Authors : Radhika; Akanksha Sharma; Sanjiv Duggal

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/m52axk6c

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4e2t9ttu

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr2002

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.), a well-known medicinal plant of the family Zingiberaceae, is widely used in traditional medicine and pharmaceutical formulations due to its therapeutic properties mainly attributed to curcumin and other curcuminoids. However, limited information is available on the influence of different drying methods on its pharmacognostical quality. The present study aims to develop a comparative pharmacognostical monograph of Curcuma longa rhizomes dried by various traditional and modern techniques. Fresh rhizomes were collected, authenticated, and subjected to sun drying, shade drying, oven drying (40–50°C), and traditional household drying. The dried samples were powdered and evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, loss on drying, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and extractive values using standard procedures. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed to detect bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and curcuminoids. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) fingerprinting was carried out using chloroform: methanol (95:5) as the mobile phase, and chromatograms were observed under UV light at 254 nm and 366 nm. The results revealed significant variations in physicochemical parameters and phytochemical profiles depending on the drying method. Shade-dried samples showed better retention of curcuminoids and superior overall quality, as indicated by distinct TLC spots. The study highlights the importance of appropriate drying methods for ensuring quality, authenticity, and standardization of turmeric in pharmaceutical applications.

Keywords : Curcuma Longa, Pharmacognostical Monograph, Turmeric, Drying Methods, Phytochemical Screening, TLC Fingerprinting.

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