Kateli (Solanum xanthocarpum)
- Raw Material Selection: Kateli, a traditional medicinal herb used in Ayurveda, is primarily valued for its expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antiasthmatic properties. The whole plant, including fruits, roots, and stems, is collected from organically managed sources or cultivated fields.
- Cleaning and Preparation: Freshly harvested Kateli is thoroughly washed to remove dirt, dust, and unwanted particles. The cleaned plant parts are then shade-dried or dried using a hot-air dryer at controlled temperatures to retain their phytochemical integrity.
- Extraction Process: The powdered material is loaded into a stainless-steel extractor and subjected to solvent extraction, typically using hydro-alcoholic solvents (ethanol-water). This effectively extracts the key alkaloids and saponins responsible for its medicinal effects.
- Filtration and Concentration: After extraction, the mixture is filtered through filtration units to separate the solid residue (marc) from the liquid extract.
- Standardization: The extract is standardized to ensure a consistent amount of bioactive compounds like solasodine and other alkaloids, verified through HPLC or UV spectrophotometry.
- Packaging and Storage: The final extract is stored in high-quality, moisture-resistant containers in a cool, dry environment to maintain shelf life and potency.
- Quality Control: Comprehensive QC checks are performed at each stage – from raw material to final extract – for microbial limits, heavy metals, active content, and residual solvents.
