The University of Illinois at Chicago/National Institutes of Health Center for Botanical Dietary Supplements Research for Women's Health: from plant to clinical use.
The University of Illinois at Chicago/National Institutes of Health Center for Botanical Dietary Supplements Research began in 1999 with an emphasis on botanical dietary supplements for women's health. We have concentrated on plants that may improve women's health, especially to reduce hot flashes in menopausal women, alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and reduce persistent urinary tract infections. The primary focus of this article is to describe the operation of our center, from acquiring and identifying botanicals to isolating and identifying active constituents, to elucidating their mechanisms of action, and to conducting phase I and phase II clinical studies. Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa; syn Cimicifuga racemosa) has been used as a model to illustrate the steps involved in taking this plant from the field to clinical trials. Bioassays are described that were necessary to elucidate the pertinent biological studies of plant extracts and their mechanisms of action. We conclude that this type of research can only be successful with the use of a multidisciplinary approach.
Farnsworth
Norman R
NR
University of Illinois at Chicago/National Institutes of Health Center for Botanical Dietary Supplements Research, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. norman@uic.edu
Krause
Elizabeth C
EC
Bolton
Judy L
JL
Pauli
Guido F
GF
van Breemen
Richard B
RB
Graham
James G
JG
D001681:Biological Assay; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D031885:Cimicifuga; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois; D009316:National Institutes of Health (U.S.); D008517:Phytotherapy; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D016387:Women's Health
D028321:Plant Preparations