Extraction and encapsulation of Withania coagulans for wound healing

Abstract

Withania coagulans Dunal, a tropical herb used in the traditional system of medicine, has numerous beneficial medicinal properties. The wound healing property of the phytocompounds extracted from the fruits of the plant is to be investigated in this particular study. In cases where wound healing is impeded, the body requires aid in repairing the wound. Withania coagulans have been reported to possess good wound healing properties.

However, due to its unpleasant taste and smell, it has deterred patients from its use. To tackle this problem, extraction of Withania coagulans was done. The extraction also allows for smaller but more concentrated dosage of the herb to be administered to patients. The hydro-alcoholic extracts from the fruits of the plant were used in the isolation of the medicinal compounds. The compounds thus extracted were characterized using different spectroscopic techniques and the data was found to be in agreement with the previously reported extracted compounds.

In order to further harness the usefulness of the plant extracts in wound healing, a polymeric carrier that can provide sustained controlled release of the extract over prolonged periods can ensure the continuous supply of the medicine during the healing period, as well as protect phytocompounds from degradation. Since wound healing requires time, it is imperative to ensure that the therapeutic dosage of the phytocompounds is available throughout the healing period. To facilitate this, the extracts were encapsulated within a biodegradable polymeric PLGA carrier. The loading and release of the extracts from PLGA microparticles were studied and a preliminary investigation gave evidence of a sustained release profile.