ABSTRACT

The research was carried out to determine the effect of two drying methods, sun drying and room temperature drying on some selected micronutrients and pyhtochemical content of Piper methysticum. Samples were dried separately at room temperature (25℃) and under the sun respectively, and then analyzed for their content of vitamins, minerals and phtochemicals using the standard methods. Determination of the micronutrients and pytiochemicals was done using standard method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, with results evaluated using ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a significance level of p<0.05. The result obtained showed significant differences (p<0.05) in the nutrient composition between the two drying methods. Vitamins were observed to be higher in the sun-dried samples, with values of 111.53 mg/100g for vitamin A, 0.14 mg/100g for vitamin B1, 0.15 mg/100g for vitamin B2, 0.50 mg/100g for vitamin B3, and 5.11 mg/100g for vitamin E. The room temperature dried samples contained 100.13 mg/100g for vitamin A, 0.15 mg/100g for vitamin B1, 0.07 mg/100g for vitamin B2, 0.57 mg/100g for vitamin B3 and 5.09 mg/100g for vitamin E. For the minerals, it showed significantly higher values (p<0.05) for the sun dried samples in calcium (20.50mg/100g), magnesium (6.98mg/100g), potassium (118.80mg/100g), and phosphorus (61.30mg/100g) while the corresponding values for the room temperature dried samples were 15.63 mg/100g for calcium, 4.89 mg/100g for magnesium, 110.10 mg/100g for potassium, and 45.33 mg/100g for phosphorus. The results of phytochemical analysis showed significantly higher values (p<0.05) in sun dried samples with alkaloid at 0.91%, flavonoid at 0.57%, saponin at 0.45%, and terpenoid at 0.08%. The room temperature dried samples contained 0.83% alkaloids, 0.51% flavonoids, 0.40% saponins, and 0.02% terpenoids. In conclusion, the higher values obtained in the sun dried samples were attributed to the higher dry matter content, which led to a more concentration and increased density of the micronutrients and phytochemical content of Piper methysticum. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that sun drying be considered a more effective method for preserving and enhancing the nutritional and medicinal value of Piper methysticum. It could be recommended for use in rural areas with unreliable power supply and limited resources.