The Effect of Different Drying Methods on the Phytochemicals and Radical Scavenging Activity of Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Plant Parts

Abstract

Aim: The research aimed at ascertaining whether the different drying methods and plant parts have effect on the radical scavenging activity and phytochemical properties of cinnamon as an herb/spice. Methodology: Fresh samples of the cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) was collected at the Aburi Botanical Gardens, Ghana. Some of the samples were sun, oven, room and freeze dried. The dried and fresh samples were extracted with methanol and water and the extract analyzed. Results: Only the sun dried samples had the total phenolic and total flavonoid been degraded compared to the fresh sample. The flavonoid and phenolic contents and the DPPH radical scavenging activity were significantly expressed in different amounts in the root, stem, leaf and seed. Conclusion: Generally, the drying influenced the phytochemical contents which are major contribution to the radical scavenging activity of the cinnamon. Original Research Article European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 4(11): 1324-1335, 2014 1325