HPLC-PDA-MS profiling of Origanum dictamnus L. infusion and its encapsulation in electrospun nanofibers for oral administration

Origanum dictamnus L., is one of the most important medicinal plants of Crete where it is used in the form of herbal teas for sore throat, in mild gastrointestinal disorders and for mild skin problems such as inflammations, bruises and as a wound healing agent. In the present study the infusion was prepared and analysed by HPLC-PDAMS for its phenolic content. tau he main metabolite, rosmarinic acid, was quantified and served as marker constituent for the characterization of the formulation. The dittany infusion was co-formulated with polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan to nanofibers by means of the electrospinning method. The produced nanofibers were characterized for their physicochemical properties, while the loading capacity proved satisfactory and industrially viable, ranging from 88.7 to 90.0 % and 82.6-85.8 % of rosmarinic acid. Finally, both nanofibers and the infusion did not show any cytotoxic activity demonstrating their safe use.