Collection of Aloe Juice, Digitalis Leaves, and Liquorice Rhizomes

1. Aloe Juice:

• Source: Aloe juice is collected from species of Aloe, most commonly Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera).

• Collection Process:
  • The mature leaves of the aloe plant, typically over 2-3 years old, are harvested for juice extraction.
  • After harvesting, the leaves are cut near the base, and the gel-like juice is collected by allowing it to drain or by cutting and manually squeezing the leaves.
  • Care is taken to avoid contamination with latex (yellow sap) that contains aloin, which can have a laxative effect and is removed to ensure purity.

1. Digitalis Leaves:

• Source: Digitalis leaves are obtained from the plant Digitalis purpurea (foxglove).

• Collection Process:
  • The leaves are collected during the plant's second year of growth, typically when the plant is in the early flowering stage.
  • Only the fully expanded basal leaves are harvested, avoiding the younger leaves at the top, as they contain lower concentrations of cardiac glycosides.
  • After collection, the leaves are quickly dried in a shaded area at moderate temperatures to preserve the active glycosides (such as digoxin and digitoxin).

1. Liquorice Rhizomes:

• Source: The rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) are used.

• Collection Process:
  • Liquorice rhizomes are harvested after 3-4 years of growth, when the plant's underground root system has developed sufficiently.
  • The rhizomes are dug up carefully, cleaned to remove soil, and then cut into small pieces or dried whole.
  • The dried rhizomes are used for their sweet taste (due to glycyrrhizin) and various medicinal properties.

Each of these medicinal plants is collected during specific growth stages to maximize the potency of their active constituents, and proper drying and storage are essential to maintaining their therapeutic efficacy.