From ethnomedicine to pharmaceutical biology through Cooperation projects: a cultural and research bridge between Africa and Amazonia

BACKGROUND: This research has its background in Cooperation and Development projects, organized and sponsored by University of Ferrara. In this context, four Amazonian essential oils (i.e. Ocimum micranthum, Cimbopogon citratus, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale) and Rwandese avocado oil (Persea americana) extracted both by hexane maceration (HM) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), have been explored for their chemical and biological properties, with the target to employ these derivates as formulations (blended essential oils). AIMS: The research has been focused on: o checking best and easy handling extraction technology to transfer to Developing Countries (essential oils and avocado fixed oil); o chracterizing phytochemically these natural derived products o confirming safety and assaying biological activities; o suggesting an easy handling formulation which could give economic relapses to Developing Counties.