Low-dose electron beam induced changes in phytochemicals and shelf-life of Desmodium Gangeticum (L.) DC.

Abstract

The present study was carried out to study the effect of low-dose electron beam irradiation on phytochemical constituents and shelf-life of Desmodium gangeticum, one of the main ingredients of ‘dasamula’ in Ayurvda. Plant parts are dried and powdered separately and irradiated with electron beam at dose rate of 0.0 Gy(control), 100Gy, 200Gy and 300 Gy. Control and experimental samples were subjected to extraction using solvents such as acetone, methanol and water by cold maceration method. Total phenolic and flavonoid content in irradiated and non-treated samples were estimated in different solvent-extracts. Total flavonoid and phenolic content was found to be highest in acetone extract of leaves and stem. The results revealed that there is no significant loss of phenolic content after samples have been irradiated. A slight decrease in flavonoid content was observed in irradiated samples. A gradual decline in total alkaloid content is observed in sample irradiated with dose of 300 Gy. Microbiology study was also conducted on 0, 3 and 5^th day of storage. The results indicated a gradual decrease in total bacterial and fungal count on radiation processing. The present study suggests that irradiation with higher dose can be an effective method in sterilization of medicinal plant products and thus extending the shelf-life