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Bitter orange Details & Specifications |
| Useful
Link |
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| Botanical Name |
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Citrus auranthrum |
| English Name |
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Bitter orange |
| Hindi Name |
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Khatta |
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| CATEGORY |
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Astringent |
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| SOURCE |
| Part used |
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State of the part used |
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Fruits |
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N/A |
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N/A |
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| FAMILY |
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Rutaceae |
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| GEOGRAPHICAL SOURCE |
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The plant is indigenous to China and is found in following countries:-
China
India
Madeira
Spain
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| IDENTIFICATION |
| Organoleptic characteristics |
| Colour |
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| Odour |
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Odourless |
| Taste |
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Characteristic |
| Size |
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The oval, alternate, evergreen leaves, 3 to 4 inches long sometimes a spine in the axil |
| Physical
Standards |
| Total Ash |
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N/A |
| Moisture |
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Not more than 2.0% |
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| CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS |
| Major |
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Major chemical constituents responsible for physicochemical and therapeutic action of the herb are :-
Volatile oil
Hesperidin
Isohesperidin
Aurantiamarin
Aurantiamaric acid
/p>
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| Minor |
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Minor chemical constituents of this herb are :-
Resin
Nerolin
Neroli
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| CULTIVATION |
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It is an evergreen tree growing up to 9 Meters. The plant is self-fertile and is in leaf all the year and flowers from April to June. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by Apomictic. Dormant plants can withstand temperatures down to about -6?C so long as this is preceded by cool weather in order to harden off the plant. The seed is best sown in a greenhouse and germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 13?C. Seedlings are liable to damp off so they must be watered with care and kept well ventilated. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them in the greenhouse for at least three growing seasons before planting them outdoors. Plant them out in the summer and give them some protection from the cold for their first few winters. |
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| STORAGE |
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To maintain physicochemical properties and medicinal values of the herb it is recommended to maintain following storage conditions:-
Air tight containers
Protection from light
Protection from moisture
Microbial contamination
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