Analysis of Physiochemical Characteristics of Angelica acutiloba Roots by Different Drying Methods

Background: This study was conducted to confirm the morphological and compositional changes in Angelica acutiloba (Siebold & Zucc.) Kitagawa roots by different drying methods and to provide basic data for post-harvest management.BRMethods and Results: Two types of root samples, fine roots that were originally removed and samples that were sliced, were prepared. They were dried by four methods (freeze-drying, hot airdrying, shade-drying, and direct solar-drying), and the drying characteristics were investigated. Drying time was the shortest in freeze-drying, and the longest in shade-drying. The hardness of the dried roots was relatively higher in hot air- and direct solar-dried samples, and the color varied according to each drying treatments. The (Z)-ligustilide content was relatively higher in the case of freeze-dried or shade-dried samples than in other samples.BRConclusions: These results provide insights into the optimal post-harvest drying technology for A. acutiloba.