[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.

Class 12: Chemistry: Biomolecules: Polysaccharides

We love the color drama that Beetroots have. Not only are they fun to work with but are healthy for you as well and we am always looking for ways to incorporate them into our everyday meals. These Beetroot Tikkis are always a hit in our homes, and we use them for parties and for week-end lunches. The versatility is amazing, love the fact that they freeze so well and are available to pull out of the freezer. Enjoy these lovely bites of health.
Ingredients:

Beetroot (Chakundar) – 1kg (2.2lb)
Potatoes – 1/2kg (approx 1lb), boiled
Salt – 2tsp or as needed
Medium Onion – 1/2, chopped fine
Green Chillies – to taste, cut fine
Cilantro/Coriander Leaves (Dhaniya Patta) – 4-5 sprigs, finely chopped
Ginger & Garlic Paste – 1tbsp
Roasted Cumin Powder – 2tsp
Dry Mango Powder (Amchoor) – 2tsp
Unsalted Roasted Peanuts – 1/2cup
All-Purpose Flour (Maida) – 1tbsp
Water – 1/4cup
Panko Bread Crumbs – as needed
Oil – for shallow frying

Method:

1. Wash and peel the Beets. Shred in the Food Processor or with a grater.
2. Sprinkle Salt and set aside for 10 min.
3. Mash the Potatoes and add in the Onions, Green Chillies, Cilantro, Ginger & Garlic Paste. Mix.
4. Cover and keep aside and work on the Beets.
5. Squeeze the liquid out of the Beetroot and combine the flesh with the mashed Potatoes.
6. Set the liquid aside and use for other dishes.
7. Add in Cumin Powder, Dry Mango Powder, & Peanuts. Mix well.
8. Check the salt and spices and add and adjust as needed.
9. Pinch the amount needed and make tikkis with it.
10. Roll the amount needed in your palms and make a ball and then flatten them a bit.
11. Do the same for all and keep aside.
12. In a separate bowl, mix the All-Purpose Flour and Water.
13. In a flat plate, pour out some Panko Crumbs.
14. Dip the Tikkis in the All-Purpose & Water mixture and then into the Panko.
15. Place on a plate. Once done, cover with plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator for an hour.
16. Once ready to fry, heat Oil in a skillet on medium flame.
17. When the Oil is hot, carefully place the Tikkis into the Oil and allow to cook for about a minute and a half.
18. When you see the color change, turn the Tikkis and allow to cook on the other side as well.
19. Remove from Oil and transfer into a platter lined with a paper-towel.
20. Serve hot with some Green Chutney or some Tamarind Chutney.

Tips:
1. Use Walnuts, Sunflower Seeds or Pumpkin Seeds to substitute or add on tp Peanuts.
2. The uncooked Tikkis freeze really well.
3. If you have gluten allergies, use Rice Powder instead of All-Purpose Flour and skip the Panko or add Gluten-free Bread crumbs.
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Printable Recipe:
Check out the ShowMeTheCurry Channel: https://www.youtube.com/showmethecurry