Exploring how plant-based natural products can help in human health and disease
Official title: Computational Exploration of Plant Natural Products Bioactivity and Bioavailability in Human Health
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11103230 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how natural substances from plants, fungi, and bacteria can work better in treating health issues like cancer by using computer models to understand how they interact with our bodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $374,448 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155317-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103230 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancer or those interested in alternative therapies involving natural products.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cancer or those not interested in natural product therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between natural products derived from plants, fungi, and bacteria and their environments using computational modeling. By simulating nanoscale interactions, the project aims to enhance the effectiveness and bioavailability of these natural products in treating various health conditions, particularly cancer. The research focuses on existing compounds and their potential applications, such as evaluating the binding of lignin to human hormone receptors and exploring the membrane permeability of cancer treatment drugs. This approach could lead to new insights into how these natural products can be utilized in medical therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatments and better utilization of natural products in medicine.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in utilizing natural products for therapeutic purposes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vermaas, Joshua V. — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Vermaas, Joshua V.
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.