Medicinal Plants Collection and Drying
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Questions and Answers

What factors influence the quality and quantity of active constituents in medicinal plants?

  • Type of soil and height of the plant
  • Proper collection time and stage of development (correct)
  • Collection tools used and storage methods
  • Geographical location and weather conditions
  • At what time of year is rhubarb most likely to contain anthraquinones?

  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Summer (correct)
  • Winter
  • When should Digitalis leaves be collected to achieve higher levels of cardiac glycosides?

  • In the morning
  • In the evening
  • In the afternoon (correct)
  • At night
  • Which stage of development is optimal for collecting solanaceous leaves to obtain maximum alkaloids?

    <p>At the flowering stage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is collecting flowers in fine, dry weather important?

    <p>To fix the color of the product (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When are cloves harvested for optimal quality?

    <p>Just before fruit formation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended time for collecting barks from trees?

    <p>In spring or early summer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What weather conditions should be avoided for leaf collection to prevent deterioration?

    <p>Wet weather (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of drying crude drugs?

    <p>To stop enzymatic action and prevent microbial growth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about the collection of fruits is correct?

    <p>Fruits should be collected near their ripening season when fully mature. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process is referred to when foreign materials are removed from drugs?

    <p>Garbling (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is NOT essential for the careful drying of drugs?

    <p>Enhancement of chemical constituents (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When should underground organs such as roots and rhizomes be collected?

    <p>In autumn or winter (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason for shaking, brushing, or washing drugs before drying?

    <p>To remove soil and foreign particles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is NOT a benefit of removing moisture from crude drugs?

    <p>Increasing the drug's weight (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are unorganized drugs such as gums and resins typically obtained?

    <p>Through incisions in the plant (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of controlling temperature during the drying process?

    <p>To prevent thermal degradation of the drugs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does drying have on the color of most drugs?

    <p>They may become darker or change entirely. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method of drying is most preferable for tightly controlled temperature conditions?

    <p>Drying chambers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process is likely to occur when drying drugs containing glycosides?

    <p>Hydrolysis of the glycoside to produce a different compound. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does moisture influence the stability of drugs such as Digitalis leaves?

    <p>It causes enzymatic hydrolysis of active constituents. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which drying process would you choose to use a vacuum?

    <p>For drying digitalis leaves (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the taste of Gentian when it is dried?

    <p>It becomes pleasant. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does drying have on the size and weight of drugs?

    <p>They decrease in size and lose 80-90% of their original weight (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is not an artificial drying method?

    <p>Natural drying in the shade (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why must drying of Digitalis leaves be conducted quickly?

    <p>To avoid undesirable changes in active constituents. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the texture of drugs after drying?

    <p>They become harder and less durable (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs to drugs with volatile oils during storage?

    <p>They gradually lose their aroma. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a consequence of uncontrolled storage conditions for drugs?

    <p>Gradual deterioration of certain drugs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to carry out drying quickly for certain drugs like digitalis?

    <p>To preserve volatile oils and prevent enzymatic hydrolysis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which drying method is particularly suitable for extremely delicate products?

    <p>Freeze drying or lyophilization (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common change that occurs to flowers during drying?

    <p>They lose their color due to anthocyanin destruction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of using dehydrating agents in drug storage?

    <p>To overcome the effect of moisture (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what temperature range does enzymatic action typically activate?

    <p>35 to 45 C (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can exposure to light affect certain delicate drugs like rose petals?

    <p>They cause deterioration and color change (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a method to control insect damage in stored drugs?

    <p>Heating the drugs to about 60 to 65 C (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended storage condition to prevent oxidation of active constituents in drugs?

    <p>Moisture-proof, air-tight containers at low temperature (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of drugs are particularly affected by an increase in temperature?

    <p>Drugs containing volatile oils (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be a consequence of inadequate storage of nutritive drugs?

    <p>They are susceptible to molds and fungi (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which storage material is recommended to avoid spoilage by rodents?

    <p>Plastic containers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Time of Year for Collection

    The time of year when medicinal plants are collected has a direct impact on the quality and quantity of their active ingredients.

    Time of Day for Collection

    The amount of active constituents in a plant can fluctuate throughout the day. For example, some plants contain higher levels of specific compounds in the afternoon compared to the morning.

    Stage of Development for Collection

    The stage of development of a plant, such as flowering or leaf growth, affects the concentration of its active constituents. Plants should be collected at the optimal stage for maximum potency.

    Why is Time of Year Important?

    Collecting medicinal plants at the right time of year ensures that they are collected when their active constituents are at their peak concentration.

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    Why is Time of Day Important?

    Collecting medicinal plants at the right time of day ensures that they are collected when their active constituents are at their peak concentration. This is especially important for plants that undergo diurnal fluctuations in their chemical composition.

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    Why is Stage of Development Important?

    Collecting medicinal plants at the proper stage of development ensures that they are collected when their active constituents are at their peak concentration. Each part of a plant has a specific time of optimal potency, making it crucial to collect them accordingly.

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    When to Collect Leaves

    Collecting leaves should be done when they are at the beginning of the flowering stage because this is when they are in their most healthy state and contain the maximum percentage of active constituents.

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    When to Collect Flowers

    Collecting flowers should be done in dry weather, just before pollination, to ensure the best color and quality of the product.

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    Cleaning (crude drugs)

    The process of removing unwanted material from raw drugs, improving quality and safety.

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    Garbling (crude drugs)

    The act of separating foreign matter from the desired drug substance.

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    Drying (crude drugs)

    The process of removing moisture from raw drugs, preventing spoilage and ensuring proper storage.

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    Enzymatic Action (drying purpose)

    Enzymatic reactions can alter the active constituents of drugs, leading to loss of potency.

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    Microorganisms (drying purpose)

    Moisture allows microorganisms like bacteria and fungi to grow, damaging the drug.

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    Transportation Cost (drying purpose)

    Drying helps reduce the weight of the drug, making transportation more efficient.

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    Physical Characters (drying purpose)

    Proper drying ensures the drug retains its original physical properties, like texture and shape.

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    Chemical Constituents (drying purpose)

    Drying helps maintain the chemical composition of the drug, ensuring its effectiveness.

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    How does drying affect color?

    Drying can affect the color of medicinal plants. Green plants might turn brown due to chlorophyll breakdown. Some flowers lose their color due to the destruction of pigments.

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    How does drying affect odor?

    Drying can change the smell of medicinal plants. Some plants lose their bad odor, while others gain a pleasant aroma. For example, vanilla pods become fragrant after drying.

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    How does drying affect taste?

    The taste of medicinal plants can be altered by drying. Some plants become less bitter, while others become more pleasant.

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    How does drying affect constituents?

    Drying can change the active ingredients in medicinal plants. Sometimes, this is desirable, like when a glycoside breaks down into a more potent product. In other cases, it is undesirable, and the drying process must be quick to prevent changes in chemical structure.

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    How does moisture affect stored drugs?

    Medicinal plants stored under inappropriate conditions can degrade. Moisture promotes bacterial and fungal growth and enzyme activity, leading to degradation of active ingredients.

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    How does air exposure affect stored drugs?

    Exposure to air can cause changes in medicinal plants. Aromatic drugs lose their aroma, volatile oils become resinified, and some drugs, like Digitalis, lose their potency.

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    Why are storage instructions important?

    Storage conditions significantly affect the quality and potency of medicinal plants. Pharmacopoeias provide guidelines for proper storage to ensure the efficacy and safety of drugs.

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    When is fast drying necessary?

    Some drugs need to be dried quickly after harvesting to prevent degradation of active ingredients. This is especially important for plants containing enzymes that can break down their active constituents.

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    Low Temperature Drying

    Drying at lower temperatures allows for the preservation of delicate components and prevents degradation of active ingredients. Remember, lower heat minimizes damage.

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    Rapid Drying

    Quick drying minimizes the time for enzymatic reactions to degrade valuable compounds, especially in plants like digitalis and those with volatile oils.

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    Artificial Drying Chambers

    This drying method uses a controlled environment for gradual dehydration of the plant material. The gradual approach allows for less stress on the plant, retaining its integrity.

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    Vacuum Drying

    Suitable for materials sensitive to high temperatures, vacuum drying utilizes reduced pressure and controlled temperature to evaporate moisture effectively. This minimizes degradation and preserves quality.

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    Freeze-Drying

    A gentle freezing process followed by vacuum removal of ice, freeze-drying preserves volatile and heat-sensitive compounds. This method is used for intricate substances like coffee extracts.

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    Natural Drying in Sun

    This method is often used for plants like Senna leaves that are not sensitive to direct sunlight. This method can be slower and less efficient but is suitable for non-sensitive plants.

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    Natural Drying in Shade

    This method is best for flowers whose color may fade in direct sunlight. This slower method helps retain color and preserves fragile components.

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    Forced Air Drying

    A type of drying where air is drawn into the drying area and passes over the plant materials, gently removing moisture. This is a more controlled approach than natural methods.

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    How to Preserve Drugs from Moisture?

    Moisture can negatively affect drug quality by promoting microbial growth and degrading active components. To prevent this, drugs are stored with drying agents like quicklime or calcium chloride, or treated with alcohol to inactivate enzymes.

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    Temperature's Impact on Drug Stability

    Higher temperatures accelerate enzymatic activity, degrading certain drugs. Volatile oil-containing drugs like ginger, clove, and chamomile are particularly sensitive to heat.

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    Light's Effect on Drugs

    Light can damage delicate drugs like rose petals and digitalis leaves, causing discoloration and loss of active compounds. These drugs should be stored in dark containers.

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    Air's Impact on Drug Stability

    Oxygen can oxidize and damage the active components of some drugs like fixed oils in linseed oil. Airtight storage is essential for these drugs.

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    Biological Threats to Drug Quality

    Bacteria, molds, fungi, insects, and mites can all degrade drugs, changing their properties and lowering active constituent content.

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    Mold and Fungi's Impact on Drugs

    Molds and fungi often attack drugs rich in nutrients like bulbs, corms, roots, and rhizomes if not stored properly, reducing their active components.

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    Insects and Powdered Drugs

    Powdered drugs are particularly susceptible to insect infestations, rendering them unusable for standard extracts.

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    Rodent Damage to Drugs

    Rodents can cause significant damage to stored drugs, especially if kept in paper, cloth, or wooden containers. Glass, plastic, or metal containers offer better protection.

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    Study Notes

    Collection and Drying of Medicinal Plants

    • Medicinal plants must be collected at the proper time and stage of development to ensure maximum quality and quantity of active constituents.

    Time of Collection

    • Time of Year: The nature and amount of active constituents varies throughout the year. For example, rhubarb contains no anthraquinones in winter but instead contains anthranols, which are converted to anthraquinone compounds in summer.

    • Time of Day: The percentage of cardiac glycosides in Digitalis leaves is higher when collected in the afternoon than when collected in the morning. These glycosides decompose overnight and recombine with sugars during the day. Solanaceous leaves contain higher percentages of alkaloids when collected in the morning compared to afternoon.

    Stage of Development

    • The percentage of active constituents in a drug depends on the maturity and age of the plant. For example, solanaceous leaves contain the maximum amount of alkaloids at the flowering stage, while Santonica flowers have a high amount of santonin when not expanded, decreasing in amount upon expansion.

    • Leaves are best collected at the beginning of flowering, as they're in their healthiest state and contain the optimum percentage of active constituents at this stage.

    • Collection should be done in dry weather to prevent deterioration and discoloration during the drying process.

    • Flowers: Collected in fine, dry weather just at pollination time, before fruit formation. Cloves are collected in buds, chamomile flowers after full expansion.

    • Barks: Collected in spring or early summer when the cambium is active, easily stripped from the trunk and branches. Longitudinal or round incisions are made on the trunk for easier bark removal.

    • Fruits: Collected near the ripening season, when fully mature but not completely ripened. They should be gathered in dry weather.

    • Seeds: Collected at the ripening stage of the fruits, separated from the pericarp.

    • Underground Organs (Storage Tissues): Collected in the fall or winter (e.g., roots, rhizomes, bulbs, corms).

    • Unorganized Drugs: (e.g., resins, gums, latex) collected in dry weather, usually obtained by making incisions in the plant.

    Drying of Crude Drugs

    • Fresh plants typically contain 80-90% moisture. Drying removes water, taking hours to weeks.

    • Drying is necessary to:

      • Stop enzymatic action that changes active constituents.
      • Prevent microbial growth (bacteria and fungi).
      • Facilitate grinding and handling.
      • Facilitate packing and storage.
      • Lower transportation costs due to weight reduction.
    • Careful drying is important to:

      • Maintain physical characteristics.
      • Keep chemical constituents intact.
      • Meet pharmacopoeial requirements for maximum moisture content.
    • Important factors for drying:

      • Use the lowest possible temperature,
      • Carry out drying as quickly as possible.
    • Drying speed depends on the drug:

      • Slow drying for drugs requiring enzymatic reactions (like Vanilla pods),
      • Fast drying for drugs sensitive to enzymatic hydrolysis or containing volatile oils (like Digitalis).
    • Methods of Drying:

      • Natural drying: Using natural air, either in sunlight or in shade (e.g., Senna leaves, flowers). This method is slow.
      • Artificial drying:
        • Direct fire: Used cautiously to avoid damaging the drug.
        • Stoves: Used for drying.
        • Drying chambers: A controlled method where drugs are placed on shelves in a chamber with regulated air flow.
        • Vacuum drying: Used for temperature-sensitive drugs; tight chambers connected to vacuum pumps lowering pressure and speeding moisture removal.
        • Freeze drying (lyophilization): A delicate method for drying sensitive drugs removing water content by sublimation.

    Treatment of Drugs Before Drying

    • Cleaning: Underground organs need cleaning and garbling (removal of soil and other foreign matter) before drying by shaking, brushing, or washing with water.
    • Garbling: The removal of foreign matter like sand, dirt, or other plant parts by hand or special machines or using a magnet to remove metallic particles.

    Drying Effects

    • Drying changes the following characteristics:
      • Size and Weight: Drugs shrink due to water loss (80-90% reduction in weight).
      • Shape and Appearance: Loss of water causes wrinkling or reticulation of surfaces (inner surface of bark often getting curved as outer tissues are hard)
      • Texture: Fresh organs become harder, while drugs containing starch can become hard (horny).
      • Color: Drugs can darken (e.g, tea leaves turn brown), or in certain cases change completely (e.g. green to brown), due to chlorophyll decomposition, or loss of anthocyanin.
      • Odor: Natural odors may change or disappear during drying, while some drugs gain an aroma. (e.g., vanilla pods develop a fragrant smell)
      • Taste: Taste of some drugs may change from bitter to pleasant, depending on the drying method.
      • Active Constituents: Some changes are desirable, leading to optimal constituent forms (e.g., glycoside conversion in vanilla pods). If change in constituents is undesirable, fast drying is essential. Drugs with volatile oils tend to lose aroma with storage.

    Storage of Drugs

    • Drugs can deteriorate during storage if not kept under controlled conditions. Proper storage is a key factor to maintain the quality of herbs. Some herbs quality improves with storage, while others quality degrades.
    • Factors causing deterioration:
      • Moisture
      • Temperature
      • Light
      • Air (oxidation)
      • Biological factors (insects, molds, fungi, rodents)
    • Strategies for preserving drugs:
      • Using moisture-proof, airtight containers.
      • Storing at low temperatures.
    • Storage Considerations:
      • Aromatic drugs can lose aroma during storage.
      • Ergot may develop an unpleasant odor.
      • Drugs containing fixed oils may turn rancid.
      • Volatile oils may become resinified.
      • Digitalis and cannabis may lose active constituents.
    • Follow specific storage instructions in pharmacopoeias to maintain quality.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the critical factors involved in the collection and drying of medicinal plants. It examines the importance of timing—both in terms of season and time of day—as well as the plant's stage of development to maximize the active constituents. Understand how these factors influence the quality of medicinal plants.

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