Natural products research involves the comprehensive study of plant-derived chemicals, encompassing extraction, purification, identification, and structural determination. Differential solvent extractions, employing both hot and cold techniques, are commonly utilized procedures. Further separation is achieved through various chromatographic methods, including column chromatography, centrifugal chromatography, and gel filtration chromatography, alongside selective precipitation techniques.
Isolated fractions undergo screening for relevant bioassays, and active fractions are subsequently analyzed using advanced chemical and spectroscopic techniques. Purified and identified compounds are subjected to an array of biological investigations, including antioxidant activity assays, nitric oxide assays, DNA protection assays, tyrosinase inhibition assays, and cell signaling studies.