Surowce roślinne i produkty naturalne : nowe nadzieje dla przyszłych pokoleń

The one of the many scientific tasks carried out in Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics is the development of methodologies concern antioxidant properties and biological activity of compounds (mainly cyclitols, fatty acids, flavonoids, polyphenolic acids and saponins) separated from raw plant materials and natural products. Such investigations, in general important for human health, was carried out as part of the project entitled: Cultivated plants and natural products as a source of biologically active substances assign to the production of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products as well as diet supplements, attributed by the National Center for Research and Development (2016-2021). The aim of the project was to develop a strategy for the comprehensive use of native plant materials and dissemination of valuable herbal plants in various industries, with particular emphasis on cosmetics, medical devices, dietary supplements, and as livestock feed and a source of biomass. Another important aspect was/is the use of the local potential of plant cultivation, taking into account the Polish production of plant material (limitation of import). Selected plant materials will be both nutritional value and the presence of biologically active ingredients, as well as treating the plant biomass as a renewable source of energy. The proposed technological solutions are located in the area of "green chemistry", an important aspect for the proecology. The plant materials which meet the aforementioned criteria and due to the presence of important active ingredients are: lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Lepidium sativum and goldenrod (Solidago sp.), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), rape and kale, lacy phacelia, (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) as well as camelina (Cornelina sativa L.). An implementation of the proposed research project was proceeded in different directions, based on the cooperation of research institutions with cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, herbs and beekeepers from across Poland.