Abstract
The rise of globalization in recent years has favored the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles for many people, increasing their likelihood of diseases with silent symptoms. Longevity spinach (Gynura procumbens L.) is a medicinal plant that has strong phenolic compounds which could act as natural antioxidants to reduce the chance of contracting severe silent diseases. This study was focused on the feasibility of an affordable herbal supplement manufacturing plant using longevity spinach with a water solvent. Production simulation was carried out using SuperPro Designer v.9.0, and an estimated annual production of 26,082 bottles was analyzed based on several economic parameters. The production process for herbal supplements from longevity spinach extract consisted of leaf-washing, drying, and grinding, as well as active compound extraction from leaves with water, filtration, evaporation, freeze-drying, and encapsulation. For 30 encapsulated herbal supplements, prices started from USD 22.8/bottle, and the designed production plant was economically feasible (PBP = ±17 months, IRR = 91.65%, and NPV = USD 3,972,653.13). It can be concluded that encapsulated longevity spinach water extract could become an affordable herbal supplement, with feasible manufacturing for further investment activity.
Highlights
More than 60% of the global population has a high possibility of suffering from silent diseases, ranging from minor illnesses such as the flu or cough to major complications such as diabetes mellitus or organ degeneration [2]
To reduce the risk of silent disease, there is a trend among people to consume expensive functional and organic foods which are believed to provide greater nutrition [5]
Considering the acceptable daily intake for longevity spinach extract and its water content, 300 mg of longevity spinach extract powder is equivalent to 16 g of fresh longevity spinach [38,39]
Summary
Many people live unhealthy lifestyles and have high-stress jobs [1]. In this regard, more than 60% of the global population has a high possibility of suffering from silent diseases, ranging from minor illnesses such as the flu or cough to major complications such as diabetes mellitus or organ degeneration [2]. Most modern citizens maintain their health with chemical-based supplements because of the preference for products with a longer shelf life and fast effectiveness [6]. There is an opportunity to capture this market through a stable organic-based supplement to promote health
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