Projects
Exploring Unconventional Plant-Derived Metabolites to Keep Away Diabetes: The case of Pomegranate
PI CBIOS Team members
Luis Monteiro Rodrigues, Cíntia Ferreira Pêgo, Catarina Rosado, Nuno Ricardo de Almeida Saraiva, Ana Sofia Fernandes, João Costa, Patrícia Dias de Mendonça Rijo, Bernardo Brito Palma, Ana Mourato, Emília Alves, Andreia Gomes, Clemente Rocha, Sofia Gravanita Ferreira, Maria Inês Farrim, Ana Júlio, Cíntia Almeida, João Vieira, Íris Cláudia Felisberto Guerreiro, Sofia Lopes
From 2023 to 2025
Description
Nutrition is a key player in diabetes management, and compounds in our diet, particularly (poly)phenols, could be vital in slowing disease progression.Urolithins, unique molecules produced by gut bacteria, have been found to inhibit IAPP aggregation and its harmful effects on pancreatic -cells. EXPLORER sets out to investigate the impact of pomegranate supplements, rich in urolithin- precursor compounds, on metabolic markers and β-cell function in individuals at risk of diabetes. To improve urolithin´s effectiveness, an innovative nanotechnology solution is proposed to ensure the molecules reach β-cells. By raising awareness and translating these discoveries into practical dietary and technological innovations, EXPLORER aims to contributes to diabetes prevention and care.
Partners
CBIOS, CICANT, USF São Martinho de Alcabideche, and University of Murcia, Spain
Funding
COFAC / FAZER+
