Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements

photographer: Joe-Ann McCoy

Welcome to the Center for Research on  Botanical Dietary Supplements Website!  Iowa State University, in collaboration with the University of Iowa, is studying two of the most widely used botanical supplements, Echinacea and Hypericum (St. John's Wort).  The Botanical Center researches the genetic, developmental, and biochemical diversity of Echinacea and Hypericum species to advance the understanding of the main constituents that contribute to their bioactivity.  Currently, the primary objectives are to:

• Identify and mechanistically characterize the anti-viral activities found in Echinacea, Hypericum and Prunella species;

• Understand the balance between the anti- and pro-inflammatory activities of supplements derived from this genera;

• Investigate relationships between bioactive Echinacea and Hypericum constituents; and

• Assess effects of Echinacea and Hypericum on the TRPV1 ion channel.

The primary goal of these objectives is to improve our understanding of the factors that contribute to health benefits, and to optimize these supplements for study in future clinical trials. The former structure of the Center consisted of 4 Projects with 2 supporting Core areas and is now being revised to consist of 3 related Projects with 3 supporting Core areas. The revision is occurring due to considerable advancements in the understanding of botanical supplements. The Research link describes the renewal Project and Core summaries, objectives, goals and interrelationships.

The Center is funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS). 

Click to learn more about the Center and about the botanical supplements that we study.