Question

Mention the need of cardiac glycoside-containing drugs like Digitalis be dried immediately after collection at a controlled temperature (around 60°C)?

• A. To activate the glycosides
• B. To prevent enzymatic hydrolysis that would destroy the active constituents
• C. To remove toxic volatile oils
• D. To improve their colour and appearance

Hint:

Fresh plant material contains its own enzymes. If these enzymes stay active, they can break down the very chemicals we want to keep, so drying is done carefully to switch the enzymes off.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
Fresh plant material contains its own enzymes. If these enzymes stay active, they can break down the very chemicals we want to keep, so drying is done carefully to switch the enzymes off.

Step 1:
Digitalis leaves contain cardiac glycosides (the active drug) and also enzymes that can hydrolyse (split) these glycosides into less active or different compounds.

Step 2:
Drying the leaves quickly at a controlled temperature around 60°C destroys (inactivates) those enzymes before they can damage the glycosides. This preserves the strength and quality of the drug.

Step 3:
The other options are wrong: drying does not 'activate' glycosides, the goal is not removing volatile oils, and appearance is not the reason — the real purpose is stopping enzymatic hydrolysis.

Answer: Option (2) — To prevent enzymatic hydrolysis that would destroy the active constituents.