Ashwagandha: Optimizing the Extraction and Electrospun Nanofiber Production
<b>Background/Objectives:</b> This study explores the development of electrospun nanofibers incorporating bioactive compounds from <i>Withania somnifera</i> (Ashwagandha) root extract, focusing on optimizing extraction conditions and nanofiber composition to maximize biologic...
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| author | Maciej Jaskólski Magdalena Paczkowska-Walendowska Andrzej Miklaszewski Judyta Cielecka-Piontek |
| author_facet | Maciej Jaskólski Magdalena Paczkowska-Walendowska Andrzej Miklaszewski Judyta Cielecka-Piontek |
| author_sort | Maciej Jaskólski |
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| description | <b>Background/Objectives:</b> This study explores the development of electrospun nanofibers incorporating bioactive compounds from <i>Withania somnifera</i> (Ashwagandha) root extract, focusing on optimizing extraction conditions and nanofiber composition to maximize biological activity and application potential. <b>Methods:</b> Using the Design of Experiment (DoE) approach, optimal extraction parameters were identified as 80% methanol, 70 °C, and 60 min, yielding high levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Methanol concentration emerged as the critical factor influencing phytochemical properties. Electrospinning technology was employed to produce nanofibers using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) as carriers, ensuring encapsulation, stabilization, and an enhanced bioavailability of the active compounds. <b>Results:</b> Nanofibers demonstrated a high surface-to-volume ratio, rapid dissolution, and significant mucoadhesive properties, making them suitable for oral mucosal applications. The optimal nanofiber composition was determined to be 2.5 mL extract, 25% PVP, and an extract-to-HPβCD ratio of 1:0.6. Statistical modeling confirmed that the electrospinning process did not compromise the antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties of the extract, with extract content being the primary determinant of biological activity. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings highlight the potential of integrating advanced extraction techniques with nanotechnology to develop innovative delivery systems for traditional herbal remedies. The developed nanofibers offer promising applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and functional foods, paving the way for a scalable and efficient utilization of Ashwagandha bioactives. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4e1c1fbea6fc46d7b444473257ce02e1 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1999-4923 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Pharmaceutics |
| spelling | doaj-art-4e1c1fbea6fc46d7b444473257ce02e12025-01-24T13:45:46ZengMDPI AGPharmaceutics1999-49232025-01-011716110.3390/pharmaceutics17010061Ashwagandha: Optimizing the Extraction and Electrospun Nanofiber ProductionMaciej Jaskólski0Magdalena Paczkowska-Walendowska1Andrzej Miklaszewski2Judyta Cielecka-Piontek3Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, PolandDepartment of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, PolandFaculty of Mechanical Engineering and Management, Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, PolandDepartment of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland<b>Background/Objectives:</b> This study explores the development of electrospun nanofibers incorporating bioactive compounds from <i>Withania somnifera</i> (Ashwagandha) root extract, focusing on optimizing extraction conditions and nanofiber composition to maximize biological activity and application potential. <b>Methods:</b> Using the Design of Experiment (DoE) approach, optimal extraction parameters were identified as 80% methanol, 70 °C, and 60 min, yielding high levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Methanol concentration emerged as the critical factor influencing phytochemical properties. Electrospinning technology was employed to produce nanofibers using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) as carriers, ensuring encapsulation, stabilization, and an enhanced bioavailability of the active compounds. <b>Results:</b> Nanofibers demonstrated a high surface-to-volume ratio, rapid dissolution, and significant mucoadhesive properties, making them suitable for oral mucosal applications. The optimal nanofiber composition was determined to be 2.5 mL extract, 25% PVP, and an extract-to-HPβCD ratio of 1:0.6. Statistical modeling confirmed that the electrospinning process did not compromise the antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties of the extract, with extract content being the primary determinant of biological activity. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings highlight the potential of integrating advanced extraction techniques with nanotechnology to develop innovative delivery systems for traditional herbal remedies. The developed nanofibers offer promising applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and functional foods, paving the way for a scalable and efficient utilization of Ashwagandha bioactives.https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/1/61ashwagandha extractantioxidant propertiesanti-inflammatory propertieselectrospun nanofibersdissolutionpermeability |
| spellingShingle | Maciej Jaskólski Magdalena Paczkowska-Walendowska Andrzej Miklaszewski Judyta Cielecka-Piontek Ashwagandha: Optimizing the Extraction and Electrospun Nanofiber Production Pharmaceutics ashwagandha extract antioxidant properties anti-inflammatory properties electrospun nanofibers dissolution permeability |
| title | Ashwagandha: Optimizing the Extraction and Electrospun Nanofiber Production |
| title_full | Ashwagandha: Optimizing the Extraction and Electrospun Nanofiber Production |
| title_fullStr | Ashwagandha: Optimizing the Extraction and Electrospun Nanofiber Production |
| title_full_unstemmed | Ashwagandha: Optimizing the Extraction and Electrospun Nanofiber Production |
| title_short | Ashwagandha: Optimizing the Extraction and Electrospun Nanofiber Production |
| title_sort | ashwagandha optimizing the extraction and electrospun nanofiber production |
| topic | ashwagandha extract antioxidant properties anti-inflammatory properties electrospun nanofibers dissolution permeability |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/1/61 |
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