Chemistry and in vitro Bioactivity of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
Natural products are a rich source of bioactive compounds, and a significant number of commercially available drugs have been derived from them. Those molecules, known as secondary metabolites, are produced by plants for their defense against predators and their protection against extreme weather conditions. Their unique structures and activities make them valuable starting points for drug discovery. The study of natural products involves many fields including chemistry. Natural products chemistry is a distinct area of chemical research and plays an important role in the pre-clinical and clinical studies for drug discovery research.
In pharmaceutical research, natural products are essential because they provide prospective pathways for the discovery of novel medicinal molecules and have yielded excellent outcomes. They possess diverse pharmacophores, stereochemistry, and metabolite-like properties. Their chemical diversity offers potential for discovering novel compounds with varied properties. Unique biological activities, synergy, and complexity make them valuable for addressing disease targets and combating drug resistance.
During this Student Research Hub project, students will perform isolation of secondary metabolites from various plant material/natural products. Students will learn how to select the most appropriate techniques and solvents to isolate the desired group of compounds, while ensuring, at the same time, the highest recovery of secondary metabolites. Extracts will be tested as far as their total phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as for their antioxidant activity. Chemical characterization of the extracts will be performed using liquid chromatography.
This project will enhance students’ research skills, foster collaboration among EU-CONEXUS partners, and promote innovation in the use of natural products for health applications.
General learning outcomes
- Adherence to laboratory safety protocols.
- Select and apply the correct methodologies for the extraction of secondary metabolites
- Learn to create hypotheses and design experiments to evaluate the bioactivity of the extracts.
- Analyze and evaluate experimental results to draw logical conclusions
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On-site training at: |
Agricultural University of Athens |
| Assessment method: | Summative assessment (based on laboratory reports, participation, and final presentation) |
| Prerequisites for participating students: | English (B2 Level)
Chemistry |
| Certification: | EU-CONEXUS certificate of attendance |
Thematic area:
Chemistry
Mentor:
Eleni Kakouri
University:
Agricultural University of Athens
Faculty/Department:
Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition
Email address:
PhD Leader:
Eftihia Vlachou
PhD Leader’s email address:
Start date:
17/11/2025
Closing date:
15/01/2026
Deadline for applications:
12/11/2025, 12.00 CET
Physical presence mandatory
Yes
Duration of physical presence:
1.5 weeks
Schedule:
Click here
