An experiment was conducted to develop a drying protocol for Withania somniferum during the year 2009-10 under National Medicinal Plant Board project, B.R. Nahata college of pharmacy- SIRO (scientific institute of research organization), Mandsaur (M.P.). The roots of withania were harvested and cut into different sizes (2-4 inches) and subjected into sun drying, shade drying, and hot air oven drying in temperature ranging from 40-600C. Temperature for sun drying ranging from 32-420C during day time and in night hours, the samples were kept in plastic covers to prevent re absorption of moisture. In shade drying pieces of roots were kept in shade (proper air flowing place) at normal climatic temperature. And in hot air oven drying method/ mechanical drying method the pieces of roots were kept at 500C, 550C and 600C respectively. The samples were weighed and moisture content of the samples were taken at regular intervals till the standard moisture content of the dried roots was obtained that is mentioned in literatures (6% or below 6%). The result revealed that hot air oven drying of roots took the lowest time (12hrs.). while sun drying method took 24hrs for drying. The alkaloid content viz., withanolide A was significantly influenced by different methods of drying. The highest alkaloid content (0.021%) was observed in hot air oven drying as compared to sun drying with 0.010% and shade drying with 0.009% Withanolide A.
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