DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT AND ASH AMOUNT OF Avena sativa L. PLANTS GROWN IN ANDIJAN REGION

ABSTRACT

The level of moisture content and ash in the grain and husk raw materials of oat (Avena sativa L.) plants grown in the Andijan region were evaluated in line with the XI DF (State Pharmacopoeia). The moisture content determines the shelf life, bioactivity and chemical stability of the plant material, so the results obtained with this method are of paramount importance in the pharmacognostic aspect. Ash content is a significant parameter for assessing plant quality, determining contamination levels, and assuring adherence to pharmacognostic requirements. From the study, the results showed that moisture content: average 8.95% in the oat grain containing ash 5.84%. And the moisture content: average 9.9% in the oat husk and ash 2.99%. 

АННОТАЦИЯ

Содержание влаги и золы в зерне и отрубях овса (Avena sativa L.), выращенного в Андижанском регионе, было определено в настоящем исследовании в соответствии с требованиями XI Государственной фармакопеи. Поскольку содержание влаги напрямую влияет на срок хранения, биологическую активность и химическую стабильность растительного сырья, значение полученных результатов очень важно для фармакогностической оценки. Показатель содержания золы является важным критерием для оценки качества растения, контроля уровня загрязнения и проверки фармакогностического соответствия. Согласно результатам исследования, среднее содержание влаги в образце зерна овса составило 8,95%, содержание золы — 5,84%, среднее содержание влаги в образце овсяных отрубей составило 9,9%, содержание золы — 2,99%.

Keywords: moisture content, ash content, oat, drying cabinet, desiccator

Ключевые слова: влага, содержание золы, овес, сушильный шкаф, эксикатор.

INTRODUCTION

The moisture content on the plant raw materials is considered to be one of the most important parameters to preserve their biologically active compounds, prevent microorganisms growth and maintain medicinal quality. In general, pharmacopoeias allow up to 12% moisture content of raw materials. Precise identification of the moisture content is one of the major physicochemical variables affecting the stability and usability of the plant material. Ash content of plant raw materials is given by the whole amount of inorganic (mineral) substances present. It is normally accepted to have an ash content of about 8% in total, as specified by the XI DF requirements. Ash content is an important indicator that aids in determining the plant quality, controlling the level of contamination and for testing compliance with the pharmacognostic standards of the plant. Hence, the moisture content and ash quantity of oat (Avena sativa L.) grain and husk samples grown in the Andijan region were estimated using GOST and the Pharmacopoeia of Uzbekistan standards. 

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Oat (Avena sativa L.) Moisture Content Measurement Grain and Husk. For the experiments, samples of oat (Avena sativa L.) grain and husk collected from the Andijan region in 2025 were used. Moisture content of the oat (Avena sativa L.) grain and husk was determined according to the XI DF specifications. Six clean porcelain crucibles (three for each sample type) were heated at 120°C before weighing and cooled in a desiccator for 30 min. The measurements for each crucible's mass were then carried out using an analytical balance. 2.00 g samples of oat grain and husk weighed accurately were set into the crucible with a KERN ABS/ABJ-BA-rus-1018 analytical balance. Drying was performed on Memmert GmbH+Co KG (Germany manufacturing) at 100–105°C until constant weight for 3 hours. Every 60 min, the samples were removed and weighed again. The experiment was repeated three times. The obtained data are presented in tables 1 and 2. The experiment results were calculated according to the formula of GOST 22839-88 standards:

ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OBTAINED.

Table 1.

Results of determining the moisture content of oat (Avena sativa L.) grain.

Table 2.

Results of determining the moisture content of oat (Avena sativa L.) bran.

Table 3.

Results of determining the ash content of oat (Avena sativa L.) grains.

Table 4.

Results of determining the ash content of oat (Avena sativa L.) bran.

DISCUSSION

The measured values were below the upper limit of 10–12% demanded by the pharmacopoeia, which made it likely that the raw material had been dried. In sub-optimal plant raw materials, moisture contents can reach 15–20%, resulting in mould growth, unpleasant odors, and degradation of biologically active materials. In our study as shown, the moisture content in oat (Avena sativa L.) grain was found to be 0.49% whereas in the husk it showed a moisture content of 0.37%. Such moisture levels are fully compliant with specified requirements. Low moisture content in oat grain and husk confirms its suitability for long-term storage. Determination of Total Ash Content in Oat (Avena sativa L.) Grain and Husk. Oat (Avena sativa L.) grain and husk samples from the Andijan region in 2025 were used in the experiment. To obtain the ash content of the tested samples, 2.00 g of oat grain and husk were accurately weighed on an analytical balance and deposited into six porcelain crucible vessels (three for each type of sample) that were pre-heated and cooled in a desiccator to constant weight. First, the samples were heated for one hour at 105°C in a Nabertherm GmbH muffle furnace (Germany). The temperature was then increased to 500°C after this initial heating to fully incinerate the samples. Afterward, the crucibles were cooled in a desiccator before weighing. The experiment occurred three times.

CONCLUSION

To verify, DF standards showed total ash content is 5.84% for oat (Avena sativa L.) grain and 2.99% for husk (maximum DF requirement 8%) respectively. Following these findings, it can be concluded that the total ash content of investigated plant material is in accordance with XI DF criteria.  The moisture contents of oat (Avena sativa L.) grain and husk in the study were 8.95% and 9.9%, respectively; total ash contents were 5.84% and 2.99%, respectively, which met pharmacopoeial regulations. This technique is also easily and reliably applicable to other medicinal plant raw materials.

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