Enzyme inhibitory activity in medicinal and aromatic plants
This training programme provides undergraduate students with theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory experience in the extraction, characterization, and biological evaluation of bioactive compounds from medicinal and aromatic plants. The course introduces the principles of extraction methods and the role of secondary metabolites, mainly phenolic compounds and flavonoids, in plant bioactivity. Students will gain hands-on experience in the preparation of plant extracts and their chemical characterization using standard analytical approaches.
The programme also focuses on the evaluation of important biological activities associated with plant extracts, including antioxidant potential and enzyme inhibitory activities related to α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase (AchE). These assays are commonly applied in research related to antidiabetic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties of natural products.
Participants will develop practical laboratory skills, data analysis competencies, and the ability to critically interpret scientific results through literature review and group discussion activities. The programme concludes with the preparation and delivery of a scientific presentation during the Closing Virtual Workshop on Undergraduate Activities, thus strengthening communication and scientific dissemination skills.
The course combines remote and in-person learning activities, encouraging independent study, teamwork, and research-oriented thinking while promoting good laboratory practice and scientific methodology.
General learning outcomes
By the end of the programme, students will be able to:
- Explain the principles and applications of common extraction methods used for medicinal and aromatic plants.
- Identify major classes of secondary metabolites and describe their biological significance.
- Prepare plant extracts using appropriate laboratory procedures and safety practices.
- Perform antioxidant assays on plant extracts and interpret analytical results.
- Evaluate α-amylase inhibitory activity using standard experimental protocols.
- Evaluate α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities and discuss their biological relevance.
- Analyze, interpret, and compare experimental findings using scientific literature.
- Communicate scientific results effectively through written reports and oral presentations using appropriate scientific terminology.
| Assessment method: | Assessment will be based on a combination of continuous evaluation and final presentation activities designed to measure both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory competence. Students will be assessed through their active participation and performance during laboratory sessions, including compliance to good laboratory practices, experimental accuracy, and proper handling of equipment and materials. Maintenance of a laboratory notebook and submission of experimental records will contribute to the evaluation of data collection and organizational skills. Additional assessment will include data analysis exercises and literature review assignments aimed at developing critical thinking and interpretation of scientific findings. Short formative assessments or quizzes may be used to evaluate understanding of key concepts related to extraction methods, secondary metabolites, and bioactivity assays. Students will also prepare a scientific report summarizing their experimental work and results. The final assessment will include the preparation and delivery of an oral presentation. |
| Prerequisites for participating students: | Basic knowledge of botany, biology, biochemistry or related life-science discipline. Previous laboratory experience is useful but not required. Students participating in the physical laboratory component must follow laboratory safety rules and institutional biosafety requirements. |
| Certification: | EU-CONEXUS certificate of attendance |
Thematic area:
Botany, Biochemistry, Biology
Mentor:
Dr Despina Charalambous
University:
Frederick University
Faculty/Department:
Pharmacy
Mentor’s email address:
PhD Leader:
Anna Petrou
PhD Leader’s email address:
Start date:
07/09/2026
Closing date:
12/10/2026
Deadline for applications:
18/08/2026
Physical presence mandatory:
YES
Duration of physical presence:
1 week (14/09-18/09)
For mobility grants, contact your Institutional Coordinator as indicated in the “🔗Contact us” section
Only online courses:
NO
