Abstract:
Drying behavior and the optimum drying conditions of Phylanthus ambelica (Nelli) and
Zingiber officinale (Ginger) were evaluated. Moisture sorption isotherms were determined
using the static gravimetric method using saturated salt solutions of water activities range
from 0.05% - 0. 92% at two temperatures of 30°
C and 50°
C. Modified Henderson, Modified
Chung-Pfost and GAB models were used to fit the experimental data and it was best fitted by
the Chung-Pfost model. Thus Chung-Pfost model was used for the estimation of the equilibrium
moisture content of tested medicinal crops. The process conditions for drying were optimized
and 50°
C was found to be the best suitable drying temperature for Phylanthus ambelica (Nelli)
as well 40°
C was preferred for Zingiber officinale (Ginger) with respect to preservation of its
volatile substance significantly (p< 0.05).
