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NCCAM and ODS Co-Fund Five Botanical Research Centers
NIH News Release May 2005
Five dietary supplement research centers focusing on studies of botanical products have been jointly funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), both components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Research conducted by these centers will advance
... read more
Scientists to Study Actions of Botanical Oils Including Flaxseed and Borage
ImmuneSupport.com April 2005
Wake Forest University School of Medicine has received a $7.5 million grant from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) to open a research center to study dietary supplements ... read more
Institute of Medicine provides advice of benefits of eating seafood
Americans eat seafood in a variety of forms, but mixed messages have confused the public about the relative safety of eating seafood. A recent report from the Institute of Medicine provides advice on the relative cardiovascular benefits of eating fish vs the potential toxins that fish may contain. Read a summary of the original report here or read more of this article here.
Welcome to Articles for Everyday People
In this section we will present brief reviews and commentary on recent reports in the scientific literature and in the press. The goal of this section is to summarize, in lay language, the current scientific thoughts and debates on recent discoveries in dietary lipids, botanicals, and supplements. These topics will naturally intersect topics of nutrition, exercise, and inflammation. References are included to assist the reader who wishes to learn more about each of these topics or examine the original reports.
These articles are for information only, and should not be interpreted as endorsement of any particular product or dietary practice. Consult your physician before any use of dietary supplements (see FAQs for comments on potential side-effects of some botanicals or supplements). Other limitations apply; see our Website Access Agreement.
2nd Annual Symposium Scheduled for October - Call for Abstracts until Sept 7
2nd Annual Symposium Scheduled for October - Call for Abstracts until Sept 7
Recruiting Healthing Adult Volunteers for a Dietary Fatty Acid Research Study
8/17/2007
The Center for Botanical Lipids is recruiting healthy adult volunteers for a research study on the mechanisms by which borage oil and fish oil reduce inflammation. This study will take place at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
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Call For Abstracts to the 2nd Annual Symposium on Dietary Fatty Acids
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Center for Botanical Lipids scientist cited among “top breakthroughs” of the year
Wake Forest University School of Medicine - News Release, Dec. 2006
Larry Rudel, PhD, a Center for Botanical Lipids scientist and project leader, has been cited as having one of two research projects at Wake Forest University School of Medicine that were named "top breakthroughs of the year" by Discover magazine. The January 2007 issue of Discover credits Dr. Rudel with the No. 14 science breakthrough (No. 2 in Medicine) for his research linking dietary trans fatty acid intake with increased abdominal fat and with the correlated increased risks for diabetes and heart disease. Trans fats are man-made, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, popularly used in many commercial fryers, cookie and cracker production because of the stability and physical properties of the fats. Recent data from several studies demonstrating the ill effects of trans fats on human health has lead to increasing federal and state regulation on their use and has stimulated a search for healthy alternatives.
Read news release.
Read Discover article
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Analysis of macrophage-specific Abca1
July 2-7
What is an inflammatory disease?
Inflammatory diseases-- diseases where the body's own defense system turns against itself-- are growing in record numbers in the US and other western countries. Chronic inflammation is suspected or known to be a principle trigger for over 30 conditions and diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergies, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer's.
Is inflammation a bad thing?
Not all inflammation is necessarily bad. Inflammation is part of the body's normal immune function, which acts as a defense system against bacteria, viruses, tumor cells, and other conditions. Inflammatory diseases build on an imbalance of the immune response. The immune system may fire too quickly or too aggressively or both, or other checks and balances in the system may be altered by the disease process (genetics or environmental effects). The combined result is disease with a significant inflammatory component.
Medicines help people with inflammatory diseases like arthritis. Can medicine be replaced by diet?
By no means. Medicines are lifesavers for millions of people. Medicines relieve pain and restore quality of life for sufferers of a variety of inflammatory diseases. However, medications may not act for everyone, may act incompletely, and may carry unwanted side effects. There is not a complete drug solution for inflammatory diseases. Dietary lipids can impact the production of inflammatory mediators and impact disease progression and severity as shown in many of the cardiovascular studies. Diet is an integrative strategy, not an alternative one. Loosing weight, believe it or not, is another great way to fight inflammation.
Fish and plant oil supplements are natural products, but is there any harm in trying them on my own?
You need to check with your doctor before starting a regimen with dietary supplements. They could affect medications you are already taking. You need them in the right quantity and quality if they are to be effective. However, you can't go wrong by eating good foods.
What do you mean by the quality of the supplement?
The quality of dietary supplements is especially important, as they are often extracted from natural plant materials and could contain natural toxins or environmental contaminants. For our Center research projects, we verify the quality and quantities of chemical compounds in each research extract (see Projects - Core A). Manufacturers of commercial products can supply quality assurance data on their products. For more specific information on natural toxins in plant material extracts, see the excellent information at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
What is the main culprit in inflammatory disease?
A number of factors come together to cause inflammatory diseases. The dramatic influence of the increase in obesity, diets lacking in proper ratios of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids, lacking in fiber, and the lack of exercise in most Americans are among the contributing causes of inflammatory diseases. Of course, genetics and environment play a role, but dietary lipids can modulate the course of inflammatory diseases.
What is the main defense against inflammatory disease?
Many medicines (anti-inflammatory drugs) can help with the signs and symptoms of the disease. But changing the diet to eliminate the foods that can drive inflammation and add foods (such as omega-3 fatty acids) that reduces inflammation can be essential. The best documented examples of this are in cardiovascular diseases which are reduced in populations consuming fish (fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids which are rich sources of GLA and EPA).
Are there any cautions about the dietary supplement use of GLA or EPA?
GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) needs to be balanced with the proper amount of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Taking high levels of GLA without the right amount of EPA may lead to some of the GLA going being metabolized in the liver to form arachidonic acid (AA), a key inflammatory messenger. This could worsen inflammation.
Where can I look for more information?
There are many great places to learn more. This and other NIH Botanical Center sites will connect you to many of those places.
The Role of Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Vascular Biology, Vascular Inflammation, Hypertension, Dyslipidem
November 16th
Cholesterol Esterification in Heart Disease
November 8th
Fish in diet may help maintain heart rhythm
Reuters. Aug 16, 2006.
"Eating tuna or other broiled or baked fish appears to have a beneficial effect on the electrical system of the heart, which may help prevent life-threatening heart rhythm disorders, according to new reports." The mechanisms responsible for this association were unknown. However, evidence from animal studies has suggested a direct effect from fish oil intake on the hearts electrical circuitry.
... read more
The Office of Dietary Supplements Surveys Dietary Supplement Education at Nation’s Academic Institut
The ODS will survey dietary supplement education in the nation's academic institutions in the fall of 2006. The purpose is to evaluate the level and impact of focused instruction on dietary supplements that occurs in health-professional programs. This is part of an ODS initiative to expand the cadre of scientists qualified to execute research investigations on dietary supplements.
... read more
Ban on trans fats could lead to food fight
Associated press, Oct 2, 2006
Proposals in New York city proposal to ban use of unhealthy trans fats in restaurants has brought attention to a national fight over the safety of America's food supply. States and a few cities have been bold about mandating warning labels for potential hazards such as lead in candy, mercury in fish and pesticides in vegetables.
... read more
Alternative Therapies Big Business For Medical Schools
Winston Salem Journal August 2005
Researchers in field for education, not for money, a manager says ... read more
Fatty acid induced gene expression in humans
November 1-3rd
Trans Fatty Acids: Their Influence on Sugar and Fat in CHD
October 30-31
The Role of Dietary Fatty Acids in Prevention and Treatment of Inflammatory Disease
October 26th
A Practical Approach to Today’s Treatments for Dyslipidemia: Newly Diagnosed Patients
October 25th
Pilot Projects
A Pilot Project Program has been established by the NIH to facilitate continued growth of the core group of scientists and projects within the NCCAM and ODS Botanical Research Centers. For The Center for Botanical Lipids, the Pilot Project grants are solicited from within the Wake Forest University System and must be relevant to the Center theme and research goals (Dietary Botanical Lipid Supplements). Projects are encouraged to utilize the collaborative strengths of the four research programs and the lipid analytical core laboratory within the center. The primary purpose of this support is to attract promising investigators to the centers and provide an opportunity for them to generate sufficient preliminary data to enhance the submission of new applications for peer-reviewed research.
The first cycle of applications has been solicited, reviewed by the internal Pilot Grant Review Committee and approved by the External Advisory Committee of the Center for Botanical Lipids, with the approval of ODS and NCCAM. Eleven excellent research projects were submitted and reviewed, and two have been selected for funding for this first cycle of awards.
2006-2007
Charles Morrow, Ph.D. - Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Department of Biochemistry. Role of lipid composition on MRP1 function and response of cells to isothiocyanates chemopreventive agents.
Steve Messier, Ph.D. - Wake Forest University, Department of Health and Exercise Science. Fatty acids, Arthritis, and Inflammation in the Elderly (FAME).
2007-2008
Kylie Kavanagh, D.V.M. - Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Department of Pathology. Maternal consumption of natural botanical lipids are beneficial in in utero and neonatal programming of adult obesity and insulin resistance as compared to lipids in current western diets.
Qing Yang, M.D., Ph.D. - Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Department of Pediatrics/Neonatology. Omega-3 PUFA and Necrotizing Enterocolitis.
Internal Steering Committee
External Advisory Committee
The Latest Word on Low-Fat Diets
an analysis by Ski Chilton, Ph.D.
In early 2006, the Journal of the American Medical Association released a study that overturned much of the conventional wisdom about low-fat diets. The Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification Trial followed 48,835 post-menopausal women -- most of them overweight or obese -- for about eight years. Forty percent of the women (19,541) were instructed to decrease their consumption of fat and increase their consumption of vegetables, fruits and grains. Sixty percent of the women (29,294) were instructed to continue their usual eating habits. (1)
The Use of Dietary Flaxseed for the Prevention of Human Disease
by Kelly Weaver
Flaxseed (also called linseed) has been a part of the human and animal diet for thousands of years. It is the richest known plant source of omega-3 fatty acids - 58% of the total fat in flax is composed of alpha-linolenic acid (LNA); however, this fatty acid is a short chain omega-3 as opposed to the long chain omega 3s found in fish oil. A number of studies have shown that flaxseed does not replace fish oil in the diet because the conversion of LNA to the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil is very inefficient.
Use of dietary fish oils for the prevention and treatment of heart disease
an analysis by Ping Zhang, Ph.D.
Heart disease is still the number one killer in the United States and other Westernized societies. About half of the deaths from heart disease are from coronary heart disease (CHD), which includes heart attack. Heart attack happens when one or more of the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle are blocked. This is usually caused by the build up of plaques (deposits of fat-like substances), a process called atherosclerosis (2). One of the first approaches to treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease, is dietary intervention to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol intake.
What About Canned Fish?
an analysis by Ski Chilton
Canned tuna is the second only to shrimp as the most popular type of fish or shellfish in the United States. (The other top species, in descending order of popularity, are salmon, Pollack, catfish, tilapia, crab, cod, clams and flatfish.) Many people also love to eat canned mackerel and salmon. Canned fish has long been considered one of the healthiest food choices. We eat it in sandwiches, on salads and, sometimes, just straight out of the can.
How healthy are canned fish in terms of their contents of long chain omega-3 (such as eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) and long chain omega-6 fatty acids (such as arachidonic acid [AA])? Are there differences between "light" tuna and "white/albacore" tuna? Does it matter if the fish are canned in water or oil? Finally, do some canned fish contain more mercury than others?
A Large Study of Anti-Inflammatory Dietary Supplements Showed Positive Effects
an analysis by Ski Chilton, Ph.D.
Osteoarthritis is a huge problem that affects more than 50 million people in the United States alone. In early 2006, the National Institutes of Health released the results of the phase-three Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), which tested the efficacy and safety of the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, alone and in combination, for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. (1) The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in February 2006.
About What We Do & Our Goals
Annual Symposium on The Role of Dietary Fatty Acids in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disea
October 24th
Project 1: Mechanisms of Atherosclerosis Prevention by Flaxseed Oil
Project Leader: Lawrence Rudel, Ph.D.
Floyd (Ski) H. Chilton, III, Ph.D., Co-Investigator
John S. Parks, Ph.D., Co-Investigator
Iris Edwards, Ph.D. - Co-Investigator
Project 2- Echium oil, triglyceride metabolism, and atherosclerosis
Project Leader: John S. Parks, PhD
Perry L. Colvin, M.D., Co-Investigator
Floyd (Ski) H. Chilton, Ph.D., Co-Investigator
Ji-Young Lee, Ph.D., Co-Investigator
Lawrence L. Rudel, Ph.D., Co-Investigator
Amanda Wibley - predoctoral student
Lolita Forrest - predoctoral student
Project 3- Mechanism of Leukotriene Inhibition by a Borage Seed Oil Emulsion
Project Leader: Floyd (Ski) Chilton, Ph.D.
Scott Hemby, Ph.D., Co-Investigator
Jonathan A. Arm, M.D., Co-Investigator
Priscilla Ivester - Research Coordinator
Kelly Weaver - predoctoral student
Project 4- Treatment of Bronchial Asthma with Borage Seed Oil
Project Leader: Jonatham Arm, M.D.
Elliot Israel, M.D. - Co-Investigator
Lin Wang - Laboratory Technician
Regulation of Inflammation and Innate Immunity by Phospholipase A2
October 18th
Pilot Project Grants Deadline
October 16th
ACAT2 - The Source of Atherogenic Cholesteryl Esters
October 4&6th
The Role of ACAT2 in LDL Composition and Atherosclerosis
October 3rd
Use of mouse molecular genetics to understand the pathogenesis of Tangier disease
September 27th
The Role of Liver ABCA1 Transporter in Determining Tangier Disease Lipid Phenotype
September 20th
The role of dietary fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory disease
September 18th
The Central Role of ACAT2 in Atherosclerosis
September 13th
Monounsaturated Fats Do Not Protect Against Atherosclerosis: A Molecular Explanation
September 11th
CLA activates cell signals that cause human adipocyte delipidation” to the CBL monthly seminar
September 4th
CLA activates cell signals that cause human adipocyte delipidation
August 17th
Analysis of macrophage-specific Abca1 knockout mice
July 2-7
Floyd “Ski” Chilton, PhD
Lawrence L. Rudel, Ph.D.
John Parks, Ph.D.
James T. Stevens, Ph.D.
Natural Living
Diabetic Epidemic
Inflammation Epidemic