Drying of Ashwagandha (Withiania somnifera) root a review

Abstract

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an important medicinal plant cultivated in India as well as other parts of the world. The characteristics of Ashwagandha roots have also been reviewed. The reviewers suggested the various drying methods like shed drying, sun drying, cabinet drying, convective drying and microwave- convective drying used for drying of fresh Ashwagandha roots. These techniques are mainly used for preservation and value addition of Ashwagandha roots. Several researchers have attempted for evaluation of quality parameters of Ashwagandha roots and model of drying kinetics which are also compiled here briefly.