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What We Did
We have explored extracts from plant species abundantly found in the South Island of New Zealand for their beneficial effects and phytochemicals. The first phase of the study was aimed at the optimisation of the conditions and methods. A significant increase in the yield of active compounds was achieved in this phase. The next phase investigated the antioxidant effect of the extracts and the ability to control enzymatic browning of fresh-cut plant tissue. The results revealed that a faster and a relatively greener method could be utilised to successfully extract valuable classes of phytochemicals while yielding considerable amounts of beneficial compounds. Overall, the study opens new avenues to convert the extracted phytochemicals originating from plants of low commercial value into high quality ingredient blends with significant value, which could demonstrate promising future uses in many industries.
Who Was Involved
This research was funded by The UC Summer Research Scholarship 2019, UC College of Engineering Strategic Fund 2020, The International Internship Program of AP Hogeschool Antwerpen, Belgium and Riddet Institute.
Why It Matters
Humans have been using components from nature for centuries as important nutritional and traditional medicinal ingredients. Recent scientific studies that investigate benefits of plant sources often link the powerful activities of various extracts to phytochemicals like secondary metabolites. Some plants commonly found in New Zealand with no previous phytochemical studies possibly contain substantial amounts of bioactive compounds owing to the unique natural environment and adaptations in the biodiversity of the country. These species have no commercial value due to lack of scientific evidence to support their uses. Our work aims to explore the compounds coming from these natural resources to identify potential high-value commercial ingredients for personal care, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and food applications.
Learn More
For more information, see Pram's research profile.
