College: Yunnan Agricultural University, China

Project title: Formulation of antioxidant phytochemicals from Sonchus oleraceus L. (pūhā)

Co-supervsior:

Prof. Thomas Rades (University of Copenhagen, Denmark)

Project description:

Puha, one of the traditional Maori food plants, is an antioxidant super-food with more antioxidants than blueberries.  Puha has potential as an accessible source of natural antioxidants, with associated health  benefits.

During this project I will investigate:

•  Identification of active antioxidant compounds in pūhā leaf extracts

•  Optimization of extraction efficacy and storage conditions

•  Evaluation of in vitro cellular activity of pūhā leaf extracts, including cellular antioxidant activity in HepG2 cells and anti-aging effects on WI-38 cells

Subsequent position:  After graduation, Ellen moved to Auckland to take up the position of Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist at LabPLUS, Auckland District Health Board.