Desiccate refers to the process of extracting moisture from something that typically contains water, like a plant, to thoroughly dry it out or preserve it through drying. The procedure of removing moisture is known as desiccation, and the substances used to achieve this are termed desiccants or desiccators.Producers of dietary supplements and medications often desiccate certain items to enhance their longevity and ensure their purity, as moisture can lead to spoilage and foster bacterial growth. For instance, desiccated beef liver is sold as a dietary supplement in both powder and tablet forms. Additionally, synthetic desiccated products are available in pill form for treating conditions like myxedema, which may result in symptoms such as fatigue, tissue swelling, tongue enlargement, and others due to insufficient hormone production.Many over-the-counter dietary supplements, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies as "inert glandular preparations," contain dried animal organs like brains, hearts, kidneys, ovaries, placentas, spleens, and stomachs. According to FDA regulations, these desiccated items should not be promoted as drugs or medications. The terms "desiccate," "desiccation," and "desiccant" all originate from the Latin word "desiccare," meaning to dry thoroughly.
