Natural Chemistry Research Group

Research

The core of our research is related to classical phytochemistry where we focus especially on chemically demanding polyphenols, i.e. tannins

• Tannin and Polyphenol Chemistry

• Qualitative Analysis of Polyphenols

• Quantitative Analysis of Plants

• Chemical Ecology

Our expertise focuses on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of plant polyphenols, especially tannins. We try to develop and utilize new chemical methods for the detection and characterization of even such tannins that have not been known to be produced by the plant cells. At the same time we create compound-specific analysis methods for various types of tannins to enable their accurate quantification from any plant species.

All our research aims for better understanding of the significance of secondary metabolites in plants and for better utilization of the metabolites in various applications. All this needs detailed structure-activity analysis of the detected metabolites. From methodological point of view we have especial expertise in (1) chromatographic techniques from UPLC to preparative scale, (2) many types of mass spectrometry -based applications, (3) the utilization of UV, MS, CD and NMR spectra for secondary metabolite identification, and (4) the measurement of pro-oxidant and other activities of pure compounds and compound mixtures. All these are included in the six Research Themes outlined via the links above.