with a female adult. The male adult is here described for the first time, and the host plant recorded. The specimens were intercepted on imported plants by plant quarantine inspectors at Narita airport and Chubu airport, Japan. Thereafter, all specimens were mounted into Canada balsam after dehydration through an ethanol series, and slide mounted for microscope study. Abbreviations as follows are used: CB=Chubu airport, CPS=campaniform sensorium, NR=Narita airport.

Estimation of proximate composition, micronutrients and phytochemical compounds in traditional vegetables from Andaman and Nicobar Islands

In present study, 10 preferred traditional vegetables from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, were analysed for nutritional profiles. Moisture content in their edible parts ranged from 83.43 to 94.78%. Maximum ash content was recorded in Portulaca oleracea, crude protein in Colocasia esculenta, crude fibre in Eryngium foetidum and fat in E. foetidum. Phosphorus was maximum in Ipomea aquatica, potassium in C. esculenta, zinc, calcium and manganese in Centella asiatica, copper in Sauropus androgynous, sodium and iron in P. oleracea, magnesium in Amaranthus viridi and cobalt in C. esculenta. Maximum polyphenol was recorded in Hibiscus sabdariffa, carotenoids in A. viridi, ascorbic acid in Saursops androgynus, anthocyanin in C. esculenta and chlorophyll in S. androgynus. Antioxidant activity was maximum in P. oleracea. Positive correlation was observed between polyphenol and tannin content and also between antioxidant activity and photochemicals. The developed nutritional profiles is being used in health and nutrition related schemes in Islands.

EFFECT OF SOLAR DRYING ON THE COMPOSITION OF ESSENTIAL OIL OF SACHA CULANTRO (ERYNGIUM FOETIDUM L.) GROWN IN THE PERUVIAN AMAZON

ABSTRACT Two solar drying methods (direct cabinet solar dryer and indirect cabinet solar dryer) were tested under tropical conditions for drying aerial parts of sacha culantro (Eryngium foetidum L.) in Pucallpa City (Peruvian Amazon). The drying behavior was monitored during all experimental runs. Dried samples and fresh leaves were hydrodistilled and isolated oils were analyzed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. (E)‐2‐dodecenal was determined as the main constituent of the sacha culantro essential oil, averaging 61.8–62.2%, followed by n‐dodecanal (10.9–15.5%), (E)‐2‐tetradecenal (6.7–7.6%) and 1‐tetradecene (3.6–5.7%). When comparing both solar drying methods, the indirect method was found as more suitable for drying E. foetidum since the dried product resembled the fresh herb more closely in its chemicalcomposition and had better appearance. However, a better drying efficiency of 10.3% was achieved when drying in the direct solar dryer compared with 5.8% for the indirect solar dryer.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSHarvested leaves of sacha culantro are widely used as a condiment in a range of Peruvian, Latin American and Caribbean foods, including vegetable and meat dishes, canned food and sauces. There is lack of any postharvest processing of this herb although it may extend possibilities for use of the herb and facilitate the product export from local production areas and might be a good economic source for poor local farmers. This study shows solar drying as a reasonable preservation technique of sacha culantro leaves which may have a practical application in case of postharvest processing of the herb in the target region of Pucallpa City in Peruvian Amazon.