Identification of antifungal and antitumor compounds in plant extracts. II Part

In the following project, of at least 3 years, it is proposed to study the biochemical diversity of endemic and shrub plants of El Bosque de Mazán, which will undergo an exhaustive screening scheme to investigate the antifungal and antitumoral bioactivities of its chemical and protein components. The collection will be done following criteria, chemotaxonomic or extensive samples. The specimens collected will be identified by botanical taxonomes in their different specialties and deposited in the Azuay herbarium, as appropriate. Concentrated raw estracts will be subjected to bioassays. And those who prove to be active will be fractioned by different methods. The fractionation steps will be guided by bioassays. The characterization of the bioactive compounds isolated from being feasible will be determined by adequate methods as the case of a protein or non -protein compound. All project data and results will be progressively included in a database system available to all participants in the project. It is expected that in a medium term the results may have applicability in the pharmaceutical area, in the health systems of native populations, in agriculture and in the development of a new productive activity. The scientific knowledge of the chemical and pharmacological potential of the endemic and shrub vegetation in the Mazan forest will materialize in added value of it and, consequently, motivation to the community and local and national governments to develop sustainable protection plans. At the same time, it will be the basis for a greater dedication to the research and development of a local pharmaceutical and agro-industrial industry with projection to national and international markets, in the first place, and those of the Andean community of nations ¿Can-. With the data obtained, it is proposed to collect a catalog, which meets useful information about taxomania, active ingredients, popular uses and contraindications of the different species, information on the common names with which they know each plant in the regional community will be added. This project has the support of the Universidad Pablo de Olavide and the Andalusian Laboratory of Biology of Seville-Spain, in what corresponds to training on bioactivities, scientific advice and financing by the project; Stage, institution in charge of the management and protection of the ecological reserve of El Bosque de Mazán, and the University of Azuay with the botanical advice and technical staff of the Azuay herbarium, to determine the taxonomy.

2nd UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROJECT COMPETITION