Abstract
There is a rapid increase in the percentage of elderly people in Europe. Consequently, the prevalence of age-related diseases will also significantly increase. Therefore, the main goal of MediHealth, an international research project, is to introduce a novel approach for the discovery of active agents of food plants from the Mediterranean diet and other global sources that promote healthy ageing. To achieve this goal, a series of plants from the Mediterranean diet and food plants from other origins are carefully selected and subjected to in silico, cell-based, in vivo (fly and mouse models), and metabolism analyses. Advanced analytical techniques complement the bio-evaluation process for the efficient isolation and identification of the bioactive plant constituents. Furthermore, pharmacological profiling of bioactive natural products, as well as the identification and synthesis of their metabolites, is carried out. Finally, optimization studies are performed in order to proceed to the development of innovative nutraceuticals, dietary supplements or herbal medicinal products. The project is based on an exchange of researchers between nine universities and four companies from European and non-European countries, exploiting the existing complementary multidisciplinary expertise. Herein, the unique and novel approach of this interdisciplinary project is presented.
Highlights
IntroductionCurrent demographic trends suggest a rapid increase in the percentage of elderly people in Europe for the coming decades, due to an increase in life expectancy and consistently low fertility levels [1]
Current demographic trends suggest a rapid increase in the percentage of elderly people in Europe for the coming decades, due to an increase in life expectancy and consistently low fertility levels [1].according to the World Health Organization (WHO), in Europe, but in populations around the world, there is a dramatic increase in the proportion as well as the absolute number of older people [2]
In order to investigate the potential of selected food plant extracts to delay ageing, C57BL/6 mice fed either a control diet or a diabetogenic high fat diet are treated for two weeks with crude plant extracts or vehicle
Summary
Current demographic trends suggest a rapid increase in the percentage of elderly people in Europe for the coming decades, due to an increase in life expectancy and consistently low fertility levels [1]. Numerous studies show that nutritional plant-derived compounds are involved in several physiological processes and have been found to possess significant beneficial effects on human health These properties have been attributed to the presence of phytonutrients and biologically active NPs that exhibit pleiotropic and, likely, therapeutic effects in humans [14]. Numerous health claims on plant-based products have been issued based on traditional use and eating habits Those claims are in many cases not clearly associated with distinct bioactive NPs or well chemically characterized extracts and biological activity in vivo. Intestinal absorption, hepatic metabolism, distribution in body tissues, bioconversion by the colonic microbiota with formation of colonic metabolites, and elimination are main efficacy influencing factors This is a very important drawback which, despite the impressive progress of the last years, does not allow the rationalization and the effectiveness of NPs discovery process. This proceeds through a highly collaborative network between industrial and academic partners from European and non-European countries providing complementary scientific expertise, transfer of knowledge, and training of personnel
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