Bioproduction and bioavailability of steroidal saponins, bioactives in herbal medicines. Steroidal saponins are a class of natural products that are common constituents of many herbal medicines and have been associated with many biological activities. Comprehensive studies into their biological activities are hampered by the small quantities available through isolation and the complexity of synthesis. The aim of this project is to identify, isolate and express the biosynthetic genes responsible ....Bioproduction and bioavailability of steroidal saponins, bioactives in herbal medicines. Steroidal saponins are a class of natural products that are common constituents of many herbal medicines and have been associated with many biological activities. Comprehensive studies into their biological activities are hampered by the small quantities available through isolation and the complexity of synthesis. The aim of this project is to identify, isolate and express the biosynthetic genes responsible for the critical steps in the synthesis of these compounds in the herbs themselves. This will allow for production of steroidal saponins using the isolated enzymes, facilitate biological studies and allow the production of critical standards required by the herbal industry for validation and regulation of herbal extracts.Read moreRead less
Neuroimaging changes underpinning improvements in cognition in the elderly. Natural supplements are often used to improve brain and cognitive function, however, we do not know how these supplements work in the brain. Using novel brain imaging scans, the project will investigate whether 12-month administration of two promising natural supplements improves brain markers of ageing and cognitive decline in an elderly population.
Therapeutic pluralism in pregnancy, labour and birthing: Decision-making, communication and inter-professional dynamics. Women are frequent users of practices outside 'mainstream' medicine. Pregnancy, labour and birthing (PLB) is a key area of integration, but no research has examined how women perceive obstetrics, midwifery and complementary medicine, or the impact on their health and wellbeing. This study systematically document Australian women's experiences of PLB with a nationally-represe ....Therapeutic pluralism in pregnancy, labour and birthing: Decision-making, communication and inter-professional dynamics. Women are frequent users of practices outside 'mainstream' medicine. Pregnancy, labour and birthing (PLB) is a key area of integration, but no research has examined how women perceive obstetrics, midwifery and complementary medicine, or the impact on their health and wellbeing. This study systematically document Australian women's experiences of PLB with a nationally-representative sample of women of child-bearing age to document decision making, lay-professional communication, and inter-professional dynamics.Read moreRead less
The Efficacy And Safety Of Acupuncture For Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: A Prospective, Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$175,732.00
Summary
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a common condition with high prevalence in Australia, being most pronounced during spring and early summer when pollen counts are highest. There is no proven cure for hay fever. Many hay fever sufferers seek alternative therapies such as acupuncture. We propose to undertake a rigorous study, using well-established clinical trial methodology, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of hay fever.
Nanoliposomal delivery of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to neuronal cells. Omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are essential for brain function. They are effective as adjunct treatments for depression, but at high doses. The project will develop nanoliposomes to target delivery of DHA to brain cells. Efficient delivery of DHA to brain cells will increase its effectiveness as a dietary supplement and lessen the burden of disease.
Evaluating viscum album in tumour eradication strategies. Extracts from the plant parasite mistletoe are, internationally, the most widely used complementary cancer treatments. Providing clear evidence-based research, this project will focus on enhancing mistletoe anti-cancer treatment through the development of novel liposome-based tumour therapies.
Combined Electroacupuncture And Cognitive Behavioural Therapy For Tension-type Headache: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,068.00
Summary
Tension-type headache (TTH) affects many and the direct and indirect costs are significant. Medications are either not effective long-term or have side-effects. Acupuncture and Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are effective and safe treatments. The combination of acupuncture and CBT could provide a better outcome. We will undertake a rigorous clinical study to evaluate this. This is the first examination of the combination, and will be of significant value to patients and to clinicians.
How Consumers Negotiate Between Complementary And Conventional Health Systems - A Qualitative Study Of Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$251,645.00
Summary
This project explores how people with depression negotiate their health care between the complementary and conventional health systems. We will interview consumers about their experiences and present these findings to focus groups of general practitioners, naturopaths and educators. Our findings will be used to assist in getting the best possible education and health policy for doctors, naturopaths and the community to ensure safe use of medicines.
Navigating back pain care: a sociological study of women's illness pathways within and between intersecting social worlds. Back pain affects most people at some point in their life. It is difficult to treat, choosing a provider can be confusing, and it is costly for the Government. This project will provide comprehensive data on women's journeys through back pain care, their experiences of different providers, and how they negotiate competing ideological perspectives.
Does Regular Tai Chi Practice Delay Ageing Of Cells And Improve Cellular Energy Functions?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$417,873.00
Summary
Tai Chi is a popular traditional health exercise that has been shown to be effective in improving health-related quality of life in aged populations and patients with acute and chronic conditions. However, the scientific evidence and mechanisms of Tai Chi at the level of the cells in the body is not clear. This project aims to investigate the mechanisms of Tai Chi to provide a better understanding of the scientific basis and offering greater confidence in using Tai Chi to promote health. We prop ....Tai Chi is a popular traditional health exercise that has been shown to be effective in improving health-related quality of life in aged populations and patients with acute and chronic conditions. However, the scientific evidence and mechanisms of Tai Chi at the level of the cells in the body is not clear. This project aims to investigate the mechanisms of Tai Chi to provide a better understanding of the scientific basis and offering greater confidence in using Tai Chi to promote health. We propose to do a study to compare cellular measures in a group of established Tai Chi practitioners with a group who have not practised Tai Chi. It will include at least 400 members of the general public aged 30 years and over. One group will comprise long-term Tai Chi practitioners (3 years or more) and the comparison group will be those who are just starting to learn Tai Chi. The participants will come from many Tai Chi centres around Melbourne. Our collaborators (2 renowned Tai Chi teachers) will facilitate recruitment. We will collect mouth wash samples from participants and measure two major biomarkers (telomere and mitochondria). The end sections of a chromosome are called the telomere and there is evidence that telomeres get shorter as we age and when we get sick with conditions such as heart problems. Mitochondria are the powerhouse within cells that convert energy from food into a form that cells can use. The mitochondria and its function can be affected by stress in a person’s life and this might be helped by Tai Chi. Since this study aims at analysing the much-claimed benefits of Tai Chi using a scientific evidence-based approach, the two biomarkers we are planning to measure will tell us whether such benefits are reflected in the improvement of the function of cells. Using the biomarkers and some questionnaire information, we will analyse the data to see whether Tai Chi practitioners have longer telomere and better mitochondrial function than those who have not practiced Tai Chi.Read moreRead less