NCCAM Research Centers Program Descriptions
On this page:
- Acupuncture
- Antioxidants
- Botanicals
- Chiropractic
- Energy Medicine
- Mind-Body Medicine
- Osteopathy
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture
Center of Excellence for the Neuroimaging of Acupuncture Effects on Human Brain Activity
Specialty: Acupuncture
Principal Investigator: Bruce Rosen, M.D., Ph.D.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Department of NMR/Radiology
149 13th St., Bldg 149 #2301
Charlestown, MA 02129
Description: This Center aims to increase understanding of the neural basis for the effects of acupuncture through the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging. The Center will test the hypothesis that acupuncture generates a widespread response in the brain, and that the brain's limbic system plays a central role in this response. This Center will also explore the neural basis of deqi, a unique acupuncture sensation that is considered essential to clinical efficacy in traditional Chinese acupuncture.
Antioxidants
Center of Excellence for Research on CAM Antioxidant Therapies
Specialty: Antioxidants
Principal Investigator: Balz Frei, Ph.D.
The Linus Pauling Institute
Oregon State University
571 Weniger Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331
Description: Using cell culture studies and relevant animal models, this Center will determine the molecular and cellular mechanisms of action and in vivo safety and efficacy of selected antioxidant therapies in aging, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease), and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). These goals will be accomplished through three highly interactive projects. Project 1 will investigate the hypothesis that metal chelators and dithiol compounds such as desferioxamine, EDTA, and lipoic acid, inhibit endothelial activation and, thus, atherosclerosis by preventing oxidative inactivation of redox-sensitive cellular signal transducers and subsequent induction of gene transcription by redox-sensitive transcription factors. Project 2 will determine the mechanisms of how lipoic acid improves transcriptional regulation of glutamylcysteine ligase gene expression and thus reverses the gene-related losses of cellular detoxication system. Project 3 will study the role of the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase, in the pathogenesis of ALS and how antioxidant therapies may modulate the progression of ALS through this enzyme.
Botanicals
Botanicals and Metabolic Syndrome
Principal Investigator: William Cefalu, M.D.
Institution: Louisiana State University Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA
Address:
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Division of Nutrition & Chronic Disease
6400 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
URL: brc.pbrc.edu/
Description: This center aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of specific, compelling hypotheses about the molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms by which botanicals (e.g., Artemisia, St. John's wort) may reduce the chance of developing conditions that often lead to metabolic syndrome and of developing metabolic syndrome itself. Metabolic syndrome, a grouping of risk factors that may develop into diabetes and heart disease, has been this center's focus since 2005.
Botanical Dietary Supplements for Women's Health
Principal Investigator: Norman Farnsworth, Ph.D.
Institution: University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
University of Illinois at Chicago
310 AOB, M/C 672
1737 West Polk Street
Chicago, IL 60612
Description: This center focuses on the safety of botanical dietary supplements that are widely available and used by women (e.g., black cohosh, licorice). The investigators will study the synergy of multi-component mixtures and the mechanisms of action, metabolism and pharmacokinetics, interactions with prescription drugs, and the impact of botanicals on endogenous estrogenic hormones.
Botanical Estrogens: Mechanisms, Dose and Target Tissues
Principal Investigator: William Helferich, Ph.D.
Institution: University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
Office of Sponsored Programs & Research Admin 1901 S. First Street, Suite A, MC-685 Champaign, Il 61820-7406
This center will address the safety, efficacy, and mechanism of action of botanical estrogens (e.g., wild yam, soy, dong quai) consumed by women. The center's projects will look at the biological effects of botanical estrogens on molecular mechanisms and cellular pathways, as well as their actions on bone, uterus, breast tissue, breast cancer metastasis, and cognition.
CAM as Countermeasures Against Infectious and Inflammatory Disease
Principal Investigator: Mark A. Jutila, Ph.D.
Address:Montana State University, Bozeman
309 Montana Hall
Bozeman, MT 59717
This center will study biologically based CAM therapies and their effects on immune system function in infectious and inflammatory diseases. One project focuses on effects of botanical extracts—from apple polyphenols, which are concentrated in apple skins, and from yamoa, which comes from the bark of an African gum tree—on white blood cells, using models of infection and inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. A second project examines two compounds in licorice root—glycyrrhizin and 18-glyrrhetinic acid—for their potential antiviral effects in models of influenza and small intestine infection. A third project will focus on bacterial products to see how they treat autoimmune diseases, like arthritis, which may also help build understanding of probiotics' action.
Center for Botanical Interaction Studies
Principal Investigator: Dennis Lubahn, Ph.D.
Institution: University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Partner Institutions: Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO
University Of Missouri-Columbia
310 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
This center will look at safety and efficacy of botanical dietary supplements (e.g., elderberry, garlic). The center's main emphasis will be on interactions among five pathways. Signaling pathways describe a group of molecules in a cell that work together to control one or more cell functions. After the first molecule in a pathway receives a signal, it activates another molecule. This process is repeated until the last molecule is activated and the cell function involved is carried out. The function can be normal or abnormal. The primary focus being antioxidant signaling and how it relates to other pathways and mechanisms of action in preventing prostate cancer and deterioration of nerve function, as well as in improving resistance to infectious diseases.
Center for CAM Research on Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases
Speciality: Botanicals
Principal Investigator: Prakash Nagarkatti, Ph.D.
University of South Carolina
School of Medicine
Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology
Columbia, SC 29208
Description: This center will focus on the effects of plant and herbal products on preventing or arresting inflammation in diseases caused by immune system breakdown. Using an animal model, researchers will investigate the mechanisms by which resveratrol, a compound found in the skin of red grapes, might aid in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The center will also examine anti-inflammatory mechanisms of the herb American ginseng in colitis and the actions of a compound from hemp in treating autoimmune hepatitis.
Center for Herbal Research on Colorectal Cancer
Principal Investigator: Chun-Su Yuan, M.D., Ph.D.
Address:University of Chicago
5801 S. Ellis Ave
Chicago, IL 60637
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Dr. Yuan and his colleagues will examine the anti-tumor effects of different preparations of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and notoginseng (Panax notoginseng). They will seek to learn more, through laboratory and animal studies, about how these traditionally used botanicals act upon cellular and molecular pathways involved in cancer.
Center for Phytomedicine Research
Specialty: Botanicals
Principal Investigator: Barbara N. Timmermann, Ph.D.
Address:
Arizona Center for Phytomedicine Research
University of Arizona College of Pharmacy
1703 E. Mabel
P.O. Box 210207
Tucson, AZ 85721-0207
Description:
The Center will focus on three botanicals (ginger, turmeric, and boswellia) widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Ayurveda, a medical system primarily practiced in India for 5,000 years, includes diet and herbal remedies, while emphasizing the body, mind, and spirit in disease prevention and treatment. The UA researchers propose to identify the active constituents of these three herbs and study their pharmacological activity. This research will lead to clinical studies of arthritis and other chronic inflammatory conditions, including respiratory diseases such as asthma. The UA group is recognized for their work in natural products chemistry research. It is anticipated that their future research efforts also will be important to the field of complementary and alternative medicine.
The International Center for Indigenous Phytotherapy Studies: HIV/AIDS, Secondary Infections and Immune Modulation
Specialty: Phytotherapy
Principal Investigator: William Folk, Ph.D.
University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine
MA 202 Medical Sciences Building
Columbia, MO 65211
This center will study the safety and efficacy of traditional African plant-based therapies already in wide-spread use for HIV/AIDS and some of its secondary infections. Researchers will conduct a small clinical trial using sutherlandia (Lessertia frutescens) in adults with HIV and conduct preclinical and clinical research with African wormwood (Artemisia afra), which is used by traditional healers for treatment of many conditions seen in people with HIV/AIDS.
More information about specific international centers
Protective Roles of Grape-Derived Polyphenols in Alzheimer's Disease
Specialty: Botanicals
Principal Investigator: Giulio Maria Pasinetti, M.D., Ph.D.
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Department of Psychiatry
One Gustave L Levy Place
Box 1230
New York, NY 10029
Description:This center will conduct preclinical studies to identify natural compounds extracted from grapes, known as polyphenols that might have a protective role in Alzheimer's disease. Using an animal model, the research team will then investigate the biological mechanisms by which these grape-derived compounds may affect changes in the brain that are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and associated with cognitive decline.
Trametes Versicolor-Induced Immunopotentiation
Specialty: Botanicals
Principal Investigator: Joel Slaton, M.D.
University of Minnesota
Center for Spirituality and Healing
420 Delaware Street, SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Description: This team will explore, at the laboratory, translational, and clinical research levels, the biological basis of the effects of mushroom extracts on the immune system's response to tumors, and the feasibility of using the extracts for both cancer therapy and reduction of radiation therapy side effects. This developmental center will synergize the University of Minnesota's tradition of conventional biomedical research with Bastyr's expertise in naturopathy and traditional Oriental medical systems.
UCLA Center for Excellence in Pancreatic Diseases
Specialty: Botanicals
Principal Investigator: Vay Liang Go, M.D.
University of California, Los Angeles
Division of Digestive Diseases
900 Veteran Avenue, Warren Hall, Room 13-146
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1786
Description: This center will study plant-derived compounds found in a variety of dietary and herbal supplements and traditional herbal medicines, including antioxidants such as curcumin (a component of the spice turmeric) and lycopene (the component that gives tomatoes their color), and preparations of green tea and Scutellaria baicalensis (a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine). Using animal models, the investigators will study the mechanisms and effects of these plant compounds on the prevention and/or treatment of pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
The Wake Forest Center for Botanical Lipids and Inflammatory Disease Prevention
Principal Investigator: Floyd Chilton, III, Ph.D.
Institution: Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Department of Physiological & Pharmacology
Medical Center Blvd
Winston-Salem, NC 27157
Description: The goal of this center is to delineate the molecular mechanisms by which botanical oils, such as borage oil, may prevent or affect disease (cardiovascular disease, asthma and metabolic syndrome) while focusing on immunity and inflammation. The center will also examine the influence of genetic differences in the metabolism of botanicals to determine the populations where they are most likely to be effective.
Chiropractic
Developmental Center for Clinical and Translational Science
Specialty: Chiropractic
Principal Investigator: Christine Goertz, D.C., Ph.D.
Palmer College of Chiropractic
1000 Brady Street
Davenport, IA 52803
URL: www.palmer.edu
Description: The purpose of this Developmental Center is to build our expertise in clinical research and to serve as the focal point to strengthen and enhance our established and evolving relationships with conventional institutions and thereby facilitate three synergistic and novel research projects. The central scientific theme is to evaluate non-rotary chiropractic spinal manipulation (SM) for cervical spine and related dysfunctions. The long range importance of this approach is that it provides valuable information for understanding the appropriate clinical role of spinal manipulation in our evolving health care system. We will also contribute to the development of models for the rigorous conduct of clinical and translational research involving manipulative techniques. Project 1 is a phase II study looking at the effect of upper cervical manipulation techniques in lowering blood pressure in patients with Stage I hypertension. Project 2 is a study investigating the effect of a mechanically assisted manipulative technique used for treating temporomandibular disorder. Project 3 is a study to develop and evaluate a sham manipulation in the cervical spine using both a clinical and a biomechanical component. Investigators will use pilot data to submit competitive grant applications to NIH, and will provide research training experiences for future CAM investigators. The ultimate goal of this Center is to create a translational research program in chiropractic.
Developmental Center for the Study of Mechanisms and Effects of Chiropractic Manipulation
Specialty: Chiropractic
Principal Investigator: Joel Pickar, D.C., Ph.D.
Consortial Center for Chiropractic Research
Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research
741 Brady Street
Davenport, IA 52803
URL: www.palmer.edu
Description: The long-range goal of this Developmental Center for Research on CAM is to improve understanding of the clinical role and mechanisms of action of chiropractic spinal manipulation. Three preclinical projects will explore the mechanisms underlying chiropractic manipulation, studying its biological effects on nerve regulation, biomechanics and joints, as well as its effects on behavior. A fourth project will explore variables that predict clinical effectiveness of spinal manipulation in patients with lower back pain. Investigators will use pilot data obtained with the support of this three-year award to submit competitive grant applications to the National Institutes of Health, and will provide research training experiences for future CAM investigators. The Center will build on the progress made at the NCCAM-supported Consortial Center for Chiropractic Research at Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research.
Energy Medicine
Center for Mechanisms Underlying Millimeter Wave Therapy
Specialty: Millimeter Wave Therapy
Principal Investigator: Marvin Ziskin, M.D.
Temple University Commonwealth
Center for Biomedical Physics
3420 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
This center will study the mechanisms of action of millimeter wave therapy (use of low-intensity millimeter wavelength electromagnetic waves) for a variety of diseases and conditions, as well as looking at the therapy's use in animal models of chronic neuropathic pain and pruritis (itching).
Fungi
Bastyr/UW Oncomycology Translational Research Center
Specialty: Fungi
Principal Investigator: Disis, Mary L.
Trametes versicolor is an immunologically active medicinal mushroom that is likely to improve the effectiveness of treatments for women with advanced breast cancer. We will investigate the effect of oral doses of PSK, a T. versicolor extract prescribed in Japan as a cancer drug, in augmenting the anticancer immune response in advanced breast cancer.
Mind-Body Medicine
Complementary/Alternative Medicine: Expectancy and Outcome
Specialty: Mind-Body Medicine
Principal Investigator: Barry Oken, M.D.
Oregon Health and Science University
Department Of Neurology
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road
Portland, OR 97239
Description: This collaboration will focus on defining and understanding patient expectation and other factors related to patient-provider interactions that produce desired biological effects. The long-term goal of the investigators is to develop strategies to maximize the benefits from these factors, improve clinical trial design, and gain insight into mechanisms underlying mind-body medicine. This new center will foster the existing relationships within a unique collaborative effort involving Oregon Health and Science University, the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, and Western States Chiropractic College.
Metabolic and Immunologic Effects of Meditation
Specialty: Meditation
Principal Investigator: Frederick M. Hecht, M.D.
University of California, San Francisco
3333 California Street, Suite 315
San Francisco, CA 94143-0962
Description: This center will study a program combining mindfulness meditation, mindful eating (the practice of awareness and attentiveness in the present moment while eating), and a diet and exercise program, for use in obesity and metabolic syndrome. They will test whether this program helps alter participants' hormonal responses to stress and helps enhance and maintain weight loss. Metabolic syndrome involves a cluster of abnormalities—including increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance—that increases one's risk for developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Wisconsin Center for the Neuroscience and Psychophysiology of Meditation
Specialty: Meditation
Principal Investigator: Richard J. Davidson, Ph.D.
University of Wisconsin, Madison
21 N. Park Street, Suite 6401
Madison, WI 53715-1218
Description: This center will examine the impact of two forms of meditation—loving-kindness/compassion meditation and mindfulness meditation—on the brain and body, focusing on the regulation of emotion and on emotional reactivity. Potential applications in health include biological and behavioral processes linked with emotions and/or stress, such as recurrent depression.
Osteopathic Medicine
Mechanisms of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Specialty: Osteopathic Medicine
Principal Investigator: Michael Smith, Ph.D.
University of North Texas Health Science Center
Department of Integrative Physiology
3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Description: This developmental center will conduct laboratory, animal, and patient studies of the mechanisms of action and efficacy of osteopathic manipulation. The collaboration between the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, and the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine will support three interrelated studies on the effects of osteopathic manipulation on the musculoskeletal system, on lymphatic fluid flow, edema and immune function, and on the sympathetic nervous system.
Systems Science Center for Musculoskeletal CAM Therapies
Principal Investigator: Cholewicki, Jacek Address:Dept. of Surgical Specialties
HOM College of Osteopathic Medicine
Michigan State University
B405 West Fee Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
This center will study osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) for low back pain (LBP) patients. Our preliminary studies suggest that OMT improves postural control in patients with non-specific LBP, who exhibit such impairments when tested with an unstable sitting task. We hypothesize that OMT targets impaired or altered function of the neuro-musculoskeletal system arising from a dysfunction in the muscle spindles. Therefore, we will apply a systems science approach to identify elements of the postural control system that change with the use of OMT. Aims of the study include: optimizing critical tasks for assessing neuromuscular control; identifying deficits in postural control and document the effects of OMT on postural control; look separately and more specifically at the behavior of reflex responses and muscle spindles. When completed, this project will deliver sensitive and objective clinical research tools that can model postural control, assess control capabilities, and identify control impairments. These tools will be useful in future clinical studies for characterizing motor control impairments in LBP patients, for standardizing and optimizing CAM treatments aimed at neuro-musculo-skeletal disorders, and for monitoring treatment outcomes.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Center for Arthritis and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Specialty: Traditional Chinese Medicine
Principal Investigator: Brian Berman, M.D.
Kernan Hospital
Center for Integrative Medicine
2200 Kernan Drive
Baltimore, MD 21207
Description: This center will study traditional Chinese medicine approaches—acupuncture and herbs—for the treatment of arthritis. Researchers will conduct a clinical trial of an 11-herb Chinese formula (known as HLXL) for osteoarthritis of the knee; assess acupuncture's effect on inflammatory pain in an animal model; and study the efficacy of HLXL in an animal model of autoimmune arthritis.
Functional Bowel Disorders in Chinese Medicine
Specialty: Traditional Chinese Medicine
Principal Investigator: Brian Berman, M.D.
Kernan Hospital
Center for Integrative Medicine
2200 Kernan Drive
Baltimore, MD 21207
Description: This center will conduct multidisciplinary research on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices-acupuncture and herbs—for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Researchers will study effects of acupuncture and a TCM herbal preparation in an animal model of IBS and conduct a preliminary study of the herbal preparation with IBS patients.
