Finding beneficial compounds in tef seeds to fight oxidative stress.
Official title: Identification of bioactive compounds from tef (Eragrostis tef) seed extracts for antioxidant properties.
Funded at University of North Carolina Greensboro · NIH-10757652 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the healthy compounds in tef seeds, a gluten-free grain, to see how they can help protect our cells from damage that can lead to diseases like diabetes and heart problems, with the hope of finding new ways to boost our health through diet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Carolina Greensboro NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greensboro, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $145,500 |
| NIH project number | 5SC2GM144193-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10757652 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are interested in alternative medicine and improving their health through dietary changes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in dietary interventions or those who are not affected by oxidative stress-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the antioxidant properties of bioactive compounds found in tef seeds, a gluten-free grain rich in essential nutrients. The study aims to identify these compounds and assess their ability to protect cells from oxidative stress, which is linked to diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. By using physiologically relevant models, the research will explore how tef extracts can enhance cellular defenses against harmful reactive oxygen species. This could lead to new dietary strategies for improving health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new dietary options that help prevent diseases related to oxidative stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using natural food products to combat oxidative stress, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Carolina Greensboro
Greensboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Osena, Ayalew Ligaba — University of North Carolina Greensboro
- Study coordinator: Osena, Ayalew Ligaba
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.