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Evidence Based Research, Naturally

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Sonoran University faculty, physicians and students conduct various research projects on numerous topics ranging from the antiviral activity of botanicals to oncology. Current and past research projects are listed below.

Current Areas of Research

  • Transcriptome profiling of Piper methysticum (Kava) and isolated kavalactones.
  • Characterization of the anti-inflammatory properties of bovine IGF1/TGFB2
  • Characterization of the antiviral and immune modulatory effects of Echinacea purpurea and alkylamides.
  • Evaluation of botanicals for canine, feline and human wound healing.
  • Characterization of the optimal medicinal activity of Larrea tridentata related to seasonal variations.
  • Characterization of the antibacterial properties of the terpenes from essential oils
  • Characterization of the antibacterial properties of mushroom extracts
  • In vitro analysis of botanical extract compositions for measurement of cortisol production
  • Characterization of the anti-monkeypox activity of Sarracenia purpurea

Past Areas of Research

  • Characterization of a novel anti-poxviral botanical extract: implications as a counter-bioterrorism agent and treatment for emerging monkeypox virus infections.
  • Understanding variolation: the ancient Chinese method of vaccination against smallpox.
  • Evolutionary conservation of anti-poxvirus activity in carnivorous plant genera.
  • Characterization of botanicals with antiviral activity against emerging Zika virus infections.
  • Controlling the threat of herpes and ebola viruses: The mechanism of action and active constituents of Melissa Officinalis.
  • Development of bacterial resistance to antimicrobial botanicals.
  • Comparative anti-Staphylococcus aureus activity of commonly used botanical extracts.
  • Antimicrobial activity of aromatic constituents from essential oils.
  • Identification of botanicals with potential therapeutic use against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections.
  • The Plague: An investigation into the efficacy of historically therapeutic botanicals.
  • Mechanism of action of botanicals: Botanicals with anti-bacterial quinolone activity.
  • Mechanism of action of botanicals: Botanicals with anti-bacterial B-lactam activity.
  • Bacterial specificity of antibacterial botanicals based on cellular structure and improved efficacy with the addition of membrane permeabilizers.
  • Non-enzymatic anti-bacterial activity of honey based on floral origin.
  • Characterization of anti-Candida Albicans activity associated with botanical tinctures and oils.
  • Characterization of the in vivo and in vitro immune response related to the botanical, Astragalus Membranaceus and other immune modulatory botanicals
  • Characterization of immune cell receptors and signal transduction pathways involved in immune stimulation by Astragalus Membranaceus: role of bacterial lipopolysaccharides and lipoproteins.
  • Characterization of the activity of the Pitcher plant, Sarracenia Purpurea, against human papilloma virus and associated cancers.
  • Cancer killing potential of botanical plant and fungus extracts.
  • Characterization and identification of microbial contaminants in botanical tinctures.
  • Standardization of botanical extracts: activity assays vs. marker compounds.
  • Characterization of the anti-microbial activity associated with colloidal silver.
  • Efficacy of ozone in inhibiting microbial growth in relationship to human cell toxicity.
  • Screening of botanical extracts from North America and North Africa used traditionally for management of Type II Diabetes.