BIO-ASTRA
Astragalus exscapus ssp. transsilvanicus
PD 34/2020
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PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2019-0760
Biological activities of the endemic Astragalus exscapus ssp. transsilvanicus root’s extracts
In the context of antibiotic resistance, the urgent need of finding novel, natural molecules for pharmaceutical applications is prompting research in underexplored environments.
Astragalus exscapus ssp. transsilvanicus (ASTRA) from the Leguminosae family is a very little-known endemic plant localized at the Transylvanian dry grasslands, in small and scattered populations.
The root system of the studied subspecies is very similar to that of A. membranaceus, a remarkable phytotherapeutic plant, thus, arising the hypothesis of analogous biological functions performed by the phytochemicals extracted from the roots of ASTRA.
This project aims to extract the main bioactive molecules from the roots of ASTRA and to test their biological activities.
Activities
2020
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Procurement of plant material from field
Pretreatment of plant material
Proximate analysis
2021
Extraction of targeted compounds:
- Isoflavonoids
- Saponins
- Polysaccharides
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Qualitative & quantitative analysis of the targeted compounds
- HPLC - DAD - ESI - MS
- GC - MS
2022
Investigation of biological activities of the ASTRA root extracts:
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Antioxidant capacity (DPPH)
- DPPH
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Antimicrobial activity assay
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Staphylococcus epidermidis
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In vitro studies regarding the antiproliferative and proapoptotic pathways
Results
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Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca. Horticulture
Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca. Horticulture
The promising results regarding the chemical composition of the roots can be used in future research projects regarding the in vitro multiplication of the studied plant (from seeds) and the induction of rhizogenesis in order to obtain plant material in the laboratory and for conservation purposes.
The remarkable results in terms of antimicrobial capacity, tested on Stapyllococcus aureus and Stapyllococus epidermidis strains, highlight new possible applications of the ASTRA root extracts (e.g. pharmaceutical or cosmetic purposes).
Katalin Szabo
Project leader
Scientific researcher at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, with a PhD degree obtained in 2015 in Life Sciences, involved in national and international research projects as team member. The PI achieved international training mobility at the Biological Research Centre (BRC) of Szeged, Hungary (2014-2015) and national training mobility at Cromatec plus (2018). Certified in Project Management since June 2013.
Contact infoÂ
Katalin SZABO
University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine
Calea Manastur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca
+40 754 228 058
