Plant Phytochemistry & Antimicrobial Activity

Program Overview

The Plant Phytochemistry & Antimicrobial Activity Training Program provides comprehensive training in the study of plant-derived chemicals and their biological activities. Participants will gain hands-on experience in phytochemical extraction, identification, and antimicrobial testing techniques used in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and herbal medicine research.

Key Plant Compounds You'll Study

Alkaloids

Morphine, quinine, caffeine

Flavonoids

Quercetin, catechins

Terpenoids

Menthol, artemisinin

Phenolics

Tannins, lignins

Program Modules

Our comprehensive curriculum covers all aspects of plant phytochemistry and antimicrobial testing:


Session 1: Introduction to Plant Phytochemistry

  • What is Phytochemistry? Study of plant-derived chemicals
  • Primary vs Secondary Metabolites: Structure and function
  • Roles of secondary metabolites in plant defense and medicine

Session 2: Major Classes of Phytochemicals

  • Alkaloids: Morphine, quinine, caffeine
  • Flavonoids: Quercetin, catechins
  • Phenolic compounds and tannins
  • Saponins and terpenoids
  • Essential oils and glycosides

Session 3: Extraction Techniques

  • Solvent extraction (ethanol, methanol, water)
  • Maceration and Soxhlet extraction
  • Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)
  • Chromatographic separation methods
  • Practical Lab: Preparing crude plant extracts

Session 4: Phytochemical Screening

  • Qualitative tests for alkaloids, flavonoids
  • Tannins and saponins detection
  • Colorimetric assays and reactions

Session 6: Antimicrobial Assays

  • Disc diffusion method
  • Broth dilution method (MIC determination)
  • Time-kill curve analysis
  • Biofilm inhibition assays (advanced)
  • Practical Lab: Testing plant extracts against pathogens

Session 7: Case Studies & Applications

  • Medicinal plants: Neem, Turmeric, Garlic
  • Green tea polyphenols
  • Emerging trends in phytopharmaceuticals

Program Highlights

Plant Extraction

Master various extraction techniques

Phytochemical Analysis

Learn qualitative and quantitative analysis

Antimicrobial Testing

Hands-on antimicrobial assays

Lab Techniques

Modern phytochemistry methods

Medicinal Plants

Focus on therapeutic applications

Certification

Recognized industry credential

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand plant secondary metabolites and their functions
  • Perform various extraction and identification techniques
  • Conduct phytochemical screening tests
  • Design and execute antimicrobial assays
  • Analyze and interpret phytochemical data
  • Understand mechanisms of antimicrobial action
  • Apply knowledge to herbal medicine research

Who Should Enroll?

  • Botany & Plant Science students
  • Pharmacology researchers
  • Herbal product developers
  • Microbiology professionals
  • Natural product chemists
  • Ayurveda & Traditional Medicine practitioners
  • Quality control analysts
  • Biotechnology graduates
  • Plant-based product entrepreneurs

Career Pathways

  • Phytochemical research laboratories
  • Herbal medicine and nutraceutical companies
  • Pharmaceutical R&D departments
  • Academic and research institutions
  • Quality control in herbal product manufacturing
  • Natural product discovery programs