Qualidade dos extratos de Ocimum selloi Benth submetidos a diferentes condições do ar de secagem

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants to prevent and treat diseases is an ancient practice with known benefits. Several native species have been widely used by the population in Brazil, whose medicinal use was initially developed by indigenous and cabocla communities in the country. Among the species with medicinal potential, Ocimum selloi Benth, popularly known as basil, stands out. The popular uses alleged for this plant are for the treatment of poor digestion, gastritis, vomiting, cough and bronchitis, in addition to medicinal use, some species of the genus Ocimum are also used as a seasoning in Brazil. To preserve the quality of medicinal plants, it is necessary to remove excess water contained in the aerial parts. This is done through drying, which guarantees adequate conditions for storing the material until it is processed or consumed. In view of the above, the objective was for the Ocimum selloi Benth leaves to be dried at different temperatures (40, 50, 60 and 70 °C) and speeds (0,4 and 0,8 m𝒔−𝟏 of the drying air. The aqueous extracts of the leaves, subjected to drying, were prepared as an infusion and subjected to analysis using spectrometry. Given the data obtained, it is possible to observe that the levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins and antioxidant potential suffered a reduction in relation to the fresh plant with the increase in temperature and drying air speed. It is concluded that an air temperature of 40°C is the most suitable for obtaining a high content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins and a high antioxidant activity under the experimental conditions of this work. Furthermore, it was found that the compounds behave better at an air speed of 0,8 m 𝒔−𝟏.