Investigation Of Australian And Papua New Guinean Traditional Medicines For Drug Discovery And Cultural Preservation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$373,751.00
Summary
This project addresses the growing need for new antimicrobial agents by utilising the traditional medicinal floral knowledge of indigenous communities of Australia and Papua New Guinea. Discoveries from the biological and chemical investigations of traditional medicines used by these communities for treatment of microbial infections will indicate their potential to be used as clinical agents. Benefit sharing and capability building opportunities for the communities involved will also be key outc ....This project addresses the growing need for new antimicrobial agents by utilising the traditional medicinal floral knowledge of indigenous communities of Australia and Papua New Guinea. Discoveries from the biological and chemical investigations of traditional medicines used by these communities for treatment of microbial infections will indicate their potential to be used as clinical agents. Benefit sharing and capability building opportunities for the communities involved will also be key outcomes.Read moreRead less
Kava For The Treatment Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A 16-Week Double-Blind RCT
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$680,489.00
Summary
Herbal medicines play a prominent role in traditional medicine to treat affective disorders (mood and anxiety disorders), however scientific studies are needed to truly assess their effectiveness. This clinical trial is examining the anxiolytic efficacy of Kava in treating chronic anxiety. As current response to antidepressant drugs can be inadequate, Kava may offer an additional affordable, safe, and effective option to reduce anxiety.
Development Of 'omics-based Approaches To Investigate Labelling Accuracy And Legality Of Herbal Medicine In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$494,883.00
Summary
Herbal medicines such as tradition Chinese medicine (TCM) are popular across Australia, but little has been done to ensure they are accurately labeled, don’t contain adulterants and that ingredients are legal. Preliminary work suggests that TCM, even those approved by regulators, contain pharmaceuticals and illegal species. Our research will develop a new two-pronged DNA and toxicological auditing toolkit with the aim of providing accurate information on herbal medicines for sale in Australia.
The Efficacy Of Adjunctive S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe) Versus A Combination Nutraceutical In Clinical Depression: A Double-Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$800,264.00
Summary
An emerging approach to treat depression is via the use of adjunctive nutraceuticals (nutrient-based natural products). Specific antidepressant nutraceuticals can target a range of key neurological pathways that can treat depression. We are conducting an 8 week clinical trial comparing the efficacy of a range of nutraceuticals- such as folic acid, omega-3, and zinc, in adults with depression who are non-responsive to current pharmaceutical antidepressants.