<![CDATA[The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of air drying temperature on the quality of Centella Asiatica L. The drying was conducted by using a constant temperature and humidity drying chamber at different drying temperatures and relative humidities (35 C, 45 C, 55 C, 65 C; 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%), respectively. Color of Centella Asiatica L was measured using a Chroma meter and the madecascosside and asiaticosside in Centella Asiatica L were identified and quantified using High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that the color quality of Centella Asiatica L for the drying o temperature below 55 C was decreased but not significantly. The decreasing color quality was significant at o temperature beyond 55 C and at higher relative humidity. This is caused by longer drying time to achieve equilibrium moisture content. The active ingredient (madecascosside and asiaticosside) in Centella Asiatica o L was decreased at temperature beyond 55 C. Based on the results the quality of Centella Asiatica L can be o preserved if the drying process was maintained at temperature less than 55 C. Also the results obtained from this study can be used to design a solar drying system for Centella Asiatica L and other medicinal herbs.]]>
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