essp01

BRINGING 

PHARMACY 

KNOWLEDGE 

AND STUDENTS 

TOGETHER 

Volume 1 | Edition 1 | October 2013 

www.epsa-online.org

EPSA Students' Science Publication 

Dear friends, 

INTRODUCTION 

The purpose of the European Pharmaceutical Students' Association (EPSA) 

is to bring pharmacy, knowledge and students together. A way of bringing 

students' knowledge together, on a scientific level, is this new project which is 

a coalition between two departments: Education and Public Relations. 

In other words, Students + Science + Publications = EPSA Students' Science 

Publication (ESSP). We are proud to finally be able to collect abstracts of 

student research projects and compile them in a publication that students 

all over Europe can read and gain inspiration from. Additionally, authors get 

the opportunity to share their research, hypothesis, ways of tackling scientific 

obstacles, results and thoughts on the outcome of each scientific project. This 

publication will also contain some personal comments on the authors’ research 

experience alongside the abstracts. 

In order to ensure quality in the publication, we have been very lucky to be 

assisted by professional holds - with the help from Professor and Head of Drug 

Transport and Delivery Research Group, Natsa Skalko-Basnet, Department of 

Pharmacy (Dep. Phar) and Associate Professor at the Molecular Pharmacology 

Research Group (Dep. Phar), Yury Kiselev, both from the University of Tromsoe, 

Norway. We want, once again, to thank both of them for the energy put in this 

project and also thank all the students who have submitted their abstracts - 

because without them, this journal wouldn't exist! 

We hope you enjoy reading this publication, and we hereby invite and encourage 

you to send in your abstracts for the next editions! 

Yours in EPSA, 

Science Coordinator and Publications Coordinator 2013/2014 

Rebwar Saleh and Mara Lefter 

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TABLE OF CONTENT 


Determination of nitrogen and organophosphorous pesticide 

residues in foods of plant origin – method validation, Srđan 

Radak......................................................................................... 4 

Figures and tables .......................................................................... 5 

Q&A of the authors ......................................................................... 6 

Determination of resveratrol in dietary supplements and 

assessment of their antioxidant activity, Karolina Podoga and 

Aleksandra Polak ...................................................................... 8 

Figures and tables .......................................................................... 9 

Q&A of the authors ....................................................................... 10 

Quantification of polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant 

action from various plant species, Carmen Sultan ................. 12 

Figures and tables ........................................................................ 13 

Q&A of the authors ....................................................................... 14 

Afterword ...................................................................................... 15 

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DETERMINATION OF NITROGEN AND 

ORGANOPHOSPHOROUS PESTICIDE RESIDUES 

IN FOODS OF PLANT ORIGIN – METHOD 

VALIDATION 

Radak, Srđan. Medical Faculty, Department of Pharmacy, Novi Sad, Serbia 

Combination of QuEChERS method and gas or liquid chromatography with 

mass spectrometry has enabled pesticide residue analysis in a wide analytical 

range with high selectivity and sensitivity. These analytical tools have become 

a mainstay in most laboratories for pesticide monitoring in order to meet global 

standards. 

The aim of the study consisted in the validation of QuEChERS/GC-MS 

method for analysis of selected nitrogen and organophosphorous pesticide 

residues and evaluation of measurement uncertainty. The validation study 

was conducted on organically grown potato and carrot, fortified with standard 

mixture of nitrogen and organophosphorous pesticides, at two concentration 

levels, prepared by QuEChERS method and analysed by GC-MS. 

The results of the study showed that the limit of quantification for the analytical 

method of 10μg/kg reached 63% of target compounds in both examined 

matrices, and additional 21% compound in just one. Estimated limit of 

quantification of instrumental method was below or at the level of 10μg/kg 

for 89% of analytes in both matrices. Matrix-matched calibration curves were 

constructed in the range defined by the limit of quantification at lower level 

and 500μg/kg as the upper one. At 10μg/kg fortification level, 63% and 76% 

of analytes showed acceptable recovery values in potato and carrot matrix, 

respectively. At 100μg/kg fortification level, those values were 76% and 74%. 

Pesticides with good recovery values were also characterized with good 

precision. Evaluation of expanded measurement uncertainty showed that this 

parameter was below 50% for all pesticides meeting the validation criteria. 

Conclusion: Validation study and evaluation of measurement uncertainty 

confirmed the quality of multi residual QuEChERS/GC-MS method for the 

analysis of selected nitrogen and organophosphorous pesticides. 

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FIGURES AND TABLES 


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Q&A OF THE AUTHORS 

1. Why did you select this topic for your research / master thesis? 

Analytical chemistry is my favorite field of pharmacy. I have had the 

opportunity to use analytical instruments such as high performance liquid 

chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) since 2nd year of 

studies. 

2. How do you feel you have coped with the challenges that research brings? 

The topic is quite complex, but I have had a great opportunity to learn and 

work with Ass. Prof. Ljilja Torović. She is an expert in this field and one of 

the greatest professors in our faculty. I think I just scratched the surface of 

analytical chemistry and I am seeking for more knowledge. 

3. What personal skills have you developed as a researcher during your 

research period? 

I learned the importance of correct time management, patience and 

hardworking. 

4. If you had the opportunities, would you specialize more in the field? 

Yes, I have been interested in PhD and I hope to continue doing this type of 

research in the future. 

5. Any other comments you want to share with other students? 

Once again, I would like to thank Ass. Prof. Ljilja Torović for all the help she 

provided me during the research. 

More information: 

srdjanradak@yahoo.com 

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DETERMINATION OF RESVERATROL IN DIETARY 

SUPPLEMENTS AND ASSESSMENT OF THEIR 

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY 

Podoga, Karolina and Polak, Aleksandra from Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium 

Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Poland 

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a polyphenolic compound 

found in the skin of red grape skins, red wine and Japanese knotweed 

(Polygonum cuspidatum). During the last decade, resveratrol became a subject 

of many clinical trials, due to its influence on multiple biochemical pathways , 

in particular as a strong antioxidant and chemopreventive agent. Resveratrol 

nutritional supplements are available over-the-counter on the pharmaceutical 

market and the sales are constantly increasing. 

The aim of this study was to optimize chromatographic method for the 

determination of resveratrol in food supplements, as well as evaluation of their 

antioxidant activity. Dietary supplements used in the project were available 

on the Polish pharmaceutical market: one containing only resveratrol (e.g. 

Trans Resveratrol) and the other multicomponent supplements (Cellasene, 

LongaVit, Natursteron, Nutrof). Determination of resveratrol was performed 

using isocratic reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP- 

HPLC) with spectrophotometric detection (306 nm). The antioxidant properties 

of tested supplements were evaluated in vitro by determining the efficiency of 

the inactivation of the synthetic stable radicals (DPPH •). For each sample the 

IC50 value was calculated, which determines the concentration of the sample 

causing 50% inhibition of radicals. In the final stage of the experiment, all tested 

supplements were compared in terms of the amount of active substance they 

contained, and also their antioxidant potential. 

Results show that the content of active substance in dietary supplements is 

not always the same as declared by the manufacturer. The differences in the 

concentration of active substance may have an influence over the expected 

effectiveness of dietary supplements. The study shows that preparations have 

various antioxidant activities. The strongest antioxidant is the multicomponent 

supplement – Nutrof, containing also, besides resveratrol, a number of other 

substances with antioxidant activity (selenium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E). 

Surprisingly, a low IC50 value (high activity) was obtained for Longavit containing 

only 390 mg of standardized extract from the black grape skins. This may 

be a result of the presence of additional natural polyphenolic compounds in 

grape skin extract . Dietary supplement – TransResveratrol – according to the 

manufacturer‘s assertion, containing 200 mg pure trans-resveratrol in capsule, 

has the lowest antioxidant activity. The real content of trans-resveratrol in 1 

capsule is 4-fold less than declared. 

7



Graph 1: Determination of resveratrol antioxidant activity. 

Graph 2: Relation/Nexus between radical activity inhibition (%) and the 

concentration of dietary supplement - Nutrof. 

8



1. Why did you select this topic for your research / master thesis? 

The reason seems to be simple. It is due to the fact that the regulations for 

dietary supplements are different and less strict than those for prescription 

or over-the-counter drugs. Then, these studies in our opinion become 

extremely valuable. Obviously, dietary supplement companies affirm their 

products’ efficacy and good quality. The aim of our research was to check 

how far the companies’ declarations are from the research results. 


We’ve manage to test some of the dietary supplements which were 

available in the Polish Pharmaceutical market. The goal for the future is to 

test another part of these products and compare them among each other. 

This would allow to choose the best product, containing resveratrol, in the 

Pharmaceutical market. 



The first one would be assiduity, especially when at the beginning of the 

research some of our results weren’t reproducible. We have learnt that no 

matter how many difficulties will occur on your way, you should follow and 

fulfill your passion. The satisfaction at the end is the best prize you could 

imagine. The other personal skills that we have managed to obtain during 

the whole process of our research were definitely: being more accurate and 

focused. 


Yes, of course. If we were given such a chance, we would definitely like to 

specialize ourselves in this field of science. 


To all students - If there is something that you are really interested in, do 

not waste your time and go for it! 

Even if it seems to be impossible 

to achieve, don’t give up! Together, 

passion and joy for what you are 

doing connected with hard work, 

are the formula which make dreams 

come true! 


karolina.pogoda@gmail.com 

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QUANTIFICATION OF POLYPHENOLIC 

COMPOUNDS WITH ANTIOXIDANT ACTION 

FROM VARIOUS PLANT SPECIES 

Sultan, Carmen., The university of Carol Davila, Bucharest, Romania 

Nowadays many diseases are influenced and some are generated by oxidative 

stress which results from free radicals and reactive oxygen species. This is why 

research is oriented towards finding a natural solution: vegetable antioxidants. 

Poly-phenolic compounds (flavonoids, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid) from 

plants are known to have antioxidant properties so that they may be used in 

therapy. 

Crataegi fructus, Daucus carota tuber, Aurantii pericarpium and Myrtilli fructus 

extract were subject to pharmacognostic analysis and HPLC analysis to 

determine the free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties. 

In Crataegi and Myrtilli fructus, there were identified poly-phenolic derivatives 

(flavonoids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, catechol). In Daucus carota 

tuber, there were determined tetraterpenoid compounds such as carotenoids . 

Regarding Aurantii pericarpium there were found flavonoids, proanthocyanidins 

and catechol. HPLC analysis separated caffeic acid in Crataegi fructus and 

Aurantii pericarpium, ferulic acid in Aurantii pericarpium and Myrtilli fructus, 

quercetol in Daucus carota tuber and Crataegi fructus. 

The analysed plants proved to be an important source of compounds with antiradical 

activity thus justifying their use associated with treatment for different 

types of ailments (disorders caused by capillary fragility, angiopathy and 

diabetic retinopathy, hemeralopia, dermal diseases, cardiovascular disorders). 

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1. Why did you select this topic for your research/master thesis? 

At first I chose the department in which I wanted to do the research and then 

decided to work on something that could answer a current issue. With the 

help of my coordinating teacher I settled on antioxidants, more specifically 

the quantification of antioxidant compounds from 4 different plant species. 


I was very enthusiastic about the research in the beginning and had a lot of 

ideas, then got a little less enthusiastic when I realised that not all of them 

could be applied. In order to get some results and after a great amount of 

work has been done, I had to change my initial plan because the results 

didn’t match with the hypothesis. I was really happy in the end when I 

realised the achievement. 



Patience, perseverance, hard work, desire and knowledge. 


Lab work is interesting and rather addictive: after finishing a research you 

want to continue with a different aspect of the same topic in order to have a 

complete view over the discussed issue. But working in this field only suits 

some of us - personally, talking with patients seems more challenging and 

fills me with the needed satisfaction. 


Don't hesitate to get involved in research papers during university! It is an 

experience that shall contribute to your professional development even 

if you decide to take a different career path after graduation. There's no 

bigger accomplishment than sending the message across to others that 

find your work interesting and want to know more about it. 


marocana14@yahoo.com 

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AFTERWORD 


The idea of this publication was born at the first Team Meeting in Novi Sad, 

Serbia where members of the Education Board discussed the possibility of 

creating a platform where students can share knowledge. Also, together with 

the Vice President of Public Relations (VPPR) Stefan Rack, the idea got more 

air under its wings. Later on in the process, the publication coordinator, Mara 

Lefter, got involved in the projects in those areas where the project touched 

her portfolio. 

For this first publication, participants of the 5th EPSA Science day were 

called and asked for their interest in sharing their abstracts with the rest of 

the members of EPSA that did not have the opportunity to experience their 

awesome presentation in Catania, Italy. Luckily, we got enough responses to 

launch the project. 

They sent in their abstracts and answered those questions that were prepared 

beforehand, and our two professional researchers, Prof. Skalko-Basnet and 

Ass. Prof. Kiselev, went through all the abstracts in order to ensure its quality. 

The authors got the recommendations from the researchers, edited some parts 

and it was all was compiled into what you have seen today. 

Personally, I would like to grab my opportunity to once again direct a huge 

“Thank you” to all bodies involved. From our researchers, to our main involved 

VPs, Stefan Rack and Jorge Batista for their support. I would also thank 

specifically our Publication and Design coordinators, Mara Lefter and Svenja 

Laarhuis, for guiding through the, in my opinion, magical world of “how to 

make things look good”. Without their energy and effort, this would look like a 

regular word document (Black on white) with lots of text and without that real 

spice that they have managed to add. 

Now it is time for me to invite all our members students to share their knowledge 

and research outcomes. I would like to encourage everyone to send in abstracts 

and take part in this project. This is your opportunity to practice your skills in 

writing summaries of your research that you may need in your future career. 

Also, this is your chance to inspire other students for their future research! 

If you are interested, please send an e-mail to science@epsa-online.org and 

you will receive a list of requirements for documents that are needed for this 

publication! 

Yours in EPSA, 

Rebwar Saleh 

EPSA Science Coordinator 2013/2014 

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