EFFECT OF THE USE OF DIFFERENT METHODS OF DRYING OF DIGITALIS LANATA LEAVES ON THEIR QUALITY AND GLYCOSIDAL CONTENT

Abstract

The effect of the use of different methods of drying Digitalis lanata leaves, viz. drying naturally in shade and sun and artificially in a circulating hot-air oven at . 55–60° C, 90–95° C and 120–125° C, on their quality and glycosidal content was studied. It was found that, under the Egyptian climatic conditions at time of digitalis collection (May–June), shade drying provided a favourable and satisfactory method, as well as, a practical and economical one.