INFLUENCE OF DRYING TEMPERATURE ON QUALITY PARAMETERS OF ADHATODA VASICA LEAVES

Abstract

Adhatoda vasica (AV), an official drug in the Indian Pharmacopoeia has been used for the treatment of cold, cough, bronchitis and asthma. However, no conclusive formulation study of its leaves has been performed yet. In present investigation, optimization of drying conditions of AV leaves based on qualitative analysis and the retention of phenols, antioxidants and alkaloids was carried out to lay down the standards which could be useful in future experimental studies. The ethanol and water shows the highest extractive values. The presences of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids and saponins were confirmed during preliminary phytochemical screening. A significant difference was observed in phenolic content and antioxidant activity of 40 ºC dried leaves than the others. The alkaloid content retention is more in all the three different temperature. The suitable drying condition and extraction solvent for a therapeutic formulation preparation based on the retention of active compounds is 40 ºC and ethanol. In conclusion, this study would serve as a useful gauge in standardization and development of functional food, isolation of medicinally important phytoconstituents, performing biotechnological developments and ensuring quality formulations. Keywords:Adhatoda vasica, Polyphenols, Antioxidants, Alkaloids, Asthm