New varieties of faba bean and their dry seeds extracts for use in subjects suffering from neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders
Project leader: Dr. Jelena M. Aleksić
Project collaborators: Dr. Nevena Mihailović-Stanojević, Dr. Zoran Miloradović, Dr. Milan Ivanov, Dr. Una-Jovana Vajić, Dr. Danijela Karanović, Dr. Jasmina Milenković, Dr. Ivana Živković
Duration of the project: 27.06.2024-26.02.2025.
Leading institution: Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade
Collaborating institutions: Institute for Forage Crops, Kruševac, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade
Description of the project:
Dopamine deficiency is a key factor in neurodegenerative and movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome, as well as in depression. Conventional treatments for these conditions use synthetic L-dopa, which causes numerous side effects. Natural L-dopa, which is present in certain plant species including faba bean, is a suitable alternative. On the other hand, in the nutraceutical and functional food industry, there is a rapidly growing demand for natural, bioactive compounds that have positive effects on human health, especially antioxidants such as polyphenols.
The project proved the concept that local faba bean populations from the Republic of Serbia differ in the content of L-dopa, polyphenols and other bioactive compounds, and that the content of desirable bioactive compounds can be increased in dry seed extracts by applying a cost-effective and scalable technology that, in addition, enables modeling of the composition of extracts for the purpose of optimization for various healthcare applications and market needs.
Faba bean extracts naturally enriched with desirable bioactive compounds represent natural dietary supplements that have positive effects on neurological health, dopamine regulation, and general well-being, and can also be used to increase the nutritional value of food products through enrichment with natural bioactive compounds and the production of functional foods. In addition to the beneficial effects of natural dietary products for neurological and chronic human conditions, additional benefits of their production include organic faba bean cultivation with improved soil health and reduced chemical inputs, as well as lower CO₂ emissions and reduced soil, air and water pollution through environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Тип пројекта:
Proof of Concept