Identify Bioactive Components and Optimize Dehydration Characteristic of Drumstick in GC-MS and Principle Component Analysis by using Heat Pump-assisted Dehumidified Air Drying (HPD)

Background: Drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lam.) is a miracle plant because of its therapeutic and nutraceutical properties. The present work aims to study the optimization and quality attributes retention in drumstick through Heat Pump-assisted dehumidified air Dryer (HPD) because the conventional drying process takes more time and energy which also affect the product quality and safety. Methods: Dried drumstick powder was prepared by using fresh drumstick pieces, steam blanched for 2-5 min and then sulfated at 0.1% for 10 min. After that, the dehydration process was performed at different temperatures (45, 55 and 65°C) in an HPD drier. Result: HPD dried drumstick powder at 55°C was found maximum drying characteristics and higher retention of bioactive compounds with special reference to high powder recovery (97.22%), excellent flowability and better functional characteristics. The extract of fresh and HPD dried drumstick powder contained 50 major bioactive compounds such as 2,6-Dihydroxybenzoic acid 3TMS derivative, Butanal 2-ethyl-3-methyl-, etc, these bioactive compounds act as various nutraceuticals and therapeutic values.