Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
- Raw Material Selection: Kalmegh, also known as “King of Bitters,” is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. Fresh or dried aerial parts of the plant (mostly leaves and stems) are sourced from certified farms ensuring high andrographolide content.
- Cleaning and Preparation: The collected plant material is thoroughly cleaned with clean water to remove soil, dust, and debris. Post-cleaning, it is shade-dried or dried in controlled hot air trays to retain its active ingredients.
- Extraction Process: The powdered Kalmegh material is loaded into an extraction unit (such as a stainless-steel extractor). It is subjected to solvent extraction using food-grade ethanol or hydro-alcohol, which effectively draws out bitter diterpenoids like andrographolide.
- Filtration and Concentration: The extract-laden solvent is filtered using filtration systems to separate plant residue (marc) from the liquid extract. The filtrate contains the bioactive components.
- Standardization: The extract is standardized to contain a specific percentage of andrographolide (typically 10%-30%) using analytical methods like HPLC or UV spectroscopy for consistent potency.
- Packaging and Storage: The final extract is packed in air-tight, moisture-proof containers and stored in cool, dry conditions to maintain stability and shelf life.
- Quality Control: Each batch is tested for purity, microbial load, active content, and absence of heavy metals or residual solvents, ensuring regulatory compliance and safety.
