Storage of Crude Drugs

Proper storage of crude drugs is essential to maintain their quality. To preserve them one must have a good knowledge of their chemical nature and properties. 

Why is the Storage of Crude Drugs Important?

Some crude drugs are susceptible to moisture while sunlight is an affecting factor for others. Thus, each crude drug must be appropriately stored according to its nature and requirements. 

Many drugs could absorb moisture, causing microbial growth, increase in bulk, increased enzymatic activities, decomposition, and dampening their quality. Moisture level of more than 9% is found to increase microbial activity and contamination. 

Exposure to sunlight or its radiation can alter the chemical constituents and render it inactive. It can cause bleaching of flowers and leaves. Volatile oils are sensitive to light and must be kept away from light. 

Similarly, exposure to air in the atmosphere can also cause damage to the drug and its activity. The physical form of a crude drug is also crucial in deciding its storage options. Some crude drugs are stored in whole and not in powdered form. 

• Colophony in its powdered form can easily get oxidized.
• Squill must be kept away from moisture as its powdered form is hygroscopic and becomes rubbery on exposure to air for a longer period.
• Ergot loses its oil content in powdered form.

It is also important to store the crude drugs away from insects. Drying them before storage and fumigating them are effective measures against infestation. Common fumigants used as bromide, hydrocyanic acid, carbon disulfide, etc. Liming of ginger and coating of nutmeg etc are also done. 

Most drugs are preserved at low temperatures and some need to be refrigerated. 

Protocols for the Storage of Crude Drugs

1. Crude drugs must be stored in well-aerated and dry areas protected from light and moisture. Control measures such as a humidity control or air conditioner may be taken as per requirement.
2. All crude drugs must be stored in closed containers in water-proof, rodent-free, and fire-proof areas.
3. The crude drugs must be assessed for eliminating contaminants and infestations before they are stored.
4. The final packaging must be in sterile and cleaned areas and surfaces.
5. The storage area must not have cracked floors and must be cleaned and tidy.
6. Regular control measures must be taken and assessment must be done.
7. The storage shelves must be sufficiently away from the walls to prevent any pests and infestations.
8. Processed drugs must be kept in clean and dry bags, boxes, sacks, or containers as per the regulations.
9. The packaging material should be non-polluting and in good condition.
10. Fragile plant parts are kept in rigid and sturdy containers to avoid any damage to them.
11. Herbal drugs and volatile oils must be kept in rooms with controlled temperatures, without any temperature fluctuations. Increased temperature can vaporize the oils.
12. Fresh drugs are stored in lower temperatures, mostly between 2-8 degrees Celsius.
13. Amber glass containers are the preferred storage containers for certain drugs that are vulnerable to sunlight.
14. Paper bags and wooden boxes are never to be used for string crude drugs.

References

• Shah, Biren N, Avinash Seth. (2010). Textbook of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. Elsevier.
• https://annamalaiuniversity.ac.in/studport/download/engg/pharm/resources/pharmd_2Y_2.3_pharmacognosy%20&%20phytopharmaceuticals.pdf
• https://www.copbela.org/downloads/2020/SELF%20LEARNING%20MATERIAL%20BPHARMA/semester%204/BP405T/MODULE%2002.pdf
• https://pharmacy.kkwagh.edu.in/uploads/study_material/sy/SY%20-%20Pcog%20I%20-%20Cultivation,%20Collection.pdf

Additional Reading

• Classification of Crude Drugs in Pharmacognosy
• Methods of  Evaluation of Crude Drugs
• Physical Evaluation of Crude Drugs