Pharmacological Research Unit

We generally study various pharmacological activities of natural compounds that have potentials to be developed as medicinal and/or nutraceutical products. The experiments mostly conducted by using in vitro enzymatic and cell culture-based assays. Various cell lines are used to investigate the effects and mechanism of actions of those natural products. Current research interests include:

- Role of LDL and oxidized LDL on neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer’s)

- Neuroprotection of herbal plants against oxidative stress/beta-amyloid/oxidized-LDL

- Anti-obesity of vegetables and fruits evaluated by pancreatic lipase and lipid digestion inhibition

- Roles of GABA/GABA-receptor on adipogenesis and adipolysis processes

- Inhibition of natural product on alpha-glucosidase and glucose transport in intestinal cell culture

- Effect of natural compounds on insulin-resistance in cell culture model

- Clinical research studying safety and efficacy to silk protein

- Effects of plant extract on dopamine and NMDA receptors in animal brain