Effect of Different Drying Methods on Quality and Economics of Senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.)

A study was conducted at ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad to study the effect of different drying methods and type of leaf material on quality, colour retention and cost of drying of only senna leaves and senna leaves + stem. Senna leaves were dried by different drying methods viz., open air drying (sun), shade drying, an LPG based dryer (CRIDA dryer) and cabinet dryer with a capacity of 50 kg was used at 40°, 50° and 60°C. The results indicated that leaves dried with herbal dryer at 50°C had higher sennoside content over other methods like open air and shade drying. Further this leaf retained better chlorophyll content as compared to other methods of drying. Drying of only senna leaves or senna leaves + stem at 50°C in CRIDA dryer consumed less energy, cost and higher price as compared with other drying temperatures 40°C, 60°C and other drying methods.