Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason for drying fresh organs of plants?
Which of the following drying methods is preferable to maintain the natural color of herbal drugs?
When should stem barks be collected for optimal processing?
Which of the following statements about drying is incorrect?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of plant parts should be collected when they are fully mature but unripe?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the most effective method of drying when done skillfully?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the critical moisture percentage range in fresh organs that necessitates rapid drying?
Signup and view all the answers
What is NOT a goal of the drying process for crude drugs?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the major benefits of artificial drying compared to air drying?
Signup and view all the answers
Which method of artificial drying involves the use of burning coal or wood?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of drying system is emphasized for its complete control over temperature and environmental factors?
Signup and view all the answers
Which technique is specifically mentioned as being suited for sensitive drugs like Digitalis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common issue associated with using direct fire for drying?
Signup and view all the answers
Which form of artificial drying utilizes a fan to circulate heated air?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the principle behind pneumatic high-speed drying?
Signup and view all the answers
In what scenario are drying tunnels primarily used?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the impact of seasonal changes on the collection of Rhubarb?
Signup and view all the answers
Which time of the day is best for collecting Digitalis leaves to ensure higher concentrations of active glycosides?
Signup and view all the answers
When should Clove be harvested to ensure maximum volatile oil content?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the optimal stage for collecting Santonica flowers to obtain maximum santonin content?
Signup and view all the answers
During which period should the alkaloid content in Solanaceous leaves be expected to be highest?
Signup and view all the answers
What general rule applies to the collection of leaves for most drugs?
Signup and view all the answers
In which situation would Coca leaves be most appropriately harvested?
Signup and view all the answers
What is likely to be true about the alkaloidal content of hyoscyamus collected in winter compared to summer?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of freeze drying in drug processing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which drying method is performed at room temperature using desiccants?
Signup and view all the answers
How does drying typically affect the size and weight of drugs?
Signup and view all the answers
What color change occurs in tea leaves as they dry?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following compounds can alter its odor during the drying process?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a significant change that may occur in the color of some flowers when dried?
Signup and view all the answers
Which method primarily protects drugs and economizes space in storage?
Signup and view all the answers
How do the constituents of fresh vanilla change during drying?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Collection of Drugs
- Drugs can be sourced from both wild and cultivated plants.
- The composition of a plant can fluctuate throughout the growing season.
- Maximum quality is ensured by collecting at the right time, part of the plant, and stage of development.
Factors Affecting Collection
-
Time of year:
- Plants can have different compositions during different seasons.
- For example, rhubarb contains no anthraquinones in winter, but does in summer.
- Hyoscyamus has less alkaloids in winter compared to summer.
-
Time of day:
- The concentration of active principles in drugs can vary depending on the time of day.
- Digitalis leaves have a higher concentration of glycosides when collected in the afternoon, due to hydrolysis and recombination.
-
Stage of maturity and age:
- The amount of active constituents can change depending on the maturity of the plant.
- For example, Conium fruits have the highest concentration of coniine when mature but unripe.
- Similarly, Santonica flowers have the highest concentration of santonin when they are unexpanded.
- Clove is collected in the bud stage to maximize volatile oil content.
General Rules for Collecting Drugs
-
Leaves:
- Usually collected when flowers are just beginning to expand.
- Exceptions: tea leaves are collected before unfolding, coca leaves are collected when nearly ready to fall, and uva ursi leaves can be collected any time of year.
-
Flowers:
- Collected on fine, dry days before full expansion.
- Examples: clove, red rose, and santonica are collected in the bud stage, while chamomile and pyrethrum are collected just after full expansion.
-
Storage tissues:
- Collected in autumn or winter.
-
Stem barks:
- Collected in spring when the bark is easiest to strip.
-
Fruits:
- Collected when they are mature but unripe.
Drying of Crude Drugs
- Drying preserves drugs.
- It stops enzymatic actions that may destroy active compounds.
- It inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
- It allows for easier powdering (comminution) of the plant.
- It reduces size and weight, promoting easier packing, transport, and storage.
Drying Methods
-
Natural Drying:
- Drying by exposure to direct sun or shade.
- Shade drying is used when it is necessary to retain natural color and preserve sensitive active compounds.
- Sun drying is used for drugs unaffected by sunlight.
-
Artificial Drying:
- Involves using elevated temperatures and/or reduced pressure (vacuum) or radiation like infra-red or microwave ovens.
- Artificial drying is preferred for skilled operation, allowing for a controlled temperature and preventing enzymatic action.
Artificial Drying Techniques
-
Direct Fire:
- Uncontrolled temperature.
- Drugs are placed on a wire net over burning coal or wood.
- Excessive heat can gelatinize starch, leading to hard drugs and undesirable odors.
-
Heated Stones:
- An alternative to wire nets, using stones for heat.
-
Stoves:
- Heat needs careful control to prevent scorching or burning of drugs.
-
Drying Sheds or Chambers:
- Controlled temperature.
- Equipped with thermostats and thermometers.
-
Drying Tunnels:
- Drugs are moved on rails, with heat forced or drawn over the shelves.
- Provides quick drying for large quantities of drugs.
-
Drying Ovens:
- Small cabinets heated electrically with a fan for air circulation.
- Includes a thermostat and thermometer.
- Vacuum ovens are often used for rapid and efficient drying at lower temperatures.
-
Pneumatic High Speed Drying:
- Used for sensitive drugs, like digitalis.
- Drugs are exposed to high temperatures for short periods under reduced pressure.
-
Freeze Drying (Lyophilization):
- Vacuum drying technique.
- Liquids are frozen and subjected to high vacuum, allowing sublimation of ice.
- Used for highly sensitive drugs like biological fluids, enzymes, and hormones.
Chemical Drying
- Uses dehydrating agents like anhydrous calcium chloride, concentrated sulfuric acid, or silica gel.
- Appropriate for small quantities of drugs for research and storage.
- This method is performed at room temperature, keeping the drug in a sealed container.
Changes in Drugs During Drying
-
Size and weight:
- Drugs decrease in size and weight due to water loss.
-
Shape and appearance:
- Some drugs shrivel and shrink, developing wrinkles or a reticulated surface.
-
Color:
- Usually darkens with drying.
- Green colors can turn brown due to chlorophyll decomposition.
- Red or blue colors in flowers can fade due to anthocyanin pigment destruction.
-
Odor:
- Some drugs lose odours while others change.
- Fresh vanilla pods are odorless, but acquire a fragrant aroma due to vanillin liberation during drying.
-
Taste:
- Can be altered.
- For example, Gentian becomes more pleasant on drying.
-
Constituents:
- Can change.
- For example, fresh vanilla undergoes hydrolysis and oxidation to produce vanillin during drying.
Packing of Drugs
- Can be loose or compressed.
- Packing provides protection and saves space.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the critical factors affecting the collection of drugs from plants, including seasonal changes, time of day, and maturity stages. Understand how these elements impact the quality and concentration of active constituents in various medicinal plants. This quiz focuses on the intricacies of botanical drug sourcing.