Enhanced bone mineralization using hydroxyapatite-based ceramic bone substitute incorporating Withania somnifera extracts.

Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) is used in Indian traditional medicine for its various health benefits. Withaferin-A, a steroidal lactone present in this herb, has shown proteosomal inhibition-based enhancement of bone mineralization. In the present work, chitosan microparticles blended with total methanolic root extract of W. somnifera were incorporated as a porogen in calcium phosphate-based hydroxyapatite bone filler. The controlled release of bioactive molecules enabled enhanced proliferation and differentiation of pre-osteoblasts. Microparticle percentages were optimized to have a minimum effect on the setting time, mechanical strength and degradability of hydroxyapatite bone filler. In vitro cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation were evaluated to determine the biocompatibility of the composites. On the basis of the desirable results obtained, we provide a preliminary rationale for the use of methanolic extract-blended chitosan microparticle-impregnated calcium phosphate filler for enhanced bone regeneration.