Drying and storage studies in kizharnelli (Phyllanthus amarus Schum.& Thonn.)

Abstract

In recent years, an increasing interest in medicinal herbs, as natural regrowing raw material could be observed worldwide. After a period of exploding the synthetic chemicals and its ill effects too, the present situation demands a ‘green wave’ to use nature and natural products. Phyllanthus amarus Schum.&Thonn., known in Malayalam as ‘Kizharnelli’ is one of the most important herbs in Indian medicine. Owing to its phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin content, it is widely used as hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, chemoprotective, antioxidant etc. The plant has been traditionally used to promote liver functions and used as a remedy for jaundice. The plants are available mostly during the months of July to September and are short living. Therefore an attempt has been made to extend the post harvest storage life of P. amarus with minimum quality deterioration. Two experiments were conducted during the course of study; with the first experiment to evolve a suitable drying and packaging technique for the plant as such and the second to evolve an extraction technique and the storage studies of the extractives. Shade drying of whole plant followed with packaging in aluminium laminated pouches was found to be the best drying and storage technique in terms of colour, phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin content for the storage up to 4 months. Hypophyllanthin content was found to be degrading in a faster rate and very less amount was noticed after 4 months of storage. Comparing the drying of whole plant and chopped materials, no advantage was noticed in terms of drying rate. Therefore this additional step of chopping can be avoided. Sun drying, though a common practice of drying; degradation of alkaloids and colour was observed in drying and storage of Phyllanthus amarus. Studies on extraction techniques revealed that the extraction using ethanol was found to be better and regarding to the storage of extractives, dried ethanolic extracts stored in aluminium laminated pouches retained maximum phyllanthin content after six months of storage. However hypophyllanthin content dropped drastically after 4 months of storage. The techniques thus developed will help to store ‘Kizharnelli’ for an extended period of 3 to 4 months than its normal available period as stored material.