Traditional use
Leaves, pods and seeds all used as food and in traditional practice across India. The leaf is the part used in supplements.
Why brands use it
Established demand in Europe and North America combined with abundant Indian supply. Powder outsells juice decisively on freight weight and shelf life, and is what overseas health-food buyers actually order. Organic certification is a precondition rather than a premium for most European buyers.
Quality and specification
Shade-dried leaf retains colour and more heat-sensitive content than heat-dried. Colour is a reasonable proxy for quality here, which is unusual and commercially useful.
Safety and cautions
Well tolerated as food. Root and bark are not advised in pregnancy; leaf products are generally considered safe but practitioner advice is sensible.
