Packing of Crude Drugs

| Home | | Pharmacognosy |

Chapter: Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry : Cultivation, Collection and Processing of Herbal Drugs

The morphological and chemical nature of drug, its ultimate use and effects of climatic conditions during transporta-tion and storage should be taken into consideration while packing the drugs.


PACKING OF CRUDE DRUGS

 

 

The morphological and chemical nature of drug, its ultimate use and effects of climatic conditions during transportation and storage should be taken into consideration while packing the drugs. Aloe is packed in goat skin. Colophony and balsam of tolu are packed in kerosene tins, while asafoetida is stored in well closed containers to prevent loss of volatile oil. Cod liver oil, being sensitive to sun-light, should be stored in such containers, which will not have effect of sunlight, whereas, the leaf drugs like senna, vinca and others are pressed and baled. The drugs which are very sensitive to moisture and also costly at the same time need special attention, e.g. digitalis, ergot and squill. Squill becomes flexible; ergot becomes susceptible to the microbial growth, while digitalis looses its potency due to decomposition of glycosides, if brought in contact with excess of moisture during storage. Hence, the chemicals which absorb excessive moisture (desiccating agents) from the drug are incorporated in the containers. Colophony needs to be packed in big masses to control autooxidation. Cinnamon bark, which is available in the form of quills, is packed one inside the other quill, so as to facilitate trans-port and to prevent volatilization of oil from the drug.

 

The crude drugs like roots, seeds and others do not need special attention and are packed in gunny bags, while in some cases bags are coated with polythene internally. The weight of certain drugs in lots is also kept constant e.g. Indian opium.

 

Contact Us, Privacy Policy, Terms and Compliant, DMCA Policy and Compliant

TH 2019 - 2024 pharmacy180.com; Developed by Therithal info.