Constituents of traditional medicinal plants of tropical origin, their interaction with nuclear receptor pahtways and resulting implications for health

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Günter Vollmer
• Co-Applicant: Dr. Dieudonné Njamen
• Subject Area: Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism
• Term: from 2008 to 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 70796938

The long term goal of the two laboratories is to contribute to the characterization of medicinal plant preparations traditionally used in Cameroon. In the primary investigations we focussed on those preparations used for the treatment of gynaecological problems. In in vitro assays we identified several extracts or single compounds derived thereof with interesting properties, which could at least in part be verified in animal models in vivo. Three results were particularly striking: a) a combined estrogenic and antidiabetic activity of an extract from Erythrina lysistemon, b) an almost pure and highly potent estrogen receptor-ß specific activity of Piceid from Guibourtia tessmannii, and c) a tissue selective mixed agonistic/antagonistic property of Griffonianone C from Milletia griffoniana. The major goal of the proposed project is to understand the molecular mechanism behind these activities. We will optimize extraction procedures for already know substances, will perform a bioassay guided fractionation of Erythrina lysistemon and ultimately characterize the biological activities of extracts and compounds in cell based in vitro assays and in pharmacological approaches in animal models. In conclusion, with this knowledge we aim to contribute to a better disease management through these traditional medicinal plants or chemically derived derivatives thereof.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Cameroon