Development of an optimized processing method for Withania frutescens

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal originates mainly from Northern and Southern India. Primarily the roots are used in the Ayurvedic medicine as tonic, sedative hypnotic, adstringent, diuretic, emetic, and aphrodisiac. In Europe, it is widely used in food supplements. Due to the many effects and uses of this plant, the analysis of the Withania somnifera and optimization of industrial processing is nowadays an important issue. In Europe W. frutescens is native, and may be interesting for industrial preparation due to its similar phytochemical profile to W. somnifera. The point of our research was to develop an effective extraction and hydrolysis method of the Withania frutescens leaves to optimize the industrial processing.