Fresh drying method to lock in the content of Peucedanum praeruptorum

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for preserving the content of Peucedanum praeruptorum (Qianhu) while it is still fresh, comprising the following steps: S1, placing the cleaned Peucedanum praeruptorum into a drying device for preliminary drying, and condensing the water vapor generated during the preliminary drying process using a condenser to obtain condensate; S2, spraying the condensate obtained in step S1 onto the surface of the pre-dried Peucedanum praeruptorum; S3, placing the Peucedanum praeruptorum into a sweating device for sweating; S4, subjecting the sweated Peucedanum praeruptorum to a second drying process. This method can reduce the volatilization of medicinal components during the drying process of Peucedanum praeruptorum, improve the overall uniformity of the content of element A and element B, and reduce the risk of non-compliance in random inspections.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of traditional Chinese medicine processing technology, specifically relating to a method for drying fresh herbs to lock in the content of Peucedanum praeruptorum. Background Technology

[0002] Peucedanum praeruptorum, in traditional Chinese medicine, is the dried root of the plant Peucedanum praeruptorum, belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is harvested from winter to the following spring when the stems and leaves wither or before flowering. It has the effects of lowering qi and resolving phlegm, dispelling wind and clearing heat. It is used for phlegm-heat causing wheezing, expectorating thick yellow phlegm, and wind-heat cough with copious phlegm.

[0003] With the depletion of wild Peucedanum resources, high-value Peucedanum resources (meeting the standards for A and B elements) are becoming increasingly scarce. It is difficult for artificially cultivated Peucedanum to reach the composition of wild Peucedanum. However, with the development of artificial cultivation technology, although it cannot reach the value of wild Peucedanum, it is gradually approaching the A and B content of wild Peucedanum.

[0004] After harvesting, Peucedanum praeruptorum (Qianhu) needs to be processed promptly to lock in its internal components and prevent them from volatilizing. The main processing step is drying. However, during processing, some of the internal components of Peucedanum praeruptorum will volatilize along with the drying process, resulting in the loss of these medicinal components. For Peucedanum praeruptorum, glycosides A and B are important indicators. Since the content of glycosides A and B in artificially cultivated Peucedanum praeruptorum is already lower than in wild resources, if the processing causes component volatilization, the content of glycosides A and B will further decrease, significantly impacting the market and medicinal value of Peucedanum praeruptorum. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for drying fresh herbs to lock in the content of Angelica dahurica, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a method for drying fresh herbs to lock in the content of Angelica dahurica, comprising the following steps:

[0007] S1, Place the cleaned Peucedanum praeruptorum into the drying device for preliminary drying, and condense the water vapor generated during the preliminary drying process through the condenser to obtain condensate;

[0008] S2, spray the condensate obtained in step S1 onto the surface of the pre-dried Angelica dahurica;

[0009] S3, Place the Angelica dahurica into the sweating device to induce sweating;

[0010] S4, the Peucedanum praeruptorum is dried a second time after sweating.

[0011] Preferably, in step S1, the initial drying temperature is between 40-50°C, and the initial drying brings the moisture content of the Angelica dahurica to between 65% and 75%.

[0012] Preferably, in step S2, the sweating chamber is pressurized during the sweating process.

[0013] Preferably, in step S3, the sweating chamber is disinfected before being fed into the sweating device.

[0014] Preferably, in step S2, the sweating period is 10-15 days.

[0015] Preferably, the drying device includes a cabinet. A circulating hot air fan, a return air duct, and a conduit with a valve are fixed to the top of the cabinet. A front storage tray with multiple ventilation holes is provided inside the cabinet. The exhaust duct of the circulating hot air fan extends into the cabinet. An air guide plate is fixed to the inner top wall of the cabinet. Both ends of the return air duct pass through the top of the cabinet and the air guide plate. A connecting pipe is fixed to the return air duct. A condenser and a collection box are provided on one side of the cabinet. The end of the conduit away from the cabinet is connected to the condenser. The condenser is connected to the collection box. An exhaust port is provided on the collection box. A water pump is fixed to the top of the collection box. The water inlet pipe of the water pump extends into the collection box. A connecting pipe is fixed to the drain pipe of the water pump. A vertical pipe is fixed inside the cabinet. Multiple atomizing nozzles are fixed on the vertical pipe. The vertical pipe is connected to the connecting pipe.

[0016] Preferably, there are multiple storage trays for the Peucedanum praeruptorum, each storage tray has multiple support pillars fixed at its bottom, multiple slots adapted to the support pillars at its top, and handles fixed on both sides of each storage tray.

[0017] Preferably, each of the four corners of the bottom of the cabinet is fixed with a support leg, a motor is fixed at the bottom of the cabinet, and a support is provided inside the cabinet, with the support connected to the output shaft of the motor.

[0018] Preferably, the bottom end of the support is fixed with a plurality of omnidirectional balls, and the top end of the support is provided with a plurality of slots that are adapted to the support column.

[0019] Preferably, one side of the cabinet is provided with a cabinet door, which is connected to the cabinet body by a hinge. A stop block is fixed on the cabinet door, and a protrusion is fixed on the cabinet body. An inverted L-shaped insertion rod is provided on one side of the cabinet door. Both the protrusion and the stop block are provided with through grooves that are adapted to the vertical section of the insertion rod.

[0020] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows: The drying method of this invention adopts a two-stage drying process with an added sweating process. At the same time, the primary and secondary drying processes adopt a closed-loop drying method, which recovers the water vapor generated during drying and sprays it onto the surface of the Peucedanum praeruptorum during the sweating process. This allows the Peucedanum praeruptorum to absorb the condensate water during the sweating process after the primary drying, and also absorb the medicinal components in the condensate water. This can improve the uniformity of the content of medicinal components in each plant and reduce the loss of medicinal components during the entire drying process, so that the compliance rate of the dried A and B components can meet the current market requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the drying method of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a front view of the cabinet of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged view of the structure at point A in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the invention.

[0026] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The present invention provides a drying device for Angelica dahurica, which will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] like Figure 1 The following is a method for drying fresh Peucedanum praeruptorum to lock in its content, provided in this embodiment, including the following steps:

[0029] S1. Place the cleaned Angelica dahurica into a drying device for preliminary drying. Use a condenser to condense the water vapor generated during the preliminary drying process to obtain condensate.

[0030] Specifically, in step S1, the freshly harvested Angelica dahurica needs to be dried promptly to prevent the components from evaporating during natural air drying. Before drying, the soil around the roots of the fresh product must be cleaned. After cleaning, it should be placed in a prepared drying tray and spread out to ensure uniform drying. The drying process takes place in a sealed environment, keeping the internal water vapor content relatively saturated. This helps to slow down the volatilization of important components. At the same time, the water vapor is condensed and recovered by a condenser, so that the volatilized medicinal components are recovered along with the condensate.

[0031] S2, spray the condensate obtained in step S1 onto the surface of the pre-dried Angelica dahurica.

[0032] In this embodiment, the Peucedanum praeruptorum undergoes a certain loss of medicinal components after initial drying. The condensate obtained in step S1 is sprayed onto the surface of the Peucedanum praeruptorum, which absorbs the sprayed condensate and the medicinal components in the condensate, thereby reducing the loss of medicinal components.

[0033] S3, place the Peucedanum praeruptorum into the sweating device to induce sweating.

[0034] In this embodiment, the main purpose of inducing sweating in Qianhu (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) is to improve the repeated absorption efficiency and amount of its medicinal components. Specifically, during the sampling inspection of the final product at the time of sale, the content of catechins A and B varies among different Qianhu plants, and drying may also lead to different losses, resulting in significant differences in the content of different plants after drying, which can easily cause the sampling inspection to fail. Sweating, after the initial drying, allows each plant to fully absorb the medicinal components from the condensate, ensuring that the content of catechins A and B basically meets the standards after the later drying process.

[0035] S4, the Peucedanum praeruptorum is dried a second time after sweating.

[0036] In this embodiment, the content of each medicinal component after sweating is basically in a similar state, and the drying device used is the same as that used in step S1. It is dried a second time until it is ready for sale.

[0037] In one specific implementation, in step S1, the initial drying temperature is between 40-50°C, and the initial drying brings the moisture content of the Angelica dahurica to between 65% and 75%.

[0038] In this embodiment, in step S2, the sweating chamber is pressurized during the sweating process. Pressurization enhances the absorption capacity of *Peucedanum praeruptorum*, allowing it to fully absorb the medicinal components from the condensate.

[0039] In this embodiment, in step S3, the sweating chamber is disinfected before being inserted into the sweating device. Since the sweating process is relatively long, disinfection helps prevent microorganisms from causing damage to the *Peucedanum praeruptorum*.

[0040] In this embodiment, the sweating time in step S2 is 10-15 days.

[0041] Based on the traditional method and the method given in this embodiment, the applicant conducted a comparative experiment. The specific experimental conditions are as follows:

[0042] Example 1 uses a traditional open-loop drying method with a drying temperature of 65°C. The drying steam is directly discharged into the atmosphere, and the product is dried to a marketable state in one go.

[0043] Example 2 uses the closed-loop drying method provided in this embodiment, with two drying cycles at a temperature of 45°C. A sweating process is used in the middle of the process, in which the condensate recovered during the drying process is sprayed and pressurized in the drying device. The sweating time is 13 days.

[0044] Based on the above experimental examples, the experimental results are as follows:

[0045]

[0046] The table clearly shows that the compliance rates of catechin A, catechin B, and both catechins in the fresh-processed Peucedanum praeruptorum using existing technologies are 87.1%, 88.3%, and 85.2%, respectively. However, the compliance rates of catechin A, catechin B, and both catechins in the root of Peucedanum praeruptorum processed using the technology of this invention are all significantly improved. Therefore, it can be concluded that processing Peucedanum praeruptorum fresh-processed using the technology of this invention can increase the content of catechin A and catechin B in the root of Peucedanum praeruptorum, thus meeting market sales requirements.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] like Figure 2-4 As shown, based on the above embodiment 1, this embodiment provides a Peucedanum praeruptorum drying device. However, the specific implementation of the Peucedanum praeruptorum drying device is not limited to the method provided in this embodiment 2. In this embodiment, the Peucedanum praeruptorum drying device includes a cabinet 1. A circulating hot air fan 2, a return air pipe 5, and a conduit 3 with a valve are fixed to the top of the cabinet 1. The cabinet 1 is provided with a Peucedanum praeruptorum storage tray 12 with multiple ventilation holes for storing Peucedanum praeruptorum that needs to be dried. The exhaust pipe of the circulating hot air fan 2 extends into the cabinet 1. A guide plate 9 is welded to the inner top wall of the cabinet 1. Both ends of the return air pipe 5 penetrate the top of the cabinet 1 and the guide plate 9. A connecting pipe 50 is welded to the return air pipe 5. A side of the cabinet 1 is provided with There is a condenser 4 and a collection box 7. The condenser 4 is connected to the cabinet 1 by bolts. The end of the conduit 3 away from the cabinet 1 is connected to the condenser 4. The condenser 4 is connected to the collection box 7. An exhaust port is opened on the collection box 7. A water pump 6 is fixed to the top of the collection box 7 by bolts. The water inlet pipe of the water pump 6 extends into the collection box 7. A connecting pipe 15 is welded to the drain pipe of the water pump 6. A vertical pipe 13 is welded inside the cabinet 1. Multiple atomizing nozzles 14 are welded on the vertical pipe 13. The vertical pipe 13 is welded to the connecting pipe 15.

[0049] In this embodiment, the specific usage process is as follows: Connect the circulating hot air blower 2 and the water pump 6 to an external power source. Turn on the circulating hot air blower 2 using its built-in switch. The hot air generated by the circulating hot air blower 2 enters the cabinet 1. The air guide plate 9, the return air pipe 5, and the connecting pipe 50 facilitate the formation of circulating hot air inside the cabinet 1, reducing the loss of hot air. Open the valve, and water vapor enters the condenser 4 through the conduit 3. The condenser 4 is designed to cause the medicinal components in the hot air to condense into water droplets and enter the collection box 7. Turn on the water pump 6 using its built-in switch. The water pump 6 draws the condensate from the collection box 7. The condensate is sprayed onto the Peucedanum praeruptorum through the atomizing nozzle 14. The medicinal components in the condensate soak into the Peucedanum praeruptorum and are then dried, reducing the loss of medicinal components.

[0050] Example 3

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, based on Embodiment 1, there are multiple Qianhu storage trays 12. Each Qianhu storage tray 12 has multiple support pillars 10 welded to its bottom end. Each Qianhu storage tray 12 has multiple slots adapted to the support pillars 10 at its top end, which facilitates the stacking of multiple Qianhu storage trays 12. Each Qianhu storage tray 12 has handles 11 welded to both sides, which facilitates the taking and putting away of the Qianhu storage tray 12.

[0052] Support legs are welded to the four corners of the bottom of the cabinet 1. The bottom of the cabinet 1 is fixed with a motor 18 by bolts. The cabinet 1 is equipped with a support 16. The support 16 is connected to the output shaft of the motor 18 by bolts, and the motor 18 is connected to an external power source. The motor 18 is turned on by the switch on its own. The output shaft of the motor 18 drives the support 16 and the Qianhu storage tray 12 to rotate, which is conducive to the even heating and drying of Qianhu.

[0053] Multiple universal balls 17 are fixed at the bottom of the support 16. The connecting seats of the universal balls 17 are welded to the support 16. The setting of the universal balls 17 improves the stability of the support 16. Multiple slots that are adapted to the support column 10 are opened at the top of the support 16.

[0054] A cabinet door 8 is provided on one side of the cabinet body 1, and the cabinet door 8 is connected to the cabinet body 1 by hinges.

[0055] A stop block 21 is welded on the cabinet door 8, and a protrusion 20 is welded on the cabinet body 1. An inverted L-shaped insert rod 19 is provided on one side of the cabinet door 8. Both the protrusion 20 and the stop block 21 have through grooves that match the vertical section of the insert rod 19. The insert rod 19 is designed to prevent the cabinet door 8 from being opened. The cabinet door 8 can be opened by pulling out the insert rod 19.

[0056] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for drying fresh herbs to lock in the content of Angelica dahurica, characterized in that, Including the following steps: S1, the cleaned Peucedanum praeruptorum is placed in a drying device for preliminary drying. The water vapor generated during the preliminary drying process is condensed by a condenser to obtain condensate. The drying process is carried out in a closed drying environment. S2, spray the condensate obtained in step S1 onto the surface of the pre-dried Angelica dahurica; S3, Place the Peucedanum praeruptorum into the sweating device to induce sweating, and pressurize the sweating chamber during the sweating process; S4, the Peucedanum praeruptorum is dried a second time after sweating.

2. The method for drying fresh herbs to lock in the content of Peucedanum praeruptorum as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the initial drying temperature is between 40-50°C, and the initial drying brings the moisture content of the Angelica dahurica to between 65%-75%.

3. The method for drying fresh herbs to lock in the content of Peucedanum praeruptorum as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step S3, the sweating chamber is disinfected before being fed into the sweating device.

4. The method for drying fresh herbs to lock in the content of Peucedanum praeruptorum as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the sweating period is 10-15 days.

5. The method for drying fresh herbs to lock in the content of Peucedanum praeruptorum as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The drying device includes a cabinet (1), a circulating hot air fan (2), a return air pipe (5), and a duct (3) with a valve are fixed to the top of the cabinet (1). The cabinet (1) is equipped with a storage tray (12) with multiple ventilation holes. The exhaust pipe of the circulating hot air fan (2) extends into the cabinet (1). A guide plate (9) is fixed to the inner top wall of the cabinet (1). Both ends of the return air pipe (5) pass through the top of the cabinet (1) and the guide plate (9). A connecting pipe (50) is fixed to the return air pipe (5). A cooling fan is provided on one side of the cabinet (1). The condenser (4) and the collection box (7) are connected. The end of the conduit (3) away from the cabinet (1) is connected to the condenser (4). The condenser (4) is connected to the collection box (7). An exhaust port is provided on the collection box (7). A water pump (6) is fixed at the top of the collection box (7). The water inlet pipe of the water pump (6) extends into the collection box (7). A connecting pipe (15) is fixed on the drain pipe of the water pump (6). A vertical pipe (13) is fixed inside the cabinet (1). Multiple atomizing nozzles (14) are fixed on the vertical pipe (13). The vertical pipe (13) is connected to the connecting pipe (15).

6. The method for drying fresh herbs to lock in the content of Peucedanum praeruptorum according to claim 5, characterized in that: The above-mentioned Qianhu storage tray (12) is provided in multiple ways. Each Qianhu storage tray (12) has multiple support pillars (10) fixed at its bottom end. Each Qianhu storage tray (12) has multiple slots adapted to the support pillars (10) at its top end. Each Qianhu storage tray (12) has handles (11) fixed on both sides.

7. The method for drying fresh Peucedanum praeruptorum while still fresh according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cabinet (1) has four legs fixed at the bottom corners, a motor (18) fixed at the bottom, and a support (16) inside the cabinet (1), which is connected to the output shaft of the motor (18).

8. The method for drying fresh Peucedanum praeruptorum while still fresh according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom end of the support (16) is fixed with multiple universal balls (17), and the top end of the support (16) is provided with multiple slots that are adapted to the support column (10).

9. The method for drying fresh herbs to lock in the content of Peucedanum praeruptorum according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cabinet (1) has a cabinet door (8) on one side. The cabinet door (8) is connected to the cabinet (1) by a hinge. A stop block (21) is fixed on the cabinet door (8). A protrusion (20) is fixed on the cabinet (1). An inverted L-shaped insert rod (19) is provided on one side of the cabinet door (8). Both the protrusion (20) and the stop block (21) have through grooves that are adapted to the vertical section of the insert rod (19).

Images