The Effect of Different Drying Methods on the Phytochemicals and Radical Scavenging Activity of Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Plant Parts
Darfour Bernard *
Radiation Technology Centre, Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Ghana
Asare Isaac Kwabena
Radiation Technology Centre, Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Ghana
Ofosu Daniel Osei
Radiation Technology Centre, Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Ghana
G. Achel Daniel
Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Ghana
S. Achoribo Elom
Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Ghana
Agbenyegah Sandra
Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Ghana
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: The research aimed at ascertaining whether the different drying methods and plant parts have effect on the radical scavenging activity and phytochemical properties of cinnamon as an herb/spice.
Methodology: Fresh samples of the cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) was collected at the Aburi Botanical Gardens, Ghana. Some of the samples were sun, oven, room and freeze dried. The dried and fresh samples were extracted with methanol and water and the extract analyzed.
Results: Only the sun dried samples had the total phenolic and total flavonoid been degraded compared to the fresh sample. The flavonoid and phenolic contents and the DPPH radical scavenging activity were significantly expressed in different amounts in the root, stem, leaf and seed.
Conclusion: Generally, the drying influenced the phytochemical contents which are major contribution to the radical scavenging activity of the cinnamon.
Keywords: Cinnamon, phytochemicals, radical scavenging activity, drying methods