Research Units

The research team of the “NOrCa - Not Ordinary Cannabis” project consists of experts from several Italian universities. The overall coordination is entrusted to Prof. Gianni Sacchetti of the University of Ferrara, a specialist in pharmaceutical biology. Prof. Federica Pollastro from the University of Eastern Piedmont is an expert in phytochemistry and cannabinoids. Prof. Daniele Merli from the University of Pavia deals with analytical chemistry and electrochemistry. At the same time, Prof. Federica Pellati from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia is an expert in medicinal chemistry and analysis of natural products. The team also includes numerous qualified collaborators, ensuring an interdisciplinary and innovative approach.

Università degli Studi di Ferrara

  • Prof. Gianni Sacchetti (Principal Investigator)
    Prof Sacchetti's research focuses on analysing plant secondary metabolites through optimised extractions, chromatographic techniques to isolate specific chemical classes and detailed phytochemical analyses. Qualitative and quantitative characterisation of compounds focuses mainly on terpenes, phenols, flavonoids and other secondary metabolites. The biological activities tested include antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cicatrising, genotoxic and geno-protective properties, performed with various in vitro assays.
  • Prof. Tacchini Massimo
    Associate Professor
General co-ordination, extraction of compounds and evaluation of biological activities

Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale

  • Prof. Federica Pollastro
    Prof. Pollastro's main areas of research are secondary metabolites of resinous plants, minor cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa, and sesquiterpene lactones from food and allergenic plants. It pays particular attention to metabolites with anti-inflammatory activity to identify important leading structures in pharmacology. In addition, he studies polyacetylenes to identify their targets and mechanisms of action, contributing to the discovery of new bioactive compounds.
Isolation and chemical characterisation of compounds

Università degli Studi di Pavia

  • Prof. Daniele Merli
    I principali interessi di ricerca del Prof. Merli sono l'elettrochimica e la chimica forense. Lavora sulla caratterizzazione delle specie elettroattive mediante l'uso di metodi elettrochimici e spettroscopici combinati (ad esempio, spettrometria di massa) e sullo sviluppo di metodi elettroanalitici per l'analisi di farmaci e sostanze fisiologicamente attive.
  • Prof. Bonanni Alessandra 
    Associate Professor
  • Prof. Profumo Antonella
    Full Professor
Optimisation of extraction conditions, electrochemical characterisation

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

  • Prof. Federica Pellati
    Prof. Federica Pellati's research focuses on developing innovative methods for extracting and analysing bioactive natural products and isolating new bioactive compounds of natural origin. Her interest lies mainly in the chemical classes of cannabinoids, polyphenols, and terpenes.
  • Prof. Tagliazucchi Davide
    Associate Professor
  • Prof. Biagini Giuseppe
    Full Professor
  • Dr. Corsi Lorenzo
    Researcher
Assessment of biological activities, metabolomics analysis