Project title: NATURAL THERAPEUTIC SOLUTIONS BASED ON INNOVATIVE PHYTOCOMPLEXES FOR THE TREATMENT OF DIABETES
Acronym: DIAPHYTCOMPLEX
Project code: PN-IV-P2-2.1-TE-2023-1680
Contract number: 70TE/03.01.2025
Implementation period: 2025–2026
State budget funding: 500,000 RON
Scientific field: Health
Coordinator: “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest
Project director: Associate Professor Dr. Octavian Tudorel Olaru
Project summary
The objective of this project is to develop a non-toxic phytocomplex with targeted antidiabetic properties, specifically acting as a DPP-IV inhibitor. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus both globally and in Romania, there is an urgent need to discover new therapeutic options.
Our proposal offers significant advantages, including the valorization of local flora through the use of indigenous plant species, and the development of a product with minimal toxicity and maximum, selective efficacy.
The resulting product will undergo comprehensive characterization, and the manufacturing process will be carefully documented. Through biochemical and pharmaco-toxicological evaluations, we aim to elucidate the mechanism of action, while bio-guided fractionation will enable the preparation of multiple extracts for in vitro and in vivo testing.
Furthermore, this project has the potential to enhance the international visibility of our researchers, particularly our PhD and postdoctoral students. The collective expertise and complementary experience of the team form the foundation for the success of our proposal.
Objectives
The main objectives of the project include:
Obtaining and characterizing an active, non-toxic antidiabetic phytocomplex.
Increasing the international visibility of researchers, particularly PhD and postdoctoral students.
Facilitating knowledge transfer between senior and junior researchers, while supporting the professional development of young researchers involved in the project.
Harnessing the potential of indigenous flora by obtaining plant extracts with pharmacological activity.
Expected results
The expected results include the identification and characterization of phytocomplexes with inhibitory potential on the DPP-IV enzyme, exhibiting significant antidiabetic activity and a favorable toxicological profile.
It is anticipated that standardized plant extracts with enhanced efficacy and high selectivity will be obtained, along with the elucidation of their mechanism of action through biochemical, pharmacological, and pharmaco-toxicological evaluations in vitro and in vivo.
Additionally, the project will support the training and international visibility of the participating young researchers, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows, strengthening institutional competencies in pharmacognosy, molecular pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, and plant biotechnology.
The results will contribute to expanding international collaborations and developing an advanced experimental platform for applied phytopharmacological studies.
Scientific results will be disseminated through scientific articles and/or patent applications.
