Shade Drying Research Articles

Effects of Processing Methods on the Quality of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

Summary The quality of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), the ’king of spices’, is largely dependent on the postharvest handling and processing methods. Pungency and aroma are the most important qualities of black pepper, which are attributed to its oleoresin and volatile oils, respectively. Conventional open sun drying and shade drying were tested for different pretreatment curing of black pepper. The quality improvement and reduction in drying duration were exhibited for the sun-dried samples. The highest oleoresin content (8.15% w/w) was recorded in direct open sun-dried samples, whereas in shade-dried samples it was as low as 6.96% w/w. The highest essential oil content of 2.00 mL/100g (v/w) was obtained from the berries blanched for 2 minutes and sun-dried samples. Blanching followed by direct sun drying of berries had the highest acceptability score relative to the overall quality. Therefore, the physicochemical quality analyses performed proved that blanching and sun drying are effective in producing high-quality black pepper for export.

Post-Harvest Processing Methods Have Critical Roles in the Contents of Active Ingredients of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

To find the best post-harvest processing method for Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, we explored the effects of fresh and traditional processing on the active ingredients in S. baicalensis and evaluated three drying techniques to determine the optimal post-harvest processing technique. We quantified four active ingredients (baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, and wogonin) in 16 different processed S. baicalensis samples that were harvested from Tongchuan, Shaanxi province, by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography). In addition, we performed a similarity analysis (SA), a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and a principal component analysis (PCA) on the common peaks in S. baicalensis that were identified by the HPLC fingerprints. Compared to the traditional processing method, the fresh processing method could better preserve the four active ingredients in S. baicalensis, meanwhile, the similarity analysis (0.997-1.000) showed that the fresh processing was more similar to the traditional processing, and it did not change the type of 18 active ingredients in S. baicalensis. The cluster analysis results showed that the shade drying and sun drying methods results were more similar to each other, while the oven drying (60 °C) method results were clustered into one category. According to the results of the principal component analysis, S9, S7, and S8 had higher scores, and they were relatively well processed under these processing settings. Fresh processing could be an alternative to traditional processing; the moisture content was reduced to 24.38% under the sun drying condition, and it was the optimal post-harvest processing solution for S. baicalensis.

Influence of Germinated Brown Rice Production by Water Spraying Method on Its Qualities

This study was aimed to compare the production time (germination and drying process) and quality of germinated brown rice (GBR) obtained from the water spraying-based GBR production (Sprayed-GBR) system and the water soaking-based GBR production (Soaked-GBR) system. The results showed that the Sprayed-GBR, in the germination process, required 2.5 h for spraying in a water spraying step to obtain paddy with the moisture content of 30% (w.b.) and 26 h in an incubation step to obtain the 90% germination percentage. This led to a shorter germination time compared to the Soaked-GBR, which required a germination time of 50 h for a 90% germination percentage. After germination, the moisture content of the Sprayed-GBR was lower than that of the Soaked-GBR. This provided a shorter drying time in the Sprayed-GBR (27 min) drying process compared with the Soaked-GBR (33 min). For GBR qualities, the Sprayed-GBR could decrease the unpleasant odor problem by providing a smaller number of attached microorganisms after germination (Shade drying), leading to a significantly higher score in the odor and the overall acceptability than the Soaked-GBR. This indicated that the Sprayed-GBR got more consumer acceptance. Moreover, the head rice yield value of the Sprayed-GBR was not different from that of the Soaked-GBR. However, the Sprayed-GBR provided a significantly lower GABA content and a significantly higher percentage of fissured kernels than the Soaked-GBR.

Yield and Quality Extract of Clitoria ternatea Accessions with Different Drying Methods

Clitoria ternatea has well-known potential roles for medicinal purposes because it is a source of antioxidants. Drying is important for obtaining C. ternatea extract by removing the moisture from the fresh materials. However, it might also influence bioactive compounds and alterations of sensory, nutritional, and physical qualities. This study aimed to determine the best combination of drying method and C. ternatea accession for yield and quality of extract without damaging its bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities. A completely randomized block design with nine combination treatments was used in this study. Each treatment was replicated three times. Drying methods consisted of shade drying, sun drying, and oven drying, while C. ternatea accessions were white single petal, blue single petal, and blue double petal. The LCMS analysis of single blue petal of C. ternatea in methanol extract showed that the dominant metabolites found were flavonoid groups; quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin. Total phenolic content was recorded higher in blue double petal accession of C. ternatea combined with the sun drying method. Moreover, shade drying combined with white single petal of C. ternatea achieved the best total extraction yield, flavonoid, antioxidant activity (IC50), kaempferol, and quercetin yields. Due to its affordability, shade drying is a potential best option for drying C. ternatea, particularly for white single petal accession.

ANTIFUNGAL AND OTHER BIOACTIVE CONSTITUENTS IN ROOTS OF A HALOPHYTIC WEED Suaeda fruticosa

Suaeda fruticosa Forssk. ex J. F. Gmelin is a halophytic weed of family Amaranthaceae (previously in Chenopodiaceae) that covers vast stretches of salty alluvial flats on drier sites and coastal belts in Pakistan. In this study, mature plants of S. fruticosa were collected from district D.G. Khan during May 2021. After shade drying, the roots were crushed thoroughly and 5 g material was soaked in methanol for 2 weeks. After filtration, GC-MS analysis of the extract was done that showed presence of 14 compounds in the extract. Major compounds in the root were n-hexadecanoic acid (16.70%), oleic acid (16.39%), dodecanoic acid (15.68%) and dihydroxymaleic acid (15.58%). Other compounds were erythritol (6.31%), 10-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (6.01%), tetradecanoic acid (4.78%), 1,2-ethanediamine, N-ethyl-N'-methyl- (3.46%), pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester (3.66%), 8,11-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (2.85%), 2,4,6-cycloheptatrien-1-one, 3,5-bis-trimethylsilyl (2.44%), 2-oxo-3-methyl-cis-perhydro-1,3-benzoxazine (2.24%), cyclotrisiloxane, hexamethyl- (2.13%), and 1-hexadecanol (1.73%). Compounds present in roots of S. fruticosa are known to possess antifungal, antibacterial, nematicidal, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Improving drying efficiency and product quality of Stevia rebaudiana leaves using innovative medium-and short-wave infrared drying (MSWID)

The effects of hot air impingement drying (HAID), hot air drying with temperature and humidity process control (HADTHPC), medium-and short-wave infrared drying (MSWID), shade drying (HD) and sun drying (SD) on the drying characteristics and physicochemical quality of Stevia leaves were investigated, MSWID was screened out most suitable for Stevia leaves drying. The relationships among drying time, microstructure, color and nutrients retention were analyzed. Compared with other drying methods, MSWID significantly reduced drying time by 15.38% and better preserved the nutrients (steviol glycosides and chlorogenic acids) due to the formation of a distinct microporous structure. Moreover, medium wave infrared (MIR) drying was superior to short wave infrared (SIR) in retaining steviol glycosides and color and improving drying efficiency. Brightness and greenness of dried Stevia leaves were significantly correlated with glycosides and chlorogenic acids content, respectively. MIR at 60 °C is recommended as the most suitable drying conditions due to the highest comprehensive score (0.723) considering drying time, energy consumption and quality. Overall, MSWID is a promising drying technology for realizing high-quality and efficient industrial production of Stevia leaves.

Effects of different drying methods on phenolic composition and antioxidant activity in corn silk (Stigma maydis)

Five types of drying methods were demonstrated to dry corn silks and their effects on the constitution of phenolic and antioxidant capacities were analyzed, so as to identify the best method to preserve the quality factors of corn silk including phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity. According to the results, drying can improve the level of phenolic and flavonoid in corn silk by 2.5–3.2 folds and 1.6–3.6 folds, respectively. Drying in shade (MCS-shade) had the highest content of total phenolics and flavonoids. Eight kinds of phenolic were detected by HPLC and ferulic acid was the main component. MCS-shade also showed the highest PSC value and CAA value (no wash). Overall, MCS-shade (silks treated by shade-drying) showed the best performance and the quality of dry corn silks affected greatly by different drying methods. Novelty Impact Statement This paper showed that drying methods can greatly improve the levels of phenolic and flavonoid. Shade-drying had the best results with higher phenolic and antioxidant activity. Light may cause stress signals and increase the contents of bound flavonoid.

Variations of Bioactive Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Capacity of Navel Orange Peel in Response to Different Drying Methods.

The effects of five different drying methods, namely, freeze drying (FD), shade drying (SD), hot-air oven drying at 50 °C (OD50), 70 °C (OD70), and microwave drying (MD) on the bioactive phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity of navel orange peel were assessed and comprehensively discussed in detail. Compared with other drying methods, MD-treated peel contained the lowest total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The peel subjected to OD70 treatment was superior in TPC relative to other treatments and the highest TFC was found in the peels treated with FD. HPLC analysis identified thirteen flavonoids involving three flavanone glycosides (FGs) and ten polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) in navel orange peel and revealed that PMFs in peel were stable under all these drying methods, whereas the three major FGs (narirutin, hesperidin, and didymin) in peel significantly degraded in response to MD treatment. The peels subjected to OD50/OD70 treatments had the most potent antioxidant capacity when compared to other drying methods. Furthermore, Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed. The results revealed here allow us to recommend the use of OD50 or OD70 for the drying of orange peel, both of which help the maintenance of bioactive compounds in the peel and improve its antioxidant capacity.

건조방식에 따른 홍차의 성분과 맛 차이

The traditional black tea, called Jeaksal, has made by the method of oxidation under sunlight and consumed in the Hadong region from the past. This study compared the ingredients and quality (taste) of black tea according to drying methods. The highest and lowest levels of the caffeine were obtained in the black tea sun drying (BTSD, 1.93%), and black tea shade drying (BTSHD, 1.73%), respectively, as opposed to the highest total catechin levels in the BTSD (3.31%) and the lowest in the BTSHD (0.78%). The highest theaflavin content was detected in the black tea (BT) (control, 0.66%). We further confirmed that the free amino acid content decreased with delayed drying time and temperature. Total free amino acid was detected by the highest value in BTSD with 24.91 mg/g, but by lowest value in BTSHD with 11.45 mg/g. In the shade drying 'Jeaksal' sour, bitter and astringent taste were strongly detected, whereas salty, umami, richness (after-umami) taste were weakly measured. BT and black tea pot drying (BTPD) has a similar taste pattern overall because of the same pot-drying method.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DRYING METHODS ON THE NUTRITIONAL AND SENSORY ATTRIBUTES OF ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS (OKRA)

This work was carried out to study the effect of different drying methods (shade, oven and sun drying) on the nutritional and sensory properties of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra vegetable). Results from this study showed that the carbohydrate content ranged from 11.64% in sample A to 54.20% in sample D, an increase due to the removal of moisture. The crude fat ranged from 0.52% to 3.40%. The ash content was markedly enhanced by drying too and it ranged from 1.30% in fresh sample to 8.91% in shade-dried sample, the fibre content ranged from 1.12% in fresh sample to 16.43 % in sun-dried sample. A slight decrease in mineral content was observed upon drying except sodium and magnesium which was found to be significantly higher in the fresh sample. There were increase in phosphorous and potassium upon drying. The vitamin content showed significant difference (p<0.05) in the level of vitamin C, it ranged from 3.68 mg/kg to 1.41mg/kg, the fresh sample ranked higher followed by shade, oven and sun-dried samples. The result for sensory quality attributes showed significance difference (p<0.05) in all the attributes of the okra soup made from the samples and shade dried sample gave the best result in terms of colour and taste which maybe low temperature processing that retained its sensory qualities. The result of this study suggests that drying improved the concentration of nutrients and could be useful in preserving Abelmoschus esculentus in a good way and ensure its availability all year round

Effects of solar tunnel drying, shade drying and microwave drying methods on the drying kinetics of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa)

Whole and halved strawberries were dried by using three methods, which were solar tunnel drying, shade drying, and microwave drying (180W, 540W, and 900W) to determine drying characteristic and modelling. The researchers measured solar irradiation at ambient and drying air temperatures and air velocity at specific intervals in various parts of the dryer. How microwave drying (180, 540, and 900 W) affected the drying time and drying ratio of the whole and halved strawberry samples was investigated. In addition, the data on the drying process were applied to 5 different mathematical models, which were Weibull distribution, Midilli et al., Jena and Das and Aghbashlo et al. Equation Models. The researchers compared the performance levels of the models according to correlation coefficient (R2), chi-square value (χ2), besides the root mean square error (RMSE) between moisture ratios that were observed and predicted. Furthermore, the Weibull Distribution and Midilli et al. models were found to reveal the ratio of drying in a satisfactory way for all the methods of drying.

Untargeted metabolomics study of Lonicerae japonicae flos processed with different drying methods via GC-MS and UHPLC-HRMS in combination with chemometrics

The medicinal values and economic benefits of Lonicerae japonicae flos are directly affect by the post-harvest processing due to the organoleptic and chemical properties. To explore the differences of Lonicerae japonicae flos obtained by various drying methods, untargeted metabolomics combined with chemometrics was first used to investigate the metabolite differences among them. The metabolomics analysis was accomplished by introducing automatic data analysis tools, i.e., autoGCMSDataAnal and AntDAS, which developed for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) data analysis and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) data analysis, respectively. The results indicated that about 66 volatile compounds were screened and identified by autoGCMSDataAnal coupled with GC-MS, among which 29 compounds were confirmed qualitatively by standards. Meanwhile, 30 nonvolatile compounds were screened and identified by AntDAS combined with UHPLC-HRMS and 16 compounds were confirmed qualitatively by standards. In particular, most of polyphenols including rutin, cynaroside, isoquercetrin, chlorogenic acid etc., had their maximum content at the freeze drying and minimum at the shade drying. Finally, partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA), hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and heat map analysis were used for discriminating samples from various processing methods. Relative high-quality samples with good appearance characteristics could be obtained by freeze drying, heat-pump drying and hot air drying. Moreover, the antioxidant components were well preserved under freeze drying. The differences of primary and secondary metabolites in Lonicerae japonicae flos obtained with diverse drying methods were revealed, which could be helpful to determine the optimal drying method according to specific request.

On-farm hydro and nutri-priming increases yield of rainfed pearl millet through physio-biochemical adjustments and anti-oxidative defense mechanism.

Seed priming technique has a marvelous potential in enhancing seed germination and crop establishment under limited soil moisture conditions, which ultimately increases yield. Therefore, we investigated the effects of seed priming on physiology, growth, yield and antioxidant defense system of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) under rain-fed condition. The experiments were conducted under laboratory as well as field conditions comprising three treatments i.e., non-primed seeds (control, T0), priming with tap water (hydropriming) (T1) and priming with 2% KNO3 2% for 6 hours at 25°C followed by shade drying (T2). The results showed that chlorophyll content (10.37-14.15%) and relative water content (RWC) (12.70-13.01%) increased whereas proline (-19.44 to -25%) and soluble sugar (-15.51 to -29.13%) contents decreased on account of seed priming in pearl millet under field conditions. The seed priming significantly improved the plant height, final plant stand and grain weight which resulted in increased yield. Enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (5.89 to 8.10 unit/g/seed/min), catalase (CAT) (22.54 to 39.67 µmol/min/g/seed) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (8.92 to 22.10 µmol/cm/min/g) and concomitant decrease in H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) content suggests their role in imparting oxidative tolerance at initial stages of growth in primed seed. The lab studies suggest that the improved yield might be attributes to increased seed germination and seedling vigor. It is recommended that the hydropriming (tap water) or KNO3 (2%) priming of seeds for 6 hours under ambient conditions is effective to enhance growth and yield of pearl millet under rainfed conditions.

Physical and chemical characterization of Corchorus olitorius leaves dried by different drying techniques

Molokhia, Corchorus olitorius, is a popular leafy vegetable, known in many world regions as a good source of nutritional and medicinal properties. Due to its short shelf life and the limited harvesting time, processing such as drying techniques permit to preserve and provide it throughout the year. In the present study, it was attempted to reveal the main physical and chemical characteristics of molokhia leaves. Also, three drying techniques, shade drying (SHD), convective drying (COD), and microwave drying (MID), have been applied to study the kinetics and their main physical and chemical effects. The analysis demonstrated that molokhia leaves are a good source of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and chlorophylls pigments. Those bioactive compounds have provided the leaves with considerable antiradical scavenging and reducing capacities. Drying time decreased from days, in the case of SHD, to some hours when using COD, and less than 20 min when using MID. Increasing drying temperature and power input have increased the drying rate. Modelling of drying kinetics of MID three power inputs (350, 500 and 750 W) and COD at 60 °C exhibited a high fitting for most empirical models (R2 > 0.980). SHD was less deleterious on leaves colour. Also, it preserved the content of phenolics, flavonoids, and thus the antioxidant activity of leaves. On the contrary, COD at 80 °C had a detrimental effect on previous components and their activity. Vega-Gálvez model can be presented as the best-fitted model to describe the rehydration kinetics of dried leaves. Rheological analysis of the aqueous extracts of the leaves demonstrated the effect of time and grinding on the increase of mucilage diffusion. The obtained results could help industrials to choose the convenient drying method and more analysis on the subject are recommended.

EFFECT OF PRE-TREATMENTS AND DRYING METHODS ON NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF RHODODENDRON ARBOREUM, WEST HIMALAYA

Rhododendron arboreum belong to the family Ericaceae is a medicinally and economically important wild edible tree species from the Himalayan region. The fresh flowers of R. arboreum after harvesting were treated at different temperatures separately. The study revealed that a quick- drying process was found for the maximum harnessing of phenolics, flavonoids, flavanols, antioxidant activity (FRAP assay and DPPH assay) and protein content. Likewise, shade drying; a common method for drying was obtained best for nutritional attributes. Correlation analyzed that total phenolic content shows a positive relationship with ABTS and FRAP. However, phenolic content showed non-significant relationship with carbohydrates and protein. The biochemical parameters showed significant variation among drying processing techniques. The report suggested that the quality of a dried product is strongly dependent on the conditions used in the drying process.

Processing Technology, Chemical Composition, Microbial Quality and Health Benefits of Dried Fruits

Fresh fruits have high moisture content and deteriorate quickly if not handled properly. Use of storage technologies like refrigeration and controlled atmospheres are very much expensive because of continuous energy requirement throughout the whole supply chain. So, drying of fruits is being utilized to minimize the postharvest losses and provide an ease in storage, transport, and availability through out the year. Fruits in dried form reperesent concentrated form of important nutrients and serve as valuable healthy foods. The routine consumption of dried fruits is advised to achieve the full advantage of their inherent vital nutrients and other bioactive compounds. Fruits are dried by various drying techniques including conventional (solar drying, shade drying) and novel (microwave, infrared, freeze and hybrid drying) drying methods , etc. Drying of fruits using conventional metods such as sun or open‐air drying is time consuming and may lead to the inferior quality along with microbial contamination. Numerous studies have revealed that dried fruits may contain food-borne pathogens including bacteria, yeasts and moulds, which can be responsible for the outbreak of life-threatening diseases. In this review, the drying of fresh fruits by different drying methods, their chemical composition, microbial quality, and health benefits has been discussed.

Effects of Processing Methods on the Chemical Properties of Sprouting Leaf (Bryophyllum Pinnatum)

This study was carried out to determine the effects of processing methods on the chemical properties of sprouting leaf (Bryophyllum pinnatum). Fresh leaves of B. pinnatum “Oda opue” were collected, destalked, sorted, washed and drained. The prepared samples were divided into four portions. Three portions were processed by sun drying (14hrs), shade drying (7days) and blanching (90oC for 2mins), the fresh leaves that were neither dried nor blanched served as control. The sun-dried leaf (DL), shade dried leaf (SD), blanched leaf (BL) and the fresh leaf (FL) where analyzed for proximate, vitamin, mineral and phytochemical compositions. The proximate composition ranged as follows; moisture content (8.94 to 89.57%), protein (4.50 to 22.0%), ash (0.81 to 13.81%), fibre (0.84 to 6.86%), fat (0.21 to 2.06%), and carbohydrate (3.52 to 48.57%). The vitamin A content which ranged from 1.40 to 3.92 mg/100g was highest in shade dried leave. Vitamin B1 and C ranged from 210.00 to 295.40 mg/100 g and 18.25 to 27.60 mg/100g, respectively with the shade dried leaves having the highest value. The mineral composition; calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron were highest in shade dried leaf sample and was significantly (p < 0.05) different from fresh, sun dry, and blanched leaves samples. The phytochemical composition ranged from 0.17 to 0.44, 0.60 to 0.85% for saponin and alkaloid, 0.34 to 1.05, 0.17 to 0.58, 0.29 to 0.54 mg/100g and 0.32 to 0.70% for oxalate, phytate, tannin and flavonoid, respectively. The shade dried leaves was found to have higher nutritional composition.

Impact of different drying methods and desiccants on storage quality of annual chrysanthemum and gerbera

The present experiment entitled, “Impact of different drying methods and desiccants on storage quality of annual chrysanthemum and gerbera” was carried out at the laboratory of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, JAU, Junagadh during the year 2019-2020 to know the impact of different drying methods and desiccants on storage quality of annual chrysanthemum and gerbera. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with factorial concept and two factors i.e. drying methods viz. sun drying and shade drying and desiccants viz. river sand (red), river sand (black), sea sand, silica gel, borax powder and replicated thrice. Flowers were dried properly as per treatments and observations were recorded. In case of storage parameters, shade dried flowers with sea sand resulted in acceptable flower colour with less mechanical damage. Along with that another treatment combination shade drying with borax powder resulted in less mechanical damage to flowers. However, acceptable shape with less attack of pest and disease noticed in sun drying with silica gel. It can be concluded from the present investigation that shade drying with sea sand produced quality dry flowers of annual chrysanthemum and gerbera during storage.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Potential of Stem Bark of Neolamarckia cadamba against Chloroform and Over dose of Iron Dextran Induced Hepatotoxicity in Experimental Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract: Background: In general, use of herbal medicines are considered as the backbone in traditional system of medicines as it has been used for food, flavoring agents and in the form of medicines. Keeping in knowledge the increasing demand of herbal drugs over their synthetic counter parts and to restrain the worldwide problem of multidrug resistance (MDR) in hepatoprotective activity. Neolamarckia cadamba that is commonly called Cadamb is a standout amongst the most significant therapeutic plants having a place with the Rubiaceae family. It is one of such Ayurvedic cure that has been referenced in numerous Indian restorative written works. The arrangement of work includes gathering and confirmation of stem bark of cadamb plant pursued by shade drying, granulating, and extraction by two-fold cool maceration, phytochemical examination lastly screening of pharmacological exercises as expressed. Aim: The present study was carried out to establish hepatoprotective activity of hydro alcoholic extract of stem bark of Neolamarckia cadamba by using two established hepatotoxic screening models in Swiss albino mice (chloroform induced hepatotoxicity and iron over dose induced hepatotoxicity). Materials and Methods: The hepatoprotective activity of Neolamarckia cadamba was screened by hydro alcoholic extract of stem bark of Neolamarckia cadamba (NCHAE). The experimental animals were treated with corn oil and chloroform for a period of 7 days at a dose of 0.75mg/kg body weight, p.o to induce hepatotoxicity. In the second experimental model over dose of iron dextran induced hepatic damage was performed by administering 100 mg/kg, i.p.upto7 days, 3 consecutive periods. Blood samples were collected for the estimation of biochemical parameters and histopathological changes in liver was also performed. Silymarin (50 mg/kg; body weight) was used as standard referral of hepatoprotective agent. Results: Chloroform and iron over dose treatment were induced higher levels of liver marker enzymes and showed damage of hepatocytes. In histopathological findings there were significant opposed treatment with Neolamarckia cadamba dose dependently. The results indicated that biochemical changes produced by both the hepatotoxicity models were restored to normal by NCHAE. In the present study, the results of NCHAE was found significant hepatoprotective effect (***p<0.01) against both the inducing agents, which was indicated by the enhancement in biochemical parameters. Conclusion: The current study confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of NCHAE against the chloroform induced hepatotoxicity and iron over dose induced hepatotoxicity models and the activity is likely related to its potent antioxidant and ironchelating property. NCHAE therefore needs to be for further in-deep studies to correlate its bioactive constituents responsible for the pharmacological activity selected. Key words: Hepatoprotective, Neolamarckia cadamba, Chloroform, Iron dextran, Hepatotoxicity.

Dehydrated jasmine flowers obtained through natural convective solar drying retain scent volatiles and phenolics – A prospective for added-value utility

Although season-specific, Jasminum spp. are cultivated commercially for their sweet-scented flowers and their postharvest utility in various value-added products. However, to ensure year-round availability of quality floral biomass, jasmines are to be dehydrated and stored. In the present study, we attempted to dehydrate fresh jasmine flowers using a custom-made natural convective solar drying and compared the outcome with four widely used drying methods namely, sun drying, shade drying, oven drying and freeze drying. Subsequently, the retention capacities of scent volatiles and phenolics in dehydrated flowers of Jasminum auriculatum and J. sambac were compared. Total phenolic contents (TPC) were found to be high in both freeze dried and natural convective dried samples whereas the antioxidant capacity was high in natural convective dried samples. Phenolic acids viz. protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, and caffeic acid were detected; these phenolic acids were shown to retain in higher amount in natural convective dried samples. Further, freeze and convective-dried flowers were also shown to retain maximum contents of scent volatiles. These observations suggest that custom-made low-cost natural convective solar dryer could be explored at large scale to obtain good quality dried flowers of Jasminum spp. for added-value utility.