Research Studies
Current Research Studies
A Comparative Effectiveness Trial of High-Quality Vitamin D3 Nutritional Supplements to Replete Serum Vitamin D
Principal Investigator: Ryan Bradley, ND
Project Period: Jan – Dec, 2010
The importance of vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease has gained increased attention in recent years. There is a need to determine what forms of vitamin D may be supplemented to correct vitamin D insufficiency and to elucidate possible mechanisms by which vitamin D sufficiency may decrease risk for developing diabetes. This randomized clinical trail will compare the effects of three different vitamin D supplements to correct insufficiency and will determine the effects of vitamin D repletion on the expression of the Klotho protein.
Feeding the Rainbow to Investigate Endothelial Dysfunction Protocol
Funded by Standard Process, Inc
Principal Investigator: Ryan Bradley
Project Period: 2009-2010
This project will evaluate the effects of carotenoid enrichment from food and supplements in healthy volunteers. We will also evaluate the effects of carotenoid-enrichment on biomarkers of human antioxidant capacity and acute oxidative stress-mediated endothelial dysfunction following a pro-inflammatory challenge meal. Changes in biomarkers of chronic, oxidative cardiometabolic risk will also be evaluated.
The Impacts of Yi Ren Qigong on Self-Care
Funded by the Institute of Qigong & Internal Alternative Medicine
Principal Investigator: Guan-Cheng Sun
Project Period: 2009 – 2010
The purpose of this project is to investigate the impacts of a specific style of Qigong, Yi Ren, on the practitioner's health and well-being. This will be achieved with a self-report questionnaire form.
Bastyr Integrated Oncology Research Center Prospective Outcomes Cleavage Creek Winery
Principal Investigator: Leanna Standish, PhD, ND, MS, LAc, FABNO
Project Period: 2008 – 2013
Bastyr University/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center collaborative study. Using information gathered at the new Integrative Oncology Research Clinic, Bastyr University will collaborate with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle on a controlled outcomes study. This study will compare the 'disease free survival' and quality of life in cancer patients who are treated in the Integrated Oncology Research Center to patients living in Washington State who do not include complementary, alternative or integrated therapies in their treatment plans. BIORC Information Page
Preclinical studies of CAM Botanicals and Iron Overload
Principal Investigator: Don Messner, PhD
Project Period: 2008 – 2013
This study investigates effects of turmeric and its components on liver damage and liver cancer caused by iron overload. It is a laboratory based project that makes use of cell culture and mouse models of human disease. It includes genomic and proteomic approaches to identify biomarkers of turmeric action through collaboration between investigators at Bastyr University, the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
Mechanisms of PSK Enhancement of Docetaxel in a Xenograft of Human Prostate Cancer
Principal Investigator: Cynthia Wenner, PhD
Project Period: 2008 – 2009
The objective of this study is to better understand the mechanisms of polysaccharide krestin, an extract of mushroom Trametes versicolor, enhancement of docetaxel for the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) to lay the groundwork for a Phase I dose escalation trial in patients with HRPC.
Outcomes of Community Naturopathic Care for Type 2 Diabetes
Principal Investigator: Dan Cherkin (UW), Ryan Bradley (BU)
Project Period: 2008 – 2011
This study evaluates naturopathic care for type 2 diabetes patients.
Mechanisms of Immunomodulatory and Anti-tumor Actions of Polysaccharide Krestin
Principal Investigator: Mary Disis (UW), Co-Investigator: CA Wenner
Project Period: 2007 – 2011
Mushroom extracts have long been used in Asia as immunopotentiating agents. Previous studies have shown that ingestion of mushroom extracts can cause tumors to shrink or stop progressing in animal models of cancer and in cancer patients. However, how these agents induce anti-tumor effects is unknown. The proposed study will use the neutransgenic (neu-tg) mouse, a model of breast cancer, to study the effects of protein-bound polysaccharide Krestin (PSK), an extract from the woody mushroom Trametes versicolor, on anti-tumor immune responses. The goal of this study is to determine in the neu-tg model whether PSK induces an anti-tumor immune response, thus reversing immune suppressive effects of the tumor microenvironment.
Echinacea for Preventing Colds in Children, Subcontract with Child Health Institute
Principal Investigator: James Taylor (UW), Co-Investigator: Cynthia Wenner
Project Period: 2006 – 2009
An unexpected result of an earlier randomized controlled trial was that patients receiving Echinacea had fewer subsequent upper respiratory infections (URIs) during the 4-month study period than children who received placebo for treatment of acute symptoms. This study is designed to further delineate the potential efficacy of Echinacea in preventing URIs in children.
Naturopathic Physician Research Education Project
Principal Investigator: Jane Guiltinan, ND
Project Period: 2006 – 2010
The specific aims of this resubmission are to: (1) educate naturopathic medical students how to use an evidence-based approach to evaluate biomedical research literature and to apply this information in their clinical decision-making in practice; (2) Promote an evidence-based research culture among the faculty of Bastyr University’s School of Naturopathic Medicine; and (3) to increase research collaborations between Bastyr University and the University of Washington faculty.
Trametes versicolor-induced Immunopotentiation - Developmental Center for Research on CAM (University of Minnesota collaboration, Bastyr subcontractor)
Principal Investigator: J Slaton (U of MN), Co-investigator: CA Wenner
Project Period: 2004 – 2009
The objectives of this developmental 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. Three research projects are being conducted and are supported by three core facilities under this grant. Project one explores the immune modulatory effects of T. versicolor(Tv) extracts in a murine model (J. Slaton, PI). Project two is focused on defining the immune modulatory activities of distinct Tv preparations in vitro, as well as determining the ex vivo immunomodulatory activities of a commercially available Tv preparation in a placebo-controlled cross-over study in healthy humans (CA Wenner, PI). Project three is focused on determining the changes in immune parameters that occur in women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer, and determining the safety and tolerability of Tv in a Phase I dose-escalation trial in women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer.
Training in Complementary and Alternative Medical Research
Principal Investigator: Leanna Standish
Project Period: 2002 – 2012
This program will train 8 post-doctoral fellows, each up to a period of three years, plus thirty pre-doctoral fellows in CAM research. 18 Bastyr and other local university faculty members are training post- and pre-doctoral fellows.
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