Abstract:
Iramusu (Hemidesmus Indicus) belongs to family Asclapadaceae and is a
valuable medicinal plant in Sri Lanka. The roots of Iramusu have a medicinal value. 2-
hydroxy-4-methoxy benzaldehyde, is the key compound that is responsible for the
characteristic fragrance, aromatic taste and medicinal properties of the root. Iramusu
is successfully employed to recover diabetic mellitus, uninary diseases,
gastrointestinal ulcers and cancers. Iramusu was used to make different types of
Herbal drinks, which involves several unit operations. Therefore, it is difficult to
prepare Herbal drinks for frequent consumption. In order to avoid those difficulties
and hardships, several attempts were made to develop concentrated herbal drinks
using dry Iramusu root.
Experiments were carried out to prepare concentrated Herbal drink using maha
Iramusu root. Also, several experiments and trails were conducted to find out the
optimum extraction conditions, optimum Iramusu amounts, optimum sugar levels and
suitable flavor combination to produce concentrated Iramusu herbal drink with 25
Brix value. Sensory evaluation tests were conducted to find out optimum levels and
conditions for the above factors using 9-point Hedonic scale subjectively. Shelf life
evaluation studies were carried out in Chemical and Microbiological aspects.
Titratable acidity, pH and TSS were tested for Wi months of storage period at room
temperature (27 ± 3 °C). After IV2 months Microbiology analysis were carried out.
From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the optimum
extraction condition for Iramusu roots is lOOg of dry Iramusu roots with 500ml water
and 30miri'tjoiling period. Optimum ingredient amounts that to be added for preparing
100ml of the herbal drink is, 40ml of extract with 20g of sugar level. Citric acid
(0.25%) and salt (0.25%) combinated sample is the best sample, with good flavor
enhancement capacity.
The results revealed that the product was. acceptable for IV2 months and
Coliform test was negative during this period. Total plate count was 30 per 1ml of
concentrated herbal drink. A good quality Iramusu herbal drink can be achieved from
the roots of Iramusu by using the above specifications.
