Research Studies
Current Research Studies
Preclinical studies of CAM Botanicals and Iron Overload
Principal Investigator: Don Messner, PhD
Project Period: 2008 – 2013
This study investigates effects of turmeric and its components on liver damage and liver cancer caused by iron overload. It is a laboratory based project that makes use of cell culture and mouse models of human disease. It includes genomic and proteomic approaches to identify biomarkers of turmeric action through collaboration between investigators at Bastyr University, the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
Testing Oral Glutathione Supplementation in Healthy Adults
Principal Investigator: Jason Allen, ND, MPH
Project Period: 2008 – 2009
This randomized, placebo-controlled trial will determine the effect of oral GSH supplementation on systemic markers of oxidative stress (F2-isoprostanes, 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)), in healthy adult volunteers (N=40), as well as changes in red blood
Mechanisms of PSK Enhancement of Docetaxel in a Xenograft of Human Prostate Cancer
Principal Investigator: Cynthia Wenner, PhD
Project Period: 2008 – 2009
The objective of this study is to better understand the mechanisms of polysaccharide krestin, an extract of mushroom Trametes versicolor, enhancement of docetaxel for the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) to lay the groundwork for a Phase I dose escalation trial in patients with HRPC.
Outcomes of Community Naturopathic Care for Type 2 Diabetes
Principal Investigator: Dan Cherkin (UW), Ryan Bradley (BU)
Project Period: 2008 – 2011
This study evaluates naturopathic care for type 2 diabetes patients.
Effects of Qigong, Tai Chi and Yoga Practice on Indicators of Health and Quality of Life in Older Adults
Funded by Gencare Incorporated
Principal Investigator: Wendy Weber
Project Period: 2008 – 2013
This study will be conducted at Gencare Incorporated resident facilities in the Pacific Northwest looking at the effects of different activities on the quality of life in seniors.
Will a Naturopathic Diet Improve Glycemic Management?
Principal Investigator: EB Oberg
Project Period: 2008 – 2009
This pilot trial tests the feasibility and effectiveness of the naturopathic diet as it compares to standard conventional dietary education. Preliminary data will be used to determine if a naturopathic diet improves glycemic control, quality of life, and nutritional knowledge outcomes.
Mechanisms of Immunomodulatory and Anti-tumor Actions of Polysaccharide Krestin
Principal Investigator: Mary Disis (UW), Co-Investigator: CA Wenner
Project Period: 2007 – 2011
Mushroom extracts have long been used in Asia as immunopotentiating agents. Previous studies have shown that ingestion of mushroom extracts can cause tumors to shrink or stop progressing in animal models of cancer and in cancer patients. However, how these agents induce anti-tumor effects is unknown. The proposed study will use the neutransgenic (neu-tg) mouse, a model of breast cancer, to study the effects of protein-bound polysaccharide Krestin (PSK), an extract from the woody mushroom Trametes versicolor, on anti-tumor immune responses. The goal of this study is to determine in the neu-tg model whether PSK induces an anti-tumor immune response, thus reversing immune suppressive effects of the tumor microenvironment.
Echinacea for Preventing Colds in Children, Subcontract with Child Health Institute
Principal Investigator: James Taylor (UW), Co-Investigator: Wendy Weber
Project Period: 2006 – 2009
An unexpected result of an earlier randomized controlled trial was that patients receiving Echinacea had fewer subsequent upper respiratory infections (URIs) during the 4-month study period than children who received placebo for treatment of acute symptoms. This study is designed to further delineate the potential efficacy of Echinacea in preventing URIs in children.
Graduate Certificate in CAM: An Integrative Approach
Principal Investigator: Sandra Motzer (UW), Co-Investigator: Timothy C. Callahan
Project Period: 2006 – 2009
This grant will provide advanced practice nurses, graduate nursing students, and other health professionals opportunities to expand their understanding of complementary and alternative practices all within the context of culturally competent and cost effective care, ultimately, improving patient care.
Naturopathic Physician Research Education Project
Principal Investigator: Gannady Raskin
Project Period: 2006 – 2010
The specific aims of this resubmission are to: (1) educate naturopathic medical students how to use an evidence-based approach to evaluate biomedical research literature and to apply this information in their clinical decision-making in practice; (2) Promote an evidence-based research culture among the faculty of Bastyr University’s School of Naturopathic Medicine; and (3) to increase research collaborations between Bastyr University and the University of Washington faculty.
Trametes versicolor-induced Immunopotentiation - Developmental Center for Research on CAM (University of Minnesota collaboration, Bastyr subcontractor)
Principal Investigator: J Slaton (U of MN), Co-investigator: CA Wenner
Project Period: 2004 – 2009
The objectives of this developmental center grant are 1) developing basic, translational, and clinical research to explore the feasibility and scientific rationale for use of mushroom extracts as immunopotentiating agents; 2) facilitating the development of the capacity of investigators at Bastyr University to participate in basic and translational CAM research; 3) enhancing the capacity of investigators at the University of Minnesota to participate in translational and clinical CAM research. Three research projects are being conducted and are supported by three core facilities under this grant. Project one explores the immune modulatory effects of T. versicolor(Tv) extracts in a murine model (J. Slaton, PI). Project two is focused on defining the immune modulatory activities of distinct Tv preparations in vitro, as well as determining the ex vivo immunomodulatory activities of a commercially available Tv preparation in a placebo-controlled cross-over study in healthy humans (CA Wenner, PI). Project three is focused on determining the changes in immune parameters that occur in women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer, and determining the safety and tolerability of Tv in a Phase I dose-escalation trial in women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer.
Integrating CAM: Nursing Emphasis (UW collaboration, Bastyr subcontractor)
Principal Investigator: M Heitkemper, Co-Investigator: T Callahan
Project Period: 2002 – 2009
The primary purpose is to enhance the integration of information about CAM therapies into UW health sciences curricula, specifically the required undergraduate nursing didactic and clinical courses, and by increasing the nursing faculty’s understanding of CAM.
Training in Complementary and Alternative Medical Research
Principal Investigator: Leanna Standish
Project Period: 2002 – 2012
This program will train 8 post-doctoral fellows, each up to a period of three years, plus thirty pre-doctoral fellows in CAM research. 18 Bastyr and other local university faculty members are training post- and pre-doctoral fellows.
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