The Challenge - to investigate the therapeutic potential of compounds derived from Daffoldils
A partnership between Agroceutical Products Limited, Grampian Growers and Robert Gordon University set out to explore whether compounds extracted from Scottish daffodils could help tackle obesity-related diseases —including metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)—while transforming overlooked agricultural by‑products into valuable resources.
In this partnership, Grampian Growers supplied the Scottish-grown daffodil biomass, Agroceutical Products Ltd isolated the alkaloids using its proprietary extraction technology, and Robert Gordon University carried out the research led by Professor Giovanna Bermano, who now continues related work at the University of Aberdeen in collaboration with Grampian Growers.
Building on the established medical use of the daffodil‑derived compound galanthamine in Alzheimer’s disease, the team explored whether additional compounds within the same plant material could deliver wider therapeutic benefits, particularly in metabolic and liver health.
Beyond its scientific ambitions, the initiative also showcased how Scotland’s industrial biotechnology sector can drive a circular bioeconomy—converting low‑volume agricultural residues into high‑value compounds with promising future applications in healthcare.
IBioIC funding enables a collaboration
Support from the IBioIC Flexible Fund enabled the partnership to pool expertise in crop production, alkaloid extraction and metabolic disease research, focusing on the bioactivity of two key alkaloids.
Researchers tested the compounds using both a whole-organism C. elegans obesity model and a liver cell model designed to replicate fat accumulation associated with MAFLD. This dual approach allowed the team to generate early-stage data on the compounds’ bioactivity across different biological systems.
Moreover, the funding strengthened an established collaboration between industry and academia, while equipping the partners with data to support further funding bids, investment discussions and future commercial development.
Outcomes – advancing Scotland’s Circular Bioeconomy through technology advancement and collaboration
The results were promising for both alkaloids, showing their potential to influence lipid accumulation associated with obesity-related disease. The study provided proof-of-concept evidence, advancing the technology from TRL 2 to TRL 3 and laying the groundwork for further research into daffodil-derived alkaloid extraction and development.
For Agroceutical Products Ltd and Grampian Growers, the findings support the commercial potential of extracting additional high-value compounds from daffodil biomass, creating opportunities to diversify beyond galanthamine and increase value from existing crops.
For academic partners, the project advanced research into natural bioactive compounds relevant to obesity-related diseases while strengthening collaborations in sustainable biotechnology and by-product valorisation.
More broadly, the project demonstrates how Scotland's industrial biotechnology sector can integrate agriculture, health research, and circular economy principles and develop innovative solutions with potential global healthcare impact from existing resources.
