Formulation and Nutrition Science |
 AREAS OF FOCUS |
| Nutraceuticals The term nutraceuticals was coined as a combination of both nutrition and pharmaceuticals. By definition it is a food or thereby part of which has either medical or health benefits either in the treatment or prevention of medical conditions. Herbal preparations commonly employed in Asian societies such as in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) other forms of complementary medicine may be considered as nutraceuticals. Our aim within the study of nutraceuticals is to tap on the vast repertoire of herbal medications and preparations as an avenue for further studies on its efficacy in the treatment of medically significant conditions, such as cancer. Cancer research Cancer is the uncontrolled proliferation of cells and has been attributed to be one of the leading causes of death in Singapore as well as in other developed countries. Whilst some progress in the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms behind the disease has made, some elements of the disease progression remain elusive. Our aim within the area of cancer research is to further elucidate the some of the key mechanisms involved in the progression of cancer which would lead to possible drug targets. This would be performed in association with the study on nutraceuticals and their anti cancer properties. We have adopted cell-based assay systems to discover and evaluate anti-cancer activities in botanicals, herbals and nutraceuticals. The anti-cancer activities assessed and studied are based on selective growth inhibitions, cell cycle perturbations, apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis and inhibition of metastases in cancer cell systems. These cell-based assays will also be used to study the mechanistic basis of anti-cancer activities. We are also trying to adopt the use of a model organism to study the multi-faceted potential of all botanically derived products. |
