Summary

This project focused on formulation and development of cosmetics and food supplements (as oral capsules) by using innovative herbal extracts derived from herbal species, agro-food material or by-products. Formulation and development of safe and stable cosmetics or nutraceuticals containing standardized extracts of will be carried out according to current legislation.

Technology Description

This project focused on formulation and development of cosmetics and food supplements (as oral capsules) by using innovative herbal extracts derived from herbal species, agro-food material or by-products.

Formulation and development of safe and stable cosmetics or nutraceuticals containing standardized extracts of will be carried out according to current legislation.

The use of natural extracts and green extraction procedure reduce the side-effects associated with the synthetically prepared drugs, leading to various disorders. Whereas the standardization guarantees that the consumers is   getting a product in which the chemical standards are consistent from batch to batch. Research results and services generate added value and sustainability as well as scientific evidence to support the development of innovative cosmetics or nutraceuticals.

Main advantages

The affordable equipment for the extraction process, easy availability of the herbs and being cost efficient compared to the chemical based products are the major advantages while extracting the active ingredients from the herbs.

Moreover, the project results could have a significant impact on the competitiveness, increasing their business by adding to their product range new bioactive ingredients and protocols, enabling new product formulations applicable in food, cosmetic and nutraceuticals sectors. Product enhancement through integrating new strategies involving advanced analytics. Research guarantees both efficacy and safety of the applications.

Stage of development

Dried raw material will be subjected to optimized extraction processes for recovery of targeted secondary metabolites. For novel bioactive substances it is necessary to assess their biological effects as well as the chemical characterization.

Challenge and needs

- Greater attention to natural products

- Use of healthier foods

- Use of non-chemical cosmetics and body care products

Intellectual property

The technology is not yet protected by a patent.

Potential markets and targets

Targets:

• cosmetics industry
• food supplement industry
• pharmaceutical industry
• universities and research centers

Potential partners

- producers of herbal species or agro-food industries to supply raw material;  

- academic spinoff BioActiplant srl, with its experience and skills will support the project by monitoring the saffron production process and the evaluation of in vitro biological activity of extracts and final products.

- pharmacies, parapharmacies and big organized distribution to sell of the final product.