Josef Ressel Center for Phytogenic Drug Research

Objective: Increased use of phytogenic active ingredients and substances to prevent diseases in humans and improve animal health.

Home Center of Excellence CoE Food technology and… JRZ Phytogenes

What we are working on

In cooperation with the Vienna University of Technology and three well-known partners from industry (Delacon GmbH, agromed Austria GmbH, PM International AG), researchers at the Upper Austrian University of Applied Sciences are working on incorporating phytogenic active ingredients into food (supplements).

To this end, biological test systems are being developed, implemented and used which make it possible to characterize phytogenic active ingredients in detail at the cellular level with regard to their modes of action. Various in-vitro, in-vivo, in-ovo and in-silico test systems are used. However, the planned research activities also include the chemical-analytical characterization of raw materials, extracts and functional products. The aim is to identify and quantify bioactive ingredients and potential “lead substances”.

Phytogenic active ingredients are plant-based chemical compounds that can have a positive effect on human and animal health. Current estimates assume that more than 28,000 different plant species have corresponding medicinal effects, although only a fraction are known in today's medicine or nutrition. In addition, there is usually a lack of detailed information on the potential molecular modes of action. Nevertheless, natural chemical compounds have long been an important source of new medicines and offer a unique structural diversity.

Why we do research

There is increasing scientific evidence that phytogenic food components or isolated phytogenic substances have a positive impact on human health when consumed as part of the daily diet. A large number of studies have shown that a diet rich in polyphenols can prevent cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, cancer-inhibiting activities as well as various effects against diseases such as Alzheimer's, obesity and diabetes have been identified. Nevertheless, the actual effect of phytamines at the molecular and cellular level often remains unclear. Further studies to clarify possible functional modes of action and to identify potential bioactive components or to assess the toxic potential are therefore of major importance.

Phytogenic substances have also gained enormously in importance as bioactive feed additives in animal breeding and fattening in recent years due to the ban on antibiotics as growth-promoting feed additives. In this context, phytogenic substances are being discussed as a possible natural substitute. However, their modes of action and possible areas of application have not yet been fully researched.