[Latin Name] Andrographis paniculata(Burm.f.)Nees

[Plant Source] Whole herb

[Specification] Andrographolides 10%-98% HPLC

[Appearance] White powder

Plant Part Used: Herb

[Particle size] 80Mesh

[Loss on drying] ≤5.0%

[Heavy Metal] ≤10PPM

[Storage] Store in cool & dry area, keep away from the direct light and heat.

[Shelf life] 24 Months

[Package] Packed in paper-drums and two plastic-bags inside.

[Net weight] 25kgs/drum

[What is Andrographis?]

Andrographis paniculata is a bitter tasting annual plant, referred to as the “King of Bitters.” It has white-purple flowers and it is native to Asia and India where it has been valued for centuries for its numerous medicinal benefits. Over the past decade, andrographis has become popular in America where it is often used alone and in combination with other herbs for a variety of health purposes.

[How does it work?]

According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the active ingredient in andrographis is andrographolides. Due to the andrographolides, andrographis has potent anti-inflammatory and antimalarial properties. It also has antimicrobial properties, meaning it can help to fight off and prevent infections from harmful microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. In addition, andrographis is a powerful antioxidant and it can help to prevent free radical induced damage to your cells and DNA

[Function]

Cold and Flu

Scientists have discovered that andrographis helps to boost the immune system by stimulating the body’s production of antibodies and macrophages, which are large white blood cells that scavenge harmful microorganisms. It is taken for both the prevention and treatment of the common cold, and it is often referred to as Indian echinacea. It might help lessen the severity of cold symptoms such as sleeplessness, fever, nasal drainage and sore throat.

Cancer, Viral Infections and Heart Health

Andrographis may also help to prevent and treat cancer, and preliminary studies done in test tubes found that extracts of andrographis help to treat stomach, skin, prostate and breast cancer. Due to the herb’s antiviral properties, andrographis is used to treat herpes and it is also currently being studied as a treatment for Aids and HIV as well. Andrographis also promotes heart health and can help to prevent the formation of blood clots as well as to dissolve already formed blood clots. In addition, the herb relaxes smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels and thereby helps to reduce high blood pressure.

Additional Benefits

Andrographis is used to promote gallbladder and digestive health. It also helps to support and strengthen the liver and it is used in combination with other herbs in several Ayurvedic formulations to treat liver disorders. Finally, andrographis extracts taken orally have been found to help neutralize the poisonous effects of snake venom.

Dosage and Precautions

The therapeutic dose of andrographis is 400 mg, twice daily, for up to 10 days. Although andrographis is considered safe in humans, the NYU Langone Medical Center warns that animal studies suggest that it may impair fertility. Andrographis may cause unwanted side effects such as headaches, fatigue, allergic reactions, nausea, diarrhea, altered taste and pain in the lymph nodes. It may also interact with certain medications and as with any supplement you should consult your health care practitioner before taking the herb.

Working mom Cylina Slajda is like millions of Americans who spend billions of dollars on vitamins and supplements.

“I take a multi-vitamin, I take fish oil, and usually a B12 for energy – because I have a 4-year old I like to keep up with.”

Experts say in many cases, their money could be better spent. The estimated 40% of the population currently taking multi-vitamins may be getting little in return.

“Multi-vitamins are a shotgun approach. You’re just taking all of the vitamins, but you really don’t have a clue what you’re really supposed to be taking,” says Dr. Sal Lacagnina, vice president of health and wellness for Lee Memorial Health System.

And mega-doses of specific vitamins can be downright dangerous. While water-soluble ones like B and C will flush through the body, others stick around.

“When you’re looking at the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, over a long time period, if you’re taking in too much, it actually stays in your system. And can become toxic,” Dr. Lacagnina says.

When you say ‘supplements’ you’ve said a mouthful. They include not only vitamins, but minerals and antioxidants. The term refers to ‘adding’ or ‘supplementing’ them into your diet. Calcium is the most notable. And doctors find it might be better as a supplement.

“We’ve all been taught over the years that you have to have dairy products to get your calcium. All you really need to do is take a calcium supplement. You don’t need to be getting calcium from milk or cheese or dairy products because what you’re getting in addition is all of the extra fat,” says Dr. Lacagnina.

Being educated and paying attention to your body may be your best guide.

“I notice a difference in my energy level and even my focus if I’m not taking them.” says Slajda.

Food for thought as you ponder how to spend your green.

View More Health Matters video segments at leememorial.org/healthmatters/

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

Visit leememorial.org

In this video I show you how to make your own sugar free brownies from scratch. Instead of using sugar cane we substituted for stevia leaf extract and also we substituted butter for coconut butter which is plant based.