Research Projects
Exploring naturopathic therapies for the treatment of disease, SCNM researchers and students are turning research into treatments that improve patients’ lives.
1. Characterization of a Novel Anti-Viral (Herpes and Papilloma Virus) Herbal Extracts
The SCNM research team has taken the 50 botanicals most commonly used for the treatment of herpes infections and tested them for anti-viral activity in the laboratory environment. Based on results from these studies, researchers have created a formulation with the six most active botanicals to create a blend which appears to be effective at killing herpes viruses.
2. Alterations in Cellular Gene Expression in Response to Immuno-Modulatory Botanicals
SCNM researchers are working with botanicals to characterize how they alter the immune response, both in the laboratory and in human subjects. From this, one can evaluate what cells are activated by different botanicals and which genes are altered in expression. This allows a better understanding of what effects these botanicals will have on the immune system and if they are most effective against viral, bacterial or other pathogens.
3. Characterization of a Novel Anti-Poxviral Herbal Extract: Implications as a Counter Bioterrorism Agent and Treatment for Emerging Monkeypox Virus Infections
The research department at SCNM has rediscovered the effectiveness of a botanical discovered in the 1800’s with activity against smallpox. Using laboratory studies, researchers have demonstrated that this botanical inhibits viral replication of smallpox by blocking RNA synthesis.
4. Use of Botanicals as Adjuvants to Increase Safety and Efficacy of Vaccines
As a side project to the “characterize immune-modulatory botanicals project,” SCNM is investigating how these botanicals could increase the efficacy of vaccines by modulating the immune response. These results may support the use of botanicals during vaccination to decrease the incidence of side effects.
5. Characterization of the Anti-Microbial Activity Associated with
Colloidal Silver and Botanical Extracts
Colloidal silver was used to treat microbial infections long before the discovery of antibiotics. SCNM studies have demonstrated the spectrum of activity of colloidal silver towards different types of microbial infections.
6. Development of Bacterial Resistance to Anti-Microbial Botanicals
Antibiotic use has become difficult due to the significant increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Many botanicals have well-characterized antibacterial activity. SCNM researchers are investigating the rate at which bacteria can develop resistance to many of these botanicals.
