Secondary metabolites of plants as potential drugs

The research group deals with the isolation, structural elucidation, and biological activity of secondary metabolites of plants, especially alkaloids. Plants are selected for phytochemical research based on previous screening studies, including the study of biological activity (cholinesterase inhibition, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity, etc.) and analysis of extracts (GC/MS, HPLC/MS) to identify the constituents. On the basis of the results of these studies, plants are selected for the isolation of the secondary metabolites in pure form. The isolated compounds have been tested for various biological activities related to the potential therapy of neurodegenerative and anti-invasive diseases. Substances isolated in sufficient quantities are used to prepare derivatives to expand the portfolio of tested substances. Structures of compounds that have interesting biological activity but are present in plant material in low concentrations are used as lead structures for the synthesis of compounds whose structures are based on these substances.

News

• Simona Hašanová, a talented diploma thesis student at the Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, attanded the 31^st Students' Scientific Conference on 4th - 5th April 2024 at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové. Her contribution "AMARYLLIDACEAE ALKALOIDS OF NARCISSUS POETICUS VAR. RECURVUS AND THEIR IMPLICATION TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND ANTICANCER ACTIVITY" was awarded as the best oral presentation within the biological section of the conference! Congratulations to Simona and her supervisor PharmDr. Daniela Suchánková,Ph.D. for a excellent placement!

Simona Hašanová during her oral presentation.

Award ceremony: Simona was awarded by Assoc. Prof. PharmDr. Jaroslav Roh, Ph.D. (the dean of Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové) and Czech Pharmaceutical Students' Association. On the right side: Simona and her diploma thesis supervisor PharmDr. Daniela Suchánková, Ph.D.