Phytochemistry & phytotherapy
The main interests of phytochemistry deal with the chemical processes associated with plant life and with the chemical compounds produced by plants. Through the application of chemical, chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, phytochemists work to isolate, purify and structurally characterize plant secondary metabolites in the pure form or in mixture, as happens for example with essential oils.
These metabolites can find application as lead compounds for the discovery of new drugs, for the development of nutraceutical or cosmeceutical remedies, or as an aid for plant physiology studies. Thus, phytochemists work in close connection with botanist, plant physiologists, biologists and pharmacologists.
Research groups
- Phytochemistry Group
Phytochemistry Group focuses its research activity on the isolation, stereostructural characterization and quantitative evaluation of bioactive products from natural sources, with particular attention to the plants known in traditional medicine and/or to those commonly used as food plants. The metabolites are selected according to their bio-pharmacological interest, considering the possibility to use them as lead compounds for the development of new drugs or as tools to investigate innovative biochemical aspects. In some cases, semi-synthetic modifications or total syntheses shall be made. The evaluation of the bio-pharmaceutical activities is achieved through a wide range of national and international collaborations. Some of the projects in which Phytochemistry Group is involved include: a) Identification of molecules with antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antitumor activities and active against the multi-drug resistance. b) Identification and design of leads active against malaria and other protozoan infections. c) Identification of active molecules on TRPs channels and cannabinoids receptors (CBs).
- NATLEAD
Isolation, structural characterization and biochemical studies on secondary metabolites targeting nuclear metabolic receptors isolated from Mediterranean plants.
- BIOFIFA
ROMANO Barbara (RU)
- NI-MA
NI-MA studies biologically-active compounds found in naturally-occurring sources such as medicinal plants and their semi-symthetic derivatives. Identification of biological targets to identify new pharmacological targets for drug discovery and development.