The Antioxidant Potential of Resveratrol from Red Vine Leaves Delivered in an Electrospun Nanofiber System

Despite the wide pharmacological action of polyphenols, their usefulness is limited due to their low oral bioavailability, which is due to their low solubility and rapid first-pass metabolism. Red vine leaf extract is an herbal medicine containing several polyphenols, with resveratrol and polydatin as the main compounds exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the first stage of the work, using the Design of Experiment (DoE) approach, the red vine leaf extract (50% methanol, temperature 70 degrees C, and three cycles per 60 min) was obtained, which showed optimal antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In order to circumvent the above-described limitations and use innovative technology, electrospun nanofibers containing the red vine leaf extract, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP beta CD) were first developed. The optimization of the process involved the time of system mixing prior to electrospinning, the mixture flow rate, and the rotation speed of the collector. Dissolution studies of nanofibers showed improved resveratrol release from the nanofibers (over five-fold). Additionally, a PAMPA-GIT assay confirmed significantly better buccal penetration of resveratrol from this nanofiber combination (over ten-fold). The proposed strategy for electrospun nanofibers with the red vine leaf extract is an innovative approach to better use the synergy of the biological action of active compounds present in extracts that are beneficial for the development of nutraceuticals.

Automated summary

Despite the wide range of effects of polyphenols, their low oral bioavailability limits their usefulness. In this study, red vine leaf extract with optimal antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties was obtained using the Design of Experiment approach. Nanofibers containing the extract were then developed to improve the release and buccal penetration of resveratrol. This innovative strategy enhances the utilization of active compounds for the development of nutraceuticals.