Influence of Different Drying Techniques on Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil) Leaves: Mitragynine Content in the Selected Optimal Technique
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Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different drying methods on the chemical and physical properties, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil.) leaves. Four drying techniques were compared: direct sunlight drying, parabolic solar drying, hot-air tray drying, and opaque greenhouse drying. The results showed that all drying methods effectively reduced moisture content (8.7–10.4 % w.b.) and water activity (aw) values ranging from 0.36 to 0.52. However, significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed in color parameters and antioxidant activity among treatments. Opaque greenhouse drying yielded the highest TPC (196.64 mg GAE g⁻¹), which was not significantly different (p > 0.05) from direct sunlight drying (195.07 mg GAE g⁻¹). Nevertheless, leaves dried using the opaque greenhouse drying exhibited higher color intensity (chroma), a greater hue angle (h°), improved retention of greenness (-a*), and improved hygienic conditions. Antioxidant activity, evaluated by DPPH and ABTS⁺ assays, was also highest under opaque greenhouse drying (74.03% and 97.14%, respectively). Based on the retention of bioactive compounds and overall product quality, opaque greenhouse drying was selected for subsequent mitragynine analysis, yielding a content of 9.83 mg g⁻¹ (dry weight). However, since mitragynine was quantified only in the selected optimal treatment, direct comparisons of mitragynine retention among all drying methods could not be established. Collectively, the results suggest that opaque greenhouse drying offers a practical, preserves key bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, and energy-efficient solution for community-scale kratom processing.
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