[Latin Name]  Citrus aurantium L.

[Specification] Synephrine 4.0%–80%

[Appearance] Yellow brown powder

Plant Part Used: Fruit

[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 Citrus Aurantium]

Citrus aurantium L, belonging to the family Rutaceae, is widely distributed in China. Zhishi, the Chinese traditional name for Citrus aurantium, has long been a folk medicine in traditional Chinese medicine (TCMto improve indigestion and help stimulate the Qi (energy force).

[Function]

1. Have the function of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, vasoprotective and anticarcinogenic and cholesterol lowering actions.

2. Have the function of inhibiting following enzymes: Phospholipase A2, lipoxygenase, HMG-CoA reductase and cyclo-oxygenase.

3. Have the function of improving the health of capillaries by reducing the capillary permeability.

4. Have the function of reducing hay fever and other allergic conditions by inhibiting the release of histamine from mast cells. The possible activity of hesperidin could be explained by the inhibition of polyamine synthesis. (bitter orange extract)

You need to be able to identify these four molecules if they are presented to you. Recognize the amino acid by the presence of nitrogen and the ‘R’ (variable) group. The fatty acids can have multiple [CH2] groups so look for it written in this shorthand way, or with the CH2′s written out in full. The ribose and glucose (both carbohydrate monomers, or monosaccharides) can be distinguished because the ribose only has 5 carbon atoms whereas the glucose has 6 carbon atoms.

I do use Stevia. I have a really sweet tooth, and have been on the lookout for a solution that helps managing my sugar intake, as I do think sugar is just as addictive and just as harmful as alcohol. I rarely drink and don’t have cravings for a “nice glass of wine”; but when it comes to sweet taste I’m losing all my self-control…

Stevia is a natural sweetener. Although in the last couple of years it has been becoming a mainstream ingredient in the European and US market too, for many it is still an unknown option when it comes to substituting sugar or artificial sweeteners.

What is Stevia?

Stevia is a plant with green leaves growing 2-4 feet tall. It is a native plant to South America; Paraguayan tribes have been using it for centuries as a sweetener and as a medicine too.

Stevia is an herb. Its Latin name is Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni. It belongs to the Composite family that includes for example lettuce and chicory. The two main compounds that are responsible for Stevia’s sweet taste are called Stevioside and Rebaudioside A that found in the plant’s leaves.

There are many different types of Stevia. The quality of the sweet flavour of Stevia depends on the species used in production and what form it is consumed in. You can find Stevia in powder and liquid forms. The most natural form that it can be consumed in is the green powder. It is made by simply grounding the dried Stevia leaves. It is about 10-15 times sweeter than sugar. The white powder form is a processed form of Stevia. Its consistence is very similar to caster sugar, but it is several times more concentrated (varies depending on brands). The liquid extract commonly contains alcohol, but alcohol free products can be purchased from different suppliers too. The processed forms (powder or liquid) can be 100-300 times sweeter than sugar.

Stevia has a certain aftertaste that takes a bit of time getting used to. Trying out different forms and brands that exist on the market is recommended to