The seasonal variation and the influence of drying (sun, shadow and hot-house greenhouse) were analysed in relation to the total saponin content and physicochemical characteristics. The seasonal evaluation detected significant differences in the parameters of extractable matter (larger in winter: 61.1%±1.9), total saponin content (larger in winter; 17.1±0.2%) and between total ash (larger in winter and spring; 6.5±0.4 and 6.5±1.0%, respectively) and acid-insoluble ash (larger in summer and autumn; 0.57±0.11 and 0.44±0.18%, respectively). In relation to the seasonal variation of total saponin content, the value of the sample collected in winter was larger than in other seasons, confirming the general rule that the largest content of substances in underground organs occurred in winter. In relation to the influence of drying methods, the sample dried at the sun presented a larger value of extractable matter (61.2±2.3%) than those dried on shadow and in hot-house greenhouse, contradicting the general rule that the sun radiation would degrade natural substances. The same profile was found in relation to the total saponin content, because the sample dried at the sun showed a larger value (15.4%) than those dried on shadow or in hot-house (14.4 and 11.6%, respectively). However, these conclusions have to be more investigated.
Pfaffia glomerata; quality Control; seasonal variation; drying methods