Phytochemicals

From the plant,
for humans

We open up new dimensions with phytochemicals

We open up new dimensions with phytochemicals Secondary phytochemicals are not essential for plants, but still perform important functions. These substances serve as protection against herbivores or pathogens, but also as an attractant for pollen-spreading insects and seed-spreading fruit eaters. As of today, probably more than 100,000 different plant compounds are known. Because of their effect on humans, these have been the subject of intensive research for decades, especially in the medical field.

On the one hand, phytochemicals are in demand as a reference standard, for example in food analysis, but on the other hand as an active ingredient in research, especially in the areas of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and nutritional supplements. While purity and analytical data are at the forefront of one application, in another case, the up-scaling from the mg range used for research projects to the kg-scale used for commercial production represents a challenge. Depending on the intended use, the up-scale also goes hand in hand with very demanding documentation.

Dr. Sandra Miklos
Project Manager Phytochemicals & Medical Plants

From herb to the customer

We search, find, deliver unusual raw materials

Our reference standard manufacturer needed Senecio ridellii as raw material for the Riddelliin standard preparation. Riddelliin is a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, an important standard in food safety. However, the company had problems procuring the plant commercially, which is why they turned to us. Our research finally showed that a search in the vegetation of New Mexico seemed promising. After getting a collection permit, we sent our scout on the trip. Despite hurricane Maria, the search of our scout was successful in several regions, so that we were able to supply our client with larger quantities of the plant material. The quality was also convincing: when working up the material in the laboratory of the manufacturer, a considerable amount of riddelliine could be isolated.