The Pharmacognosy research group focuses on the molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals at the interface of inflammation, (lipid) metabolism and (lipid) signalling. We use (bio)analytical, biochemical and molecular pharmacological techniques to discover innovative drug targets and to develop phytopharmaceuticals and biogenic lead structures. In addition, natural products are used to elucidate the physiological role of their targets in cellular processes related to chronic inflammation and programmed cell death. A key aspect of our interdisciplinary approach is advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric bioanalytics of lipids (i.e. targeted lipidomics), which helps to uncover the intricate and largely unexplored links between lipid metabolism, signalling pathways and cellular homeostasis.