Finding plant-based compounds to relieve nerve pain
Official title: Identification of botanical hHv1 channel blockers as analgesics for neuropathic pain
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11097678 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain plant extracts might help block a channel in brain cells that causes nerve pain, with the hope of finding new and better ways to relieve pain for people who struggle with it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | June 8, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $429,919 |
| NIH project number | 4R33AT012544-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097678 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing neuropathic pain, particularly those who have not found relief with conventional analgesics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those who do not have neuropathic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain plant extracts can block a specific channel in brain cells that contributes to nerve pain. By screening various botanical compounds, the team aims to identify new potential medications that could alleviate neuropathic pain, which affects millions of people and is often resistant to current treatments. The approach involves high-throughput screening to find effective small-molecule blockers that can reduce inflammation and pain signals in the nervous system. If successful, this could lead to safer and more effective pain relief options for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new, effective treatments for patients suffering from neuropathic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using botanical compounds for pain relief, suggesting that this approach could yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Ruiming — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Ruiming
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic neuropathic pain in a new mechanistic trial
A study at Stanford tests whether a painless-sounding electrical nerve treatment helps people with long-standing neuropathic pain when added to standard care.
-
Keratinocytes and nerve pain in chemotherapy patients
A study tests a new approach to reduce painful nerve damage from chemotherapy by targeting skin cells called keratinocytes.
-
High-frequency brain stimulation for trigeminal neuropathic pain
A large, multi-site trial tests a non-invasive brain stimulation method to relieve chronic facial nerve pain for adults who have not found relief from other treatments.
-
Programmable lithium-delivery devices for pain relief without motor loss
A new bioelectronic system uses a safe lithium source and AI-powered control to deliver targeted pain relief for neuropathic pain, aiming to spare motor function.
-
Glial-nerve conversations in neuropathic pain and diabetes
This grant looks at how supportive brain and nerve cells communicate with pain-sensing neurons to understand and reduce chronic nerve pain in people.
-
Parmodulins with Low Abuse Potential for Neuropathic Pain
A new class of pain medicines called parmodulins is being studied to help people with nerve-pain pain without high abuse risk.
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.