Study of Chemical Composition of Flavonoids and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity in Ecuadorian Medicinal Plants

This project focuses on the chemical and biological evaluation of active fractions (extracts and essential oils) derived from 497 medicinal flora species identified in the Amazonian province of Morona Santiago, Ecuador. The primary goal is to identify and characterize compounds with potential applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and herbal industries, leveraging prior ethnobotanical knowledge. The methodology involves the separation and chemical analysis of fractions using advanced techniques such as HPLC coupled with DAD and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, comparing results against certified standards. Furthermore, antioxidant activity will be rigorously quantified using multiple validated assays, including DPPH, ABTS, and photochemiluminescence, applied to both the whole fraction and its individual components. Finally, the antioxidant efficacy of these fractions incorporated into cosmetic gel and cream formulations will be assessed, collaborating with the University of Ferrara for the application of the ACL methodology.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To evaluate the chemical composition and biological activity (antioxidant) of various isolated fractions obtained from medicinal plants collected in the Amazonian province of Morona Santiago, Ecuador.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Chemistry applied to life sciences