Phytochemical analysis and effect of different drying methods on the phytochemical composition of aloe species.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
Aloe species, particularly Aloe barbadense Miller, are widely recognized for their medicinal properties, which are attributed to a diverse array of bioactive phytochemicals. However, fresh Aloe gel is highly perishable and requires processing, with drying being a common preservation method (Mustapure et al., 2023). This study investigated the effect of three different drying methods—sun drying, shade drying, and solar drying on the phytochemical composition of Aloe species. Fresh Aloe leaves were collected from Nagongera Sub-County, Tororo District, Uganda, and subjected to the three drying treatments. The dried samples were powdered and extracted using cold maceration with methanol. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids, alkaloids, saponins, phenols, terpenoids, and quinones in all extracts, though with varying intensities. Quantitative analysis was performed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry with appropriate standards: quercetin for flavonoids (R² = 0.996), tannic acid for tannins (R² = 0.982), prednisolone for steroids (R² = 0.991), and caffeine for alkaloids (R² = 0.994). Shade drying consistently produced the highest concentrations of all phytochemical classes: flavonoids (66.30 µg/ml), tannins (5.54 mg/ml), steroids (4.92 mg/ml), and alkaloids (3.12 mg/ml). Sun drying resulted in the lowest concentrations among dried samples: flavonoids (46.41 µg/ml), tannins (4.56 mg/ml), steroids (3.62 mg/ml), and alkaloids (2.70 mg/ml). Fresh samples showed the lowest concentrations due to high moisture content (~98%). One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) among treatments for all phytochemical classes. These findings demonstrate that shade drying is the most effective method for preserving the phytochemical integrity of Aloe, while sun drying causes significant degradation of bioactive compounds. Solar drying offers an intermediate option with faster drying times. These results have important implications for small-scale farmers and herbalists in Uganda seeking to maintain the medicinal quality of dried Aloe products.
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Undergraduate research report
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Waneloba, C. (2026). Phytochemical analysis and effect of different drying methods on the phytochemical composition of aloe species. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.