Non-Clinical Research
Natural Products Isolation – Our group has experience characterizing and isolating phytochemicals from the mangosteen, rosemary, bergamot, and green tea. In our group use a flash/prep chromatography system to isolate and separate pure phytochemicals. Further analysis can be performed using UV-HPLC or LC-MS/MS to characterize the plant material and/or phytochemicals that are being used in our pre-clinical and clinical trials.
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) for Cancer – We are investigating novels strategies to disrupt the androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer with xanthones isolated from the mangosteen. We are using a combination of cell free, cell based and mouse models (xenograft and transgenic) to determine the mechanism of action.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) for Cancer – This project is focused on defining the pharmacokinetic properties of an oil soluble rosemary extract in mice. Experiments include a combination of cell free, cell based and mouse models to determine the mechanism of action.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) for Colitis – This project is exploring the ability of rosemary extract and phytochemicals therein to modulate a key protein, Sestrin-2. This work includes a combination of cell based experiments and the DSS-colitis mouse model.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Fruit for High Cholesterol – Bergamot has been reported in at least 5 clinical trials to reduce high cholesterol in human volunteers. Our work involves characterizing the phytochemicals of different bergamot extracts and performing cell based experiments to determine a mechanism of action for cholesterol lowering properties.
Clinical Research
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) to Promote Fertility – This clinical trial is evaluating if green tea extract in combination with clomiphene or letrozole can increase fertility in women <40. The primary objective is to determine if green tea extract can increase fertility. A secondary objective will determine if the prevalence of MTHFR mutations in combination with green tea extract can reduce folic acid levels in women.
Topical Endoxifen for Breast Cancer – The goal of this clinical trial with 100 human subjects is to identify the cause of variability of 4-hydroxytamoxifen drug concentrations in non-radiated breast tissue. We will evaluate the effect of radiotherapy the effect of breast radiotherapy on drug concentrations resulting from transdermal delivery of 4-OHT; and b) identify the differences between radiated and non-radiated skin and breast tissue that contribute to differences in permeation.
Melphalan for Multiple Myeloma – The purpose of this study is to determine if the pharmacokinetic properties of melphalan in patients undergoing a bone marrow transplant.
Bortezomib for Multiple Myeloma – The purpose of this study is to determine if administration of a P450 probe drug can be used to more effectively and safely treat patients with bortezomib.