Abstract
This study proposes an optimization process of the Lithospermum erythrorhizon (LE) extraction with a higher purity of shikonin (SK). The influence of extraction temperature on the concentration of SK is examined, and an in vitro cell viability assay is used to examine the optimal concentration of SK. Afterwards, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/LE solutions at ratios of 90/10, 80/20, and 70/30 w/w are electrospun into LE electrospun nanofibrous membranes (LENMs). The optimal manufacture parameters of LENMs are evaluated based on the test results of in vitro drug release test and cell viability assay. The optimal concentration occurs when the extraction temperature is −10 °C. The purity of the LE extract reaches 53.8% and the concentration of SK is 1.07 mg/mL. Moreover, the cell viability of nanofibrous membranes significantly increases to 136.8% when 0.7 μM SK is used. The diameter of nanofibers of LENM is decreased by 43.9% when the ratio of PVA solution to LE extract is 70/30 (w/w). 80/20 (w/w) LENM has the maximum amount of drug release of 79% for a continuous period of 48 h. In particular, 90/10 (w/w) LENM can create the maximum cell proliferation of 157.5% in a 24-h in vitro cell viability assay. This suggests that LENM has great potential to be used in facilitating tissue regeneration and wound healing.
Highlights
Natural products have been paid much attention and studied in medicine due to their good biological properties, good pharmacological activities, and low toxicity
Based on our previous study, in order to avoid damaging the activity of SK within a safe extraction temperature, the extraction percentage should be proportional to the extraction temperature
This study proposes the production of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Lithospermum erythrorhizon extract nanofibers membranes (LENMs), and successfully optimizes the Lithospermum erythrorhixon (LE) extraction process
Summary
Natural products have been paid much attention and studied in medicine due to their good biological properties, good pharmacological activities, and low toxicity. Shikonin (SK) is an effectively component obtained by constituently purifying the roots of a Chinese medicinal herb, Lithospermum erythrorhixon (LE) [1]. As the roots of LE have hard tissue, extracting useful natural products from them is difficult. The extraction of LE at a high temperature for a long time helps to increase the penetrability and solubility of the solvent, and obtains a high yield of effective extract [2,3]. It is inevitable for this process to trigger chemical changes or undermine the biological activity of the extract of plants with a low heat tolerance. High heat requires a greater consumption of energy
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