Exploring how natural compounds called terpenes can be created and used for health benefits.

Understanding and manipulating biosynthetic mechanisms for formation of terpenes relevant to human health

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-11136850

This study is exploring how certain natural compounds called terpenes can be created and used to develop new treatments that might help with health issues like cancer and inflammation, so patients could eventually benefit from these innovative therapies.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11136850 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the natural processes that produce terpenes and terpenoids, which are compounds known for their diverse biological activities, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. By using advanced computational chemistry techniques, the team aims to understand and manipulate these biosynthetic mechanisms to create new terpene-like compounds. Patients may benefit from the development of novel therapies derived from these compounds that could address various health conditions. The research employs a systematic approach to model and predict the behavior of these compounds in biological systems.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals suffering from conditions like cancer, chronic pain, or inflammatory diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to the biological activities of terpenes, such as purely genetic disorders without inflammatory or pain components, may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new therapeutic agents for a range of health issues, including pain relief and cancer treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in manipulating natural compounds for therapeutic use, indicating that this approach could yield significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

Davis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions anti-cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.