Plant bioactive compounds with pro-healthy and toxic activity

Timetable

Number of planned groups: 2

Module aim (aims)

The main aim of the course is to provide the student with (i) knowledge on the health-promoting and harmful effects of bioactive compounds contained in plant-based foods and (ii) technical skills on quantitative/qualitative detection of these substances, through laboratory experiences. In the frame of the course students will get theoretical and practical knowledge concerning:- the importance of plants in human nutrition in various regions of the world -the types of plant bioactive compounds, their functions and effect on human organisms

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Syllabus

Lectures (5 h) and seminars (5 h):

Lecture and seminar 1: Introduction to plant significance in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industry.

Lecture and seminar 2: The role of plant primary metabolites in human nutrition.

Lecture and seminar 3: Plant secondary metabolites with pro-healthy activity.

Lecture and seminar 4: Plant toxic bioactive compounds.

Lecture and seminar 5: The effects of xenobiotics in plant-based food on humans.

Laboratories (10 h):

Laboratory 1: Measurement of chosen pro-healthy compounds in plant based products (e.g. antioxidant compounds, phenolics, vitamins).

Laboratory 2: Assessment of the level of chosen toxic compounds and antinutrients in plant-based food products (e.g. oxalic acid, tannins, glycosides)

Reading list

The up-to-date articles on the chosen topics will be handed on to students during the meeting.