Isolation and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Medicinal Plants for Neuroprotection

Overview

This research initiative focuses on isolating and characterizing bioactive compounds from medicinal plants to evaluate their neuroprotective potential against neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroprotective agents are substances capable of defending the central nervous system against both acute neuronal injuries (such as stroke or trauma) and chronic conditions (including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease). The project leverages advanced analytical capabilities to investigate natural products as a relatively new avenue for neurological health interventions.

Technical specifications

Research capabilities and infrastructure:

• Application of massive analytical techniques including transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics (collectively known as Foodomics approaches)
• Advanced instrumentation including LC-MS, LCxLC-MS/MS, CE-MS, and GC-MS platforms for compound identification and characterization
• In vitro and in vivo biological activity testing using cell lines and animal models
• Established protocols for evaluating antioxidant, antiproliferative, and neuroprotective activities
• Expertise in evaluating new food components and natural products for health applications

Key research areas:

• Isolation of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants
• Characterization of molecular mechanisms underlying neuroprotective effects
• Assessment of compound efficacy against neurodegenerative disease models
• Integration of multi-omics approaches to understand compound bioactivity

Technology readiness level

This research is at an early-to-intermediate stage of development. The research team has established expertise and infrastructure through the Foodomics Laboratory, with proven capabilities in analytical chemistry and biological activity evaluation. Future validation includes publication of results in peer-reviewed scientific journals across Food Science and Technology, Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition, and Food Engineering disciplines. Results will also be disseminated through seminars, workshops, and international conferences such as RAFA, HPLC, ITP, ISC, ISCC, PROSCIBA, COLACRO, ISSF, and Foodomics events. The research is positioned within an active doctoral thesis framework, indicating systematic investigation with planned scientific validation milestones.