Page 227 - PG 101-Course notes مذكرة النظري 24-25 with spec

Medicinal plants (PG 101) Level 1 Clinical Pharmacy-PharmD

Methods of drying:

A-Natural drying: Generally, the drug is spread and turned over from time to time.

Moreover, it's protected from rain and moisture by covering at night.

▪ Sun drying: It can be used for drugs which are not affected by direct exposure

to sun heat and light e.g., Senna leaves.

▪ Shade drying: It is a frequently used method at air temperature in shade, e.g.,

flower whose colors are destroyed by direct exposure to sunlight.

B-Artificial drying: It is a suitable method in countries where the weather does not

fit the natural drying due to very high humidity (as West Africa). The drugs are

subjected, first, to a low temperature in order to prevent gelatinization of starch

(drugs containing starches; underground organs, seeds), and then the temperature is

raised to complete drying.

Advantages:

a) Immediately stops the enzymatic action.

b) More rapid drying.

Types of artificial drying:

I. Direct fire: fresh plant is subjected to drying process over a direct fire source. It

imparts smoky odor to the drugs and produces gelatinization of starch.

II. Stoves: fresh plant is bulky put into stoves at suitable temperature and left to dry.

It must be done very carefully to prevent damage or burning of the drug.

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