Developmental Centers for Research on CAM (DCRC)
(Bastyr University collaboration with University of Minnesota)
Joel Slaton, BS, MD, MSBS, Principal Investigator, Cynthia Wenner, PhD, Co-Investigator
Project Period: 09/15/04-08/31/07, NIH Funded
The objectives of this development 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.
Trametes Versicolor in Women w/Breast Cancer, CTRF
Leanna Standish, PI (Bastyr University)
Project Period: 09/15/04-08/31/07, Private Funding
This is a Phase II randomized-placebo controlled trial of a mushroom extract (Trametes versicolor or Tv) in women with early stage estrogen receptor-negative and progesterone receptor-negative breast cancer who have completed adjuvant radiation therapy. The primary study endpoint is immune recovery as measured by changes in natural killer cell activity. The secondary endpoints include phagocytic activity, cytokine levels (TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma), and self-reported quality of life/ fatigue scores using previously validated instruments. These data will help the investigators to determine us if Tv extract has promise as an immune therapy, and whether it might be helpful to fight fatigue in women after they finish conventional breast cancer treatment.
A Randomized Trial of CAM Comfort Care at the End of Life
(Bastyr University collaboration with University of Washington) Bill Lafferty, MD, Principal Investigator, Leanna Standish, ND, PhD, LAc, Co-Investigator
Project Period: 09/02/03-08/31/07, NIH Funded
This is a 4-year joint study between the University of Washington and Bastyr University. The long-term objective of this project is to improve the quality of patient dying and death by the appropriate use of CAM. Aim 1 is to test a prospective randomized controlled trial of guided meditation and massage therapy that will complement allopathic comfort care for persons with advanced cancer and AIDS.
Dietary Variety vs. Dietary Fat Effects on Energy Intake
Megan McCrory, PhD, Principal Investigator (Bastyr University)
Project Period: 09/15/03-07/31/06 NIH Funded
The goal of this research is to study the relative influence of eating patterns versus dietary fat percentage on energy intake in a 26-day experimental feeding trial in free-living volunteers in which food is provided. The project will quantify and compare the effects of typical ranges of variety and fat intakes in the American diet (based on U.S. national survey data) on voluntary energy intake. Healthy, weight stable men and women (n=64, aged 18-50 y, BMI 20-35 kg/m2) will be recruited.
Synergy in Immunomodulation by Spilanthes and Echinacea,
(Bastyr University collaboration with Univ. of North Carolina, Greensboro)
Nadja B. Cech, Principal Investigator, Cynthia Wenner, PhD, Co-Investigator
Project Period: 08/15/03-07/31/06 NIH Funded
This research will provide mechanistic information about the immunological activities of two botanical medicines widely employed as immune-enhancing agents. The mechanistic information gained from this work is expected to aid in the development of novel strategies for the use of plant medicines to treat or prevent diseases with immune-related causes.
Nutraceutix Probiotics Study
Sheryl Berman, PI (Bastyr University)
Project Period: 01/01/05 – 12/01/05 Private Funding
This pilot study proposes to examine a total cohort of 10 healthy adult volunteers, 5 male and 5 female. Each volunteer will take a probiotic supplement daily (three BIO-tractTM tablets before breakfast) for a total period of 8 weeks. Total daily dose of probiotic organisms will be a minimum of 2 billion cfu. Blood and saliva samples will be assessed for changes in immunologic markers, specifically NK cell activity, neutrophil and monocyte phagocytic activity levels and salivary IgA levels. These immune parameters will be assessed at baseline, as well as at weeks 3, 5 and 8. All samples will be collected at Bastyr University’s Kenmore campus. Volunteers will be paid a $100 stipend at the study’s conclusion.
Menopause Effects on Obesity, Energy Balance & Insulin,
(Bastyr University Collaboration with Pennington Biomedical Research Center)
Steven R. Smith, MD, Principal Investigator, Jennifer Lovejoy, Co-Investigator
Project Period: 09/01/03-08/31/05 NIH Funded
This observational study examines changes in body composition, energy intake and physical activity in a cohort of 160 perimenopausal women. Annual assessments will be conducted for 7 years to determine the impact of changing reproductive hormone concentrations on body fatness, fat distribution, energy balance and insulin resistance.
Telehealth Delivery of a Weight Loss Program in Diabetes
Jennifer Lovejoy, PhD, Principal Investigator (Bastyr University)
Project Period: 09/25/03-08/31/05 NIH Funded
The overall goal of this study is to explore the human engineering issues of a home-based telehealth system, Healthium, utilizing an interactive television system over a broadband connection. The project will demonstrate how a diet and exercise program can be conducted with patients in their home via a television set and using the TV remote control.
Siliphos in Hepatitis C
(Bastyr University collaboration with University of Washington)
Kris Kowdley, Principal Investigator, Leanna Standish, ND, PhD, LAc, Co-Investigator
Project Period: 07/01/02-04/30/05 NIH Funded
The aims of this study are to gather evidence for dose-dependent safety and tolerability of an oral silybinphosphatidylcholine phystosome (SiliphosTM) at three doses in subjects with chronic hepatitis C with stages II, III, and IV of liver fibrosis, effects will be measured by certain changes that occur during the 12-week treatment and the 4-week follow-up. This study will determine an optimal dose based on measured safety, tolerability and therapeutic effects for a future phase II randomized double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
A Phase I/II trial of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) in HIV+ Individuals Not Currently on HAART Medications
Jessica Leonard, Principal Investigator (Bastyr University)
Project Period: 09/27/04-open Faculty Research Seed Grant
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for the treatment of Lupus (SLE)
Jeff Novack, Principal Investigator (Bastyr University)
Project Period: 09/15/04-open Faculty Research Seed Grant
A Retrospective Chart Review Identifying the Evaluation and Treatment of Women With Hypertension at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health
Heather Greenlee, ND, MPH, Principal Investigator (Bastyr University)
Project Period: 12/12/03-open Faculty Research Project
Retrospective Chart Analysis of Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) Patients at Bastyr Center for Natural Health
Ryan Bradley, ND, Principal Investigator (Bastyr University)
Project Period: 11/14/03-open Faculty Research Project
Screening Mushrooms to Select Novel Chemopreventive or Chemotherapeutic Agents for Cancer
Yu-Huan Gu, PhD, Principal Investigator (Bastyr University)
Project Period: 02/26/03-open Faculty Research Seed Grant
Observational Prospective Health Monitoring Study of Members of the Uniao do Vegetal Church who use Hoasca Tea
Leanna Standish, ND, PhD, LAc, Principal Investigator (Bastyr University)
Project Period: 12/09/02-open Faculty Research Project
Anti-HIV and Immunomodulatory Properties of Chinese Herbs
Jessica Leonard, ND, PhD, Lac, Principal Investigator (Bastyr University)
Project Period: 11/04/02-open Faculty Research Seed Grant
Open Naturopathic Protocol for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Wendy Weber, ND, MPH, Principal Investigator (Bastyr University)
Project Period: 09/24/02-open Faculty Research Project