Ilina Krasteva

Prof. Ilina Krasteva is a Professor at the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia. She holds a DSc in Pharmacognosy and has been affiliated with the university since 1988, progressing from Assistant to Professor (2013). Her research focuses on phytochemistry of medicinal plants, particularly Astragalus species, with emphasis on saponins, flavonoids, and their hepatoprotective/neuroprotective effects. Key projects include studies on Astragalus glycyphyllos and A. monspessulanus, exploring their anticancer, immunomodulatory, and antiviral properties.

Education: MSc (1987) and PhD (1992) from Medical University of Sofia, followed by a DSci (2008) in Pharmacognosy. She has authored/co-authored over 100 publications and 4 textbooks, with >500 citations.

Research Interests: Phytochemical profiling of Bulgarian flora, saponin isolation, in vitro/in vivo toxicity models, and biotechnological cultivation of medicinal plants. Notable work includes investigations into Astragalus-derived saponins' effects on MAO-B inhibition, hepatocyte protection, and antiviral activity against coronaviruses.

Grants/Projects: Over 30 projects funded by the National Science Fund and Medical University of Sofia, including studies on biologically active compounds from Astragalus and development of herbal formulations.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Pharmacognosy Lab, collaborating with international researchers (e.g., phytochemical societies) and contributing to drug discovery initiatives targeting metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases.