Research outputs

We aim to capitalize on existing resources at our faculty and explore new topics with a high potential for innovation.

Products developed within the Research Centre 06 - EBIOTEFA - Eco-Biotechnologies and Equipment in Food and Agriculture

The improvement of the methods of extraction of bioactive substances from vegetal raw materials for their superior capitalization took into account extractions of fat-soluble bioactive substances and essential oils from lavender, sea buckthorn, walnut kernel, pine buds, St. John's wort, etc .; the depleted results after extraction in subcritical fluids were further processed by extraction in liquid solvents under pressure (using the TIMATIC extractor) for the extraction of water-soluble bioactive substances; in collaboration with other partners, the extraction of bioactive substances from Pleurotus Ostreatus was also attempted, in order to make food supplements with antidiabetic potential. By accessing other projects, after analyzing the extracts by means of the above-mentioned methods, we envisage to start designing food supplements based on standardized extracts in certain bioactive substances (and patenting the extraction procedures and their composition) with recommendations for improving certain health conditions.

LIPOSOLUBLE BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS EXTRACT from SILYBUM MARIANUM

Silybum marianum [L.] Gärtn. (Armurariu) is an annual medicinal plant spread from the Mediterranean area to Central Asia, cultivated for its fruits (achenes) - Cardui mariae fructus - and sometimes for the aerial part of the plant - Cardui mariae herba.

Applications: manufacture of drugs, food supplements, functional foods, etc., with antioxidant, hepatoprotective and antidiabetic role. Silibinin is used to treat fungal poisoning, as well as acute hepatitis.

Armory extract has antifungal actions. Silymarin acts as a hepatoprotective antioxidant helping to stabilize and protect the membrane lipids of liver cells. Silicristine inhibits the enzymes peroxidase and lipoxygenase. All parts of the plant (roots, stems, leaves, inflorescences and fruits) have started to be used in the preparation of healthy food products.

LIPOSOLUBLE BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS EXTRACT from DRIED LAVENDER FLOWERS

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Fam. Lamiaceae) is a perennial Mediterranean plant, cultivated for inflorescences (Lavandulae flos) from which an essential oil (Aetheroleum lavandulae) is extracted by steam distillation. Lavender flowers have a calming, antiseptic, healing, tonic effect for the nervous system, etc., being used in the preparation of food supplements.

Applications: - production of dietary supplements, calming the nervous system, having hypotensive effect and determining increased diuresis and bile secretion;

  • production of mixtures for aromatic baths with calming, antiseptic and healing effect;
  • production of sedative drugs;
  • in the perfume industry, in the manufacture of detergents, soaps and moth control products, in the manufacture of cosmetics.

LIPO- and HYDRO-SOLUBLE BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS EXTRACT from STRAWBERRIES

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L., fam. Hypericaceae) is a medicinal plant known since antiquity from which the terminal parts of the plant (20-30cm) (Hyperici herba) are harvested at the beginning of flowering for bioactive substances with healing, antiseptic, astringent, spasmolytic effect, etc., which is part of antidepressant drugs. St. John's wort produces photosensitivity due to photoactive hypericin;

Applications: -From the obtained extract, hypericin (standardized extracts) is part of antidepressant drugs;

  • The dried plant is part of food supplements in the form of teas, extracts, tablets, capsules, etc.
  • In addition to simple infusions or in combination with other plants (for the treatment of acid gastritis and ulcers), St. John's wort oil, St. John's wort tincture, poultices, etc. can also be prepared.

LIPOSOLUBLE BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS EXTRACT from DRIED SEAFOOD OF SEA BUCKTHE

Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L., family Eleagnaceae), a unisexual-dioecious, thorny, branched shrub spread from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, is particularly appreciated for its orange fruits (false drupes) considered true natural multivitamins with multiple uses in medicine and various industries. Its fruits are processed in the form of juices, jams, jellies, syrups, liqueurs, etc., being used as a general tonic food for the body. Sea buckthorn leaves rich in vitamin C, bark, buds and shoots are also used.

Applications: - The extract obtained is a bear of water- and lipo-soluble vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, fatty oil used for the treatment of ulcers, burns, dermatoses, fungal infections; making products with photoprotective, radioprotective, antitumor and immunostimulatory effect, and toning foods for the body.

LIPO - SOLUBLE BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS EXTRACT from WALNUT

Walnut (Juglans regia L. Fam. Julandaceae) is a tree cultivated or spread in the spontaneous flora in Europe and Asia, from which walnuts (walnut kernel - Juglandis semen) are used mainly for food, and for medicinal purposes leaf leaflets (Juglandis folium) and fruit pericarp (Juglandis pericarpum), and the wood is used in the luxury furniture industry.

Applications: - The extract obtained is used in the food industry for pastries, food supplements, extracts for toning the kidneys, lungs and intestines;

  • antidepressant products;
  • obtaining walnut oil with a wide range of applicability of this product, in art (painting and antique restorations), cosmetics, culinary art and for therapeutic purposes.

LIPOSOLUBLE BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS EXTRACT from DRIED GRAPE SEEDS

Grapes (Vitis vinifera) have been known for their medicinal and nutritional value for thousands of years. Grapes, or the chemicals inside them, especially oligomeric proanthocyanin complexes (OPCS), are acknowledged as powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals, which are harmful compounds in the body that destroy DNA and even cause cell death. Free radicals contribute to premature aging generate a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer.

Applications: Grape seed extract is an industrial derivative obtained from whole seeds. The extract contains anthocyanins. In alternative medicine, grape seed extract is used in dietary supplements with numerous medical benefits that are supported by relevant medical evidence

BREAD with added flour from GRAPE SEEDS

Bread with the addition of grape seed flour is rich in antioxidants, Calcium and Potassium, Zinc and a high percentage of dietary fiber. It does not contain gluten and sodium.

Applications: Benefits of eating bread with the addition of grape seed flour:

  • support for a healthy cardiovascular system;
  • helps maintain the body's natural defenses;
  • support for the normal functioning of the body's cells;
  • assistance in the fight against free radicals;
  • support for good immune system.