Periodic Reporting for period 2 - EthnoHERBS (Conservation of European Biodiversity through Exploitation of Traditional Herbal Knowledge for the Development of Innovative Products)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2022-10-01 do 2025-03-31
The overall objective of the project is the exploitation of the traditional knowledge and the therapeutic potential of medicinal and aromatic plants of the Balkan Peninsula on skin disorders. Traditional medicine includes the knowledge based on the theories and experiences of indigenous populations. The Balkan Peninsula has a very rich flora with a high level of endemism, including regions which have been regarded as biodiversity hotspots.
The World Health Organisation has been promoting the evidence that ethnobotanical information can lead to valuable drug discovery. On the other hand traditional herbal medicine is quickly disappearing and it is being replaced by the Western one, while people without scientific knowledge about the healing properties of herbs are now engaged with their commercial exploitation, and a large proportion of plants in the market derive from illegal collections leading to severe decline of wild populations.
The World Health Organisation has been promoting the evidence that ethnobotanical information can lead to valuable drug discovery. On the other hand traditional herbal medicine is quickly disappearing and it is being replaced by the Western one, while people without scientific knowledge about the healing properties of herbs are now engaged with their commercial exploitation, and a large proportion of plants in the market derive from illegal collections leading to severe decline of wild populations.
During the EthnoHERBS project, a comprehensive report on the classification of collected data was completed. Information on traditional herbal medicines used to treat various skin disorders was gathered from:
(I) scientific publications on ethnobotanical surveys, (II) ancient and Byzantine texts and
(III) manuscript collections.
From this research, 209 plant species from 58 families were collected in their natural habitats across the Balkan Peninsula and deposited in herbaria. In silico screening against skin disorder-related targets led to the identification of specific plant-target interactions of pharmacological interest.
To optimize bioactive compound recovery and mirror traditional preparation methods, a total of 739 extracts were prepared using environmentally friendly protocols tailored to each plant’s properties.
The extracts underwent advanced analysis using spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques, resulting in the identification of over 500 compounds. These extracts were then assessed for antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and inhibitory effects on enzymes linked to aging, inflammation, and pigmentation disorders. The results validated their traditional medicinal uses.
Based on bioactivity profiles, 24 extracts from 16 promising species were selected for further evaluation. A categorized list of the most effective extracts was compiled, targeting specific dermatological applications: anti-aging, wound healing, anti-melanoma, and anti-inflammatory.
In parallel, an in silico toxicity assessment was performed on 120 compounds from the 24 selected extracts, focusing on potential skin irritation and sensitization. Most compounds exhibited favorable safety profiles and low mutagenic potential.
Sustainability was a parallel focus. 25 plants were evaluated in short-term pre-cultivation trials to determine optimal propagation. 9 species with strong adaptability were selected and cultivated in the field. For pilot-scale development, selected species underwent scaled extraction followed by stability and microbiological testing. Cistus leaves, notable for both abundance and activity, were used to produce two pilot-scale extracts. These were formulated into 3 cosmetic products translating research results into practical outputs.
Management, Entrepreneurship, and Training
Secondees training covered IP protection, commercialisation strategies, IP portfolio management, innovation processes, licensing, spin-off creation, and negotiation techniques. It aimed to accelerate the adoption of best practices in TT and innovation management. Additionally, Regulatory Affairs Training was provided, offering detailed guidance on EU regulations concerning botanical raw materials, personal care products, cosmeceuticals, and herbal pharmaceuticals. This enabled secondees to better navigate product development, ensuring regulatory compliance and smoother market access.
From the outset, communication and dissemination were key priorities. Most partners actively presented project goals and outcomes at scientific events and international exhibitions. Articles and newsletters were published in both academic journals and broader media outlets. A public website was launched early and served as a central hub for updates, reports, and news. A distinctive project logo was used across all materials. Over the course of the project, 3 international workshops and 2 webinars were held, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing.
To date, 23 open-access scientific papers have been published, with additional manuscripts under development. EthnoHERBS gained significant attention across Europe and internationally, with outreach activities in various languages. Its dual mission—to conserve European biodiversity and revive traditional herbal knowledge—has been widely recognized in academic, professional, and public spheres.
Project coordination was smooth and effective throughout. All management and administrative responsibilities were fulfilled, ensuring strong communication between beneficiaries and with the European Commission. Regular meetings and consistent reporting supported steady progress. No issues were reported in collaboration among partners or with the coordinator.
(I) scientific publications on ethnobotanical surveys, (II) ancient and Byzantine texts and
(III) manuscript collections.
From this research, 209 plant species from 58 families were collected in their natural habitats across the Balkan Peninsula and deposited in herbaria. In silico screening against skin disorder-related targets led to the identification of specific plant-target interactions of pharmacological interest.
To optimize bioactive compound recovery and mirror traditional preparation methods, a total of 739 extracts were prepared using environmentally friendly protocols tailored to each plant’s properties.
The extracts underwent advanced analysis using spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques, resulting in the identification of over 500 compounds. These extracts were then assessed for antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and inhibitory effects on enzymes linked to aging, inflammation, and pigmentation disorders. The results validated their traditional medicinal uses.
Based on bioactivity profiles, 24 extracts from 16 promising species were selected for further evaluation. A categorized list of the most effective extracts was compiled, targeting specific dermatological applications: anti-aging, wound healing, anti-melanoma, and anti-inflammatory.
In parallel, an in silico toxicity assessment was performed on 120 compounds from the 24 selected extracts, focusing on potential skin irritation and sensitization. Most compounds exhibited favorable safety profiles and low mutagenic potential.
Sustainability was a parallel focus. 25 plants were evaluated in short-term pre-cultivation trials to determine optimal propagation. 9 species with strong adaptability were selected and cultivated in the field. For pilot-scale development, selected species underwent scaled extraction followed by stability and microbiological testing. Cistus leaves, notable for both abundance and activity, were used to produce two pilot-scale extracts. These were formulated into 3 cosmetic products translating research results into practical outputs.
Management, Entrepreneurship, and Training
Secondees training covered IP protection, commercialisation strategies, IP portfolio management, innovation processes, licensing, spin-off creation, and negotiation techniques. It aimed to accelerate the adoption of best practices in TT and innovation management. Additionally, Regulatory Affairs Training was provided, offering detailed guidance on EU regulations concerning botanical raw materials, personal care products, cosmeceuticals, and herbal pharmaceuticals. This enabled secondees to better navigate product development, ensuring regulatory compliance and smoother market access.
From the outset, communication and dissemination were key priorities. Most partners actively presented project goals and outcomes at scientific events and international exhibitions. Articles and newsletters were published in both academic journals and broader media outlets. A public website was launched early and served as a central hub for updates, reports, and news. A distinctive project logo was used across all materials. Over the course of the project, 3 international workshops and 2 webinars were held, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing.
To date, 23 open-access scientific papers have been published, with additional manuscripts under development. EthnoHERBS gained significant attention across Europe and internationally, with outreach activities in various languages. Its dual mission—to conserve European biodiversity and revive traditional herbal knowledge—has been widely recognized in academic, professional, and public spheres.
Project coordination was smooth and effective throughout. All management and administrative responsibilities were fulfilled, ensuring strong communication between beneficiaries and with the European Commission. Regular meetings and consistent reporting supported steady progress. No issues were reported in collaboration among partners or with the coordinator.
• Maximizing the chances of discovering compounds with unexplored, innovative or improved properties, through the access to South-East European biodiversity, which is characterized by a significant number of endemic plant taxa.
• EthnoHERBS is the first systematic attempt to record information on SE European traditional medicine, which is related to skin diseases and come from both ethnobotanical studies and literature sources.
• EthnoHERBS utilize a highly advanced technological platform incorporating sophisticated modern technologies and methods in all the steps of natural products discovery. In parallel, new methodologies have been developed and implemented to the identification of bioactive compounds prior to any isolation.
• EthnoHERBS pursue ways by which the production chain will be verified, so that the consumers and the industry can be assured that materials will meet the requirements and be of consistent quality. Production and processing alliances have been formed between agriculture and processors through the communication and dissemination activities.
Overall EthnoHERBS implementation incorporate state of the art methodologies for the collection, assessment and thus conservation of information related to traditional uses of plant herbs belonging to the SE European flora. In silico methodology studies have been introduced in the selection process of the most promising herbs, and conservation has been ensured through cultivation. Environmentally friendly technologies for the production of natural “green” extracts have been used, while innovative methodologies have been applied to accelerate the identification of bioactive compounds. All products have been evaluated extensively for their biological activity and safety. Most interesting plant materials have been forwarded to scale up production and formulation. Highlighting both the floristic wealth and the effectiveness of Balkan traditional healing, EthnoHERBS contribute to the development of medicinal and aromatic plants and subsequently support the national economy of SE European countries.
• EthnoHERBS is the first systematic attempt to record information on SE European traditional medicine, which is related to skin diseases and come from both ethnobotanical studies and literature sources.
• EthnoHERBS utilize a highly advanced technological platform incorporating sophisticated modern technologies and methods in all the steps of natural products discovery. In parallel, new methodologies have been developed and implemented to the identification of bioactive compounds prior to any isolation.
• EthnoHERBS pursue ways by which the production chain will be verified, so that the consumers and the industry can be assured that materials will meet the requirements and be of consistent quality. Production and processing alliances have been formed between agriculture and processors through the communication and dissemination activities.
Overall EthnoHERBS implementation incorporate state of the art methodologies for the collection, assessment and thus conservation of information related to traditional uses of plant herbs belonging to the SE European flora. In silico methodology studies have been introduced in the selection process of the most promising herbs, and conservation has been ensured through cultivation. Environmentally friendly technologies for the production of natural “green” extracts have been used, while innovative methodologies have been applied to accelerate the identification of bioactive compounds. All products have been evaluated extensively for their biological activity and safety. Most interesting plant materials have been forwarded to scale up production and formulation. Highlighting both the floristic wealth and the effectiveness of Balkan traditional healing, EthnoHERBS contribute to the development of medicinal and aromatic plants and subsequently support the national economy of SE European countries.