Evidence Based Research, Naturally

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.

 

Areas of Research

Antiviral Activity of Botanicals

Current Research

  • Characterization of the antiviral and immune modulatory effects of Echinacea purpurea and alkylamides.
  • Characterization of the anti-monkeypox activity of Sarracenia purpurea.
  • Isolation and identification of active anti-coronavirus compounds from Artemisia annua.
  • Isolation and identification of active anti-influenza compounds from Echinacea purpurea.
  • Isolation and identification of active anti-poxvirus compounds from Sarracenia purpurea.
  • Isolation and identification of the active anti-bacterial compounds from Larrea tridentata.

Past 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.
  • The Plague: An investigation into the efficacy of historically therapeutic botanicals.
  • Characterization of anti-Candida Albicans activity associated with botanical tinctures and oils.

Antibacterial Activity of Botanicals

Current Research

  • Characterization of the antibacterial properties of the terpenes from essential oils.
  • Characterization of the antibacterial properties of mushroom extracts.
  • Isolation and identification of the active anti-bacterial compounds from Larrea tridentata.

Past Research

  • 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.
  • 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.

Antifungal Activity of Botanicals

Past Research

  • Characterization of anti-Candida Albicans activity associated with botanical tinctures and oils.

Current Research

  • Characterization of the anti-inflammatory properties of bovine whey proteins.
  • Isolation and identification of active anti-inflammatory compounds from bovine whey solutions.
  • In vitro analysis of botanical extract compositions for measurement of cortisol production.

Past Research

  • 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.

Current Research

  • Evaluation of botanicals for canine wound healing.
  • Botanicals for the treatment of canine warts.
  • Botanicals for the treatment of canine, feline and equine herpes.

Current Research

  • Evaluation of botanicals for canine, feline and human wound healing.
  • Characterization of the anti-aging skin care properties of bovine IGF1/TGFB2.
  • Botanicals for the treatment of acne.
  • Botanicals for the treatment of herpes virus infections (cold sores and shingles).

Past Research

  • 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.

Current Research

  • Characterization of the effect of hemp extracts and cannabinoids on gene expression related to stress and anxiety.
  • In vitro characterization of Ashwagandha extracts related to stress, anxiety and sleep.
  • The in vitro effect of botanicals on neuroprotection and neuritogenesis.

Past Research

  • Characterization and identification of microbial contaminants in botanical tinctures.
  • Standardization of botanical extracts: activity assays vs. marker compounds.

Current Research

  • Characterization of the optimal medicinal activity of Larrea tridentata related to seasonal variations.
  • Characterization of botanicals for energy: regulation of ATP production and mitochondrial activity in vitro.
  • Characterization of botanicals which reduce and enhance cortisol production in vitro.
  • Isolation and identification of active analgesic compounds from Sarrracenia purpurea.

Past Research

  • 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.

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