Comparative investigation of Ashwagandha FMB extract and standardized extract for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential

Essential trace elements (ETEs) are present in different forms, and the body needs them to perform cell functions at biological, chemical and molecular levels. These elements act as cofactors for many enzymes and centres for stabilising enzyme and protein structures as well as mediating critical biological events. The objective of the present study is to fuse ETEs into standardized extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) to develop novel herbal extract (ASH-FMB) by utilizing an advanced technology, i.e., FMB [(fusion (F), micronization (M), bioligation (B)] and investigate their antioxidant, antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. ETEs and the bioactive compounds were also identified using atomic absorption spectrometry and HPLC, respectively. The elemental analysis confirmed that FMB technology significantly replenishes iron, zinc and calcium while phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of withanoside-4 and withanolide-A. Results of the in vitro activities revealed that ASH-FMB remarkably scavenged the free radicals and also showed a significantly higher anti-inflammatory activity compared to standardized extract (ASH). In addition, in vitro immunomodulatory activity showed that ASH-FMB significantly stimulates the spleen cell proliferation as compared to ASH and similar results were found in pinocytic activation. Conclusively, the current study concludes that FMB techniques can provide higher therapeutic value to conventional standardized extracts, and thus prove to be a better alternative to them.