Obesity and diabetes are two major metabolic diseases frequently associated with cardiovascular risk factors responsible for increased mortality. Studies have shown that phytoestrogens have various beneficial effects on health by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and various forms of cancer.

The project proposal aims at the technology of obtaining phytonutrients based on phytocomplexes concentrated in phytoestrogenic compounds from Trigonella foenum-graecum, Medicago sativa and Solidago virgaurea and evaluating their effect on key enzymes with implications in type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as in vitro on cell cultures. The technological development of the project will aim at: a) establishing protocols for the optimal extraction process of phytoestrogenic compounds using modern extraction technologies: microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction and accelerated solvent extraction; b) development and validation of an innovative laboratory technology based on selective separation processes (microfiltration/ultrafiltration for preconcentration and nanofiltration for phytoestrogen concentration); c) analytical characterisation and biological effect of phytoestrogen-enriched phytocomplexes.

Involvement of a company in processing branded medicinal plants on the domestic and foreign market will increase the potential of the private company to engage scientifically and technically at a high level and develop new nutraceuticals, phytomedicines or food products for the prevention of metabolic diseases.

The original laboratory technology results will be patented for transfer to the partner SME.