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Investigación y desarrollo

Research and Innovation

Research, development and innovation center

In Soria Natural we believe in natural medicine as a discipline with a millenary origin, a traditional use and a future based on the application of science to advance in the knowledge of plants and to obtain new therapeutic alternatives.

Our own Research, Development and Innovation (R+D+i) center is located in the facilities of Soria Natural in Garray (Soria).

A large team of scientists and technicians, specialized in Natural Medicine, work with the latest technology to develop projects that allow:

  • The study of medicinal plants in depth, increasing every day the knowledge about their pharmacological activity, clinical effectiveness and toxicity.
  • The development of new formulas to increase the absorption and bioavailability of the active principles of medicinal plants.
  • The incorporation of diverse technologies and techniques for the development of new methods of extraction of active principles and other processes for the elaboration of natural products.
  • The implementation of new, innovative, more efficient and safer production processes.

Soria Natural works from our Research, Development and Innovation Center to improve the competitiveness and quality of our natural products and, therefore, the well-being and health of people.

Research in Soria Natural

Our commitment to research and innovation has led us to develop different scientific programs in collaboration with important hospitals, universities and other scientific entities.

Among the different research and innovation projects, we highlight the one developed in collaboration with the Cancer Research Center of Salamanca (CIC) and the University of Santiago de Compostela on the antitumor activity of the Pepperwort (Lepidium latifolium).

This study focused on the search for antitumor substances in the plant Lepidium latifolium. The conclusions of the study, which was conducted over more than a decade, are reported in the scientific publication “Antitumor activity of Lepidium latifolium and identification of the epithionitrile 1-cyano-2,3-epithiopropane” published in March 2018 in the Journal Molecular Carcinogenesis.

Clinical trials in hospitals

Soria Natural has also developed different research programs in collaboration with different hospitals.

- Hospital Arnau de Vilanova and Hospital La Fe (Valencia):

Trials with hawthorn capsules for cardiovascular diseases in patients who have suffered from heart attacks.

- Ramón y Cajal Hospital (Madrid):

Antilithiasic properties of Lepidium Latifolium and Ortosiphon Stamineus capsules in patients suffering from kidney stones.

- Hospital de Mataró (Barcelona) and Hospital de Utrera (Sevilla):

Beneficial prostate properties of Lepidium Latifolium and Ortosiphon Stamineus capsules in patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Research Projects in process

COGNIPLANT Project <br> Research on new formulations for normal neuronal functioning

COGNIPLANT Project
Research on new formulations for normal neuronal functioning

The COGNIPLANT project aims to increase knowledge on the in vitro and in vivo effects of different plant extracts (grape vine, gingko, herb of grace, and lemon balm) in order to obtain a better knowledge and a new nutritional supplement associated with the normal functioning of the cognitive system, helping to maintain optimal brain performance and memory protection.

This is a public-private cooperation project that will run from October 2022 to September 2025. Together with Soria Natural, the entities participating in the project are Tecnalia Research&Innovation (Tecnalia) and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU).

The project is aligned with the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan of the Spanish Government, the Ministry of Science and Innovation, and the Spanish State Research Agency. Funded by the European Union-Next Generation EU.

Ministerio de ciencia e inverstigación
Plan Recuperación
UE

MIAL Project

R&D project in the region of Castilla and León. It is funded by the Institute for Business Competitiveness (ICE, as the name abbreviates in Spanish), and is being carried out from 2023 to 2025. The total duration of this project is 24 months.

The name of this project is “Nuevas alternativas fúngicas para el diseño y desarrollo de fingers veganos análogos a los de pescado” (New mushroom alternatives for the design and development of vegan stripes, analogue to the ones made of fish), and the file number is 04/18/SO/0022. It is co-financed by the ERDF fund of the European Union, as part of policy objective 1, which consists on promoting quality technological development, innovation, and research in companies and the society.

Sigma-Biotech is also participating on this project.

The general objective of this project is the research of new mushroom proteins for the design and development of vegan stripes, analogue to those made of fish. The final matrix is expected to contain a wider range of available essential amino acids, with a low lipidic fraction but, at the same time, rich in unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, as well as many compounds of high biological activity such as: terpenes, sterols, lectins, linoleic and linolenic acid, vitamins (specially vitamin D), and minerals, among others.

For this project, SORIA NATURAL has received final support from the European Union for a total value of 60 783.27€.

Ministerio de ciencia e inverstigación
Plan Recuperación
UE

Complete Research Projects

  • CTPC Project

    Determination of the antitumor properties of the product CTP in combination with Vitamin C in KRAS mutations in human cancer (CTPC)

    The main objective of this project is the determination of the antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties of the product CTP of Soria Natural in combination with vitamin C. The project focused on the study of four chemoresistant tumor cell lines, two of colorectal cancer and two of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, with mutation in the KRAS gene.

    The results show that all four lines are sensitive to the compounds. A dose-dependent proapoptotic effect and a cytostatic effect, as well as an anti-inflammatory effect on cells of the immune system, have been demonstrated. Finally, it has been determined which genes are altered by both compounds, as well as the pathways through which they exert their antitumor action.

    The project, which has lasted three years, was carried out in collaboration with the Jiménez Díaz Foundation and received support from the Center of Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) of the Ministry of Science and Innovation, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

    • UE
    • CDTI

  • SUCTANTIVA Project

    Development of new products based on active substances for the improvement of health or nutraceutical products.

    The SUCTANTIVA project, developed by Soria Natural, focuses on the search for new substances that allow the development of new phytotherapy products or enriched foods that help to improve human health. Currently, there is evidence of the existence of new substances that, when consumed on a regular basis, have a beneficial effect on health.

    Enriched products or nutraceutical products (the result of the union of nutrition and pharmaceuticals) have emerged, which are based on obtaining foods that are medicines or medicines that are consumed as food.

    This project is included in the Strategic Plans for companies in the field of R&D in the area of Castilla y León for 2016, co-financed by the ERDF.

    • ICE
    • UE
    • UE

  • SINSOJAPRO Project

    Development of new soybean substitute protein matrices.

    The objective of the SINSOJAPRO project is to investigate the possibilities of new soybean substitute plant species and, therefore, to evaluate and work on the development of products that are homologous to those obtained with this legume.

    The project allowed the development of new food products such as plant-based drinks, plant-based protein derivatives, etc.

    This project is included in the Strategic Plans for companies in the field of R&D in the area of Castilla y León for 2016, co-financed by the ERDF.

    • ICE
    • UE
    • UE

  • Biosea Project

    Efficient technology for the maximization of aquatic biomass-based molecules for human food applications.

    Web Biosea

    European research project, funded under the Horizon 2020 program and co-financed by the Center for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI). The objective of BIOSEA was the development and validation of new products of high nutritional value for food based on active compounds extracted from algae.

    In the research project carried out between June 2017 and May 2020, Soria Natural participated as a partner and as leader of one of the work groups. The consortium consisted of 13 members: 9 companies (BIOPOLIS, SORIA NATURAL, DIBAQ, HENKEL, IGV, TABU, VLCI, CPCFEED and FEYECON) and 4 research centers (AITEX, CNTA, CTAQUA and VITO). Together, they comprised a very powerful interdisciplinary consortium specialized in different areas: Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Food Technology, Cosmetic Sciences, Materials Science and Environmental Sciences.

    • CDTI
    • Horizonte 2020

  • GLIZOSIMAX Project

    In 2018, Soria Natural completed the GLIZOSIMAX Research and Development Project on “New enzymatic processes for the integral use of soybeans and the production of derivative products”.

    The project was carried out with funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the Smart Growth Operational Program 2014-2020.

    This project helped establish a new process for the integral use of soybeans, improving the production process that existed up to that time. At the same time, new fermented products derived by means of beneficial microorganisms were designed.

    • CDTI
    • FEDER

  • TOFSOGRAL Project

    The Provincial Council of Soria financed, within the framework of the line of subsidies for the promotion of Research, Development and Innovation in companies in Soria, the TOFSOGRAL Project for the Development of an in-line production system for whole soybean tofu.

    This project led to the implementation of industrial equipment for the manufacture of tofu. At the same time, it established a process for the validation of production aspects, such as the product conditions during its shelf life period on display, and the identification of production problems during manufacturing processes.

    • Diputacion de Soria

  • FERMOKARA Project

    Valorization of soybean by-product (okara) by fermentation to produce extracts/compounds with cardiovascular health properties (Mancholine k, Nattokinase and bioactive oligopeptides).

    The project was carried out in collaboration with the National Center for Food Technology and Safety of Navarra (CNTA) and funding from the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. It began in 2014 and ended in 2016.

    The main objective of the project was the valorization of a soybean by-product (okara) by controlling the fermentative process in solid support (SSF) of two microorganisms (Bacillus subtilis and Monascus spp.) for the production of extracts with functional/healthy properties on cardiovascular health.

    • Ministerio de economía
    • FEDER

  • FUNGIFAR Project

    Production of high added value active ingredients from medicinal mushrooms and evaluation of their applicability in the food and pharmaceutical sector.

    The project was funded within IBEROEKA (2012-2015). It was developed in collaboration with Setas de Baja California S.A., Tecnologías Alimentarias S.L. and Universidad de Baja California (UABC).

    The objective of the project was the development of a wide process of extraction, purification and stabilization of active principles obtained from medicinal mushrooms for their evaluation as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, cardiotonic and anticarcinogenic compounds.

    In 2016, the project won the Best Innovation Project of Soria in the "El Mundo de Castilla y León" awards.

    • CDTI
    • CYTED

  • INCOMES Project

    The objective was the development of a standardized methodology for the scientific validation of foods/ingredients with health/functional characteristics that allows the determination of health claims.

    Between 2011 and 2014, Soria Natural participated, in consortium with nine other national companies and 21 research and innovation organizations coordinated by the Nutrition Research Center of the University of Navarra (CIN) and the National Center for Food Technology and Safety (CNTA), in the INCOMES project.

    As a result of this work, the Guide for the substantiation of health claims on foods was published.

    The methodology contained in the guide was previously validated by the participants with bioactive compounds and foods with activity on immune function, cognitive function and metabolic syndrome.

    The INCOMES research project was funded by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, and FEDER funds and managed by the Industrial Technological Development Center (INNPRONTA Program).

    • CDTI
    • FEDER

  • FUTURAL Project

    FUTURAL refers to a four-year (2007-2010) project on the Contribution of New Technologies in the production of safer, more nutritious, more convenient and smarter foods of the future.

    The general objective of all the work of this project was to provide the scientific basis for the use, at industrial level, of new technologies in the preparation of the foods of the future, in order to adapt them to the new consumer needs, increasing the competitiveness of the participating companies and of the Spanish agri-food sector.

    The FUTURAL project was coordinated by the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) and was financed by the Ministry of Science and Innovation (CENIT Program of the Center for Industrial Technological Development).

    • CDTI

  • OPTIMIZAGUA Project

    Soria Natural, always respecting the environment, participated between 2003 and 2006 in the OPTIMIZAGUA Project, developed within the framework of the LIFE-Environment program of the European Union, to prove water saving in agricultural crops.

    During the development of the innovation project, an experimental prototype was created and placed in Soria Natural's organic crops.

    It is an innovative intelligent irrigation system that is powered by renewable energies and is equipped with soil moisture sensors and a weather station that records rainfall, temperature, solar radiation and wind.

    The system generated different risk plans depending on the needs and climatic conditions, all under efficient water management criteria. Conclusions

    Conclusions
    • Life

Partnership with other research entities

  • ICCRAM – UNIVERSITY OF BURGOS

    Since May 2023, Soria Natural cooperates together with the University of Burgos and its research center ICCRAM (International Research Center in Critical Raw Materials for Advanced Industrial Technologies), in two different ways:

    DESforPROT project (funded by the Research and Development programme Horizon Europe, under grant nº 101092347, as part of the CONVERT2GREEN Open Call) aims to find and develop mechanisms to solubilize valuable vegetable proteins that are present in waste materials from certain products sold by the company Soria Natural. Today, these proteins cannot be used, so ultra-eutectic solvents (DES, Deep Eutectic Solvents) will be used. Thanks to computational modeling, artificial intelligence and experimental studies, the properties of DES solvents will be studied in terms of efficacy, security, toxicity and sustainability.

    NADESforNATURE project (funded by the regional government of Castilla y León) aims to identify, extract and formulate new, safe and sustainable bioactive compounds obtained from vegetable sources and agricultural subproducts. In order to achieve this, it is essential to design ultra-eutectic type natural solvents (NADES. Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents) at a molecular level, which will be used to extract those bioactive compounds. The base shall be a molecular design made through a computer simulation. The process should continue with the experimental phase in order to complete the design and the process and product validation. The physicochemical, safety and sustainability aspects will be taken into account.

    This is a proposal of the use of vegetal products and subproducts as source of bioactive molecules and as safe and sustainable alternative for nutrition and pharmacology.

    The computational part of both products will be developed by ICCRAM own resources and by Caléndula supercomputer from the Supercomputing Center of Castilla y León (SACyLE)

    • ICCRAM
    • C2G
    • UE

  • ICTAN-CSIC
    For more than 1 year, Soria Natural and Spain’s National Research Center CSIC have been collaborating in a project about Valorization of waste from the production of oat drink. This project is being carried out by the Institute of Food Science, Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN-CSIC) and suggests the valorization of oat pulp through different technologies (fermentative processes, enzymatic hydrolysis, extrusion and its combination) in order to develop new food concepts and prototypes meant for the promotion of intestinal health in celiac people (pre-clinical and clinical validation). This way, Soria Natural tries its best to valorize a waste produced in big quantities inside our facilities.
    • ICE