The focus of this research is the investigation of Trifolium pratense L. (Fabaceae) (TP; red clover) for use in women?s cardiovascular health. Red clover extract has been shown clinically to improve systemic Arterial compliance in women, and may reduce bone loss and plasma lipid and cholesterol levels. The major isoflavone components also appear to have selective estrogenic effects. Therefore, it seems prudent to investigate Trifolium pratense as a possible botanical supplement for augmenting women?s cardiovascular health. The purpose of this training grant is to educate the applicant in various identification and characterization techniques which have particular usefulness in the field of botanical supplements. These techniques will be applied to T. pratense and related species as case examples, and will include the following: 1) botanical identification via morphologic (light and scanning electron microscopy), genetic (RAPD-PCR), and LC-MS-MS methods, 2) Chemical identification and quantitation (via HPLC, TLC, LC-MS/MS, NMP) of biologically active compounds found via bioassay-guided fractionation, and optimization of extraction procedures with the intent of creating standardized extracts suitable for linical trials, 3) biological evaluation of estrogenic (Eralpha/Erbeta, Ishikawa assay) and cardiovascular (AT(1)/AT(2); from these interdisciplinary analyses will aid in the development of standardized botanical supplements for clinical trials.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31AT000804-02
Application #
6598505
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAT1-H (09))
Program Officer
Hopp, Craig
Project Start
2004-07-20
Project End
Budget Start
2002-07-20
Budget End
2003-07-19
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$32,474
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Illinois at Chicago
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Pharmacy
DUNS #
121911077
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60612
Booth, Nancy L; Overk, Cassia R; Yao, Ping et al. (2006) The chemical and biologic profile of a red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) phase II clinical extract. J Altern Complement Med 12:133-9
Booth, Nancy L; Piersen, Colleen E; Banuvar, Suzanne et al. (2006) Clinical studies of red clover (Trifolium pratense) dietary supplements in menopause: a literature review. Menopause 13:251-64
Booth, Nancy L; Nikolic, Dejan; van Breemen, Richard B et al. (2004) Confusion regarding anticoagulant coumarins in dietary supplements. Clin Pharmacol Ther 76:511-6