Cornus officinalis extract to protect insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes
C. officinalis induction of Nrf2 inhibiting type 1 diabetes
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA · NIH-11243505
This project looks at whether a Cornus officinalis (traditional herbal) extract can boost antioxidant defenses via the Nrf2 pathway and protect insulin-producing beta cells for people with or at risk for type 1 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (TAMPA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11243505 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are exploring a plant extract (Cornus officinalis) that may turn on the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway to keep insulin-producing beta cells alive. They will test the extract in human-derived beta cell lines to measure antioxidant gene activation and cell survival, and then test feasibility and effects in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. The team will measure markers of oxidative stress, expression of protective antioxidant genes, and whether the extract reduces beta-cell loss. If those preclinical steps are promising, the work could lead to early human trials for people at high risk or with recent-onset type 1 diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal future candidates would be people at high risk for type 1 diabetes or those with recent-onset disease who still have remaining beta-cell function.
Not a fit: People with long-standing type 1 diabetes who have already lost most or all beta-cell function are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help preserve insulin-producing cells and slow or prevent progression of type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory work shows Cornus officinalis can activate Nrf2 and protect beta cells in cell lines and early animal work, but human effectiveness has not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
TAMPA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA — TAMPA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BURKHARDT, BRANT ROGER — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: BURKHARDT, BRANT ROGER
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases