NATIVE EXTRACTS is UPPING THE ANTI on INFLAMMATION
Commencing a large-scale cell-based screening assay on over 30 Australian Native Cellular Extracts and EssenXces. The University of Queensland’s chosen Industry Partner, NATIVE EXTRACTS will examine inflammatory biomarkers and assess mechanisms of inflammation to determine bioactivity of Australian species that can lead to new evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
The University of Queensland’s Agri-Food Innovation Alliance (AFIA) Kickstarter grant program recently chose NATIVE EXTRACTS, 1 of only 7 industry partners, and the only partner in the plant extract sector, to support agricultural focused research projects. While the aim of this program is to boost local premium food and agriculture enterprises, this grant has a much greater meaning for the research we’re undertaking at NATIVE EXTRACTS, which will expand the value of Australian native species for the Cosmetic, Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical industries, and leverages our extensive library of phyto-compounds already achieved over the past 9 years.
NATIVE EXTRACTS IS SUPPORTED BY
In short, we have been chosen to examine various species and concentration formats of our Cellular Extracts and EssenXces for anti-inflammatory response. This will be a first stage study that looks at the mechanisms of inflammation and new knowledge on how native botanicals bioactivity performs. We are the only company in our field to receive funding, and will be working with the Pharmacy Faculty, Associate Professor Peter Cabot, to do what is looking like an unprecedented anti-inflammatory screening of Australian plant extracts. Leveraging our innovation and advances in harnessing the natural water-soluble entourage of phyto-compounds, and our latest breakthroughs in nutrient dense concentrations, these results will be important for future therapeutic interventions, while giving our brand partners, formulators, and research partners greater understanding of our ingredients and how they can further innovate from them.
Under Lisa Carroll’s sole ownership and direction since 2016, NATIVE has further expanded their range, technical team and advanced all protocols and processes as she evolves the business into an Australian Phyto-tech company and conscious manufacturer. Lisa Carroll, NATIVE EXTRACTS’ Director, explains the significant meaning this data will have for cosmetics, nutraceuticals and biopharmaceutical industry sectors for anti-inflammatory response, as well as creating enormous opportunities for growers, diversification and valuations of their crops, supporting the growth of our primary industry.
“Over 9 years of plant profiling, we’ve narrowed down a selection of 30+ targets to participate in this anti-inflammatory screening based on what we know about the phyto-compounds. As we begin the first round of this research project, we are excited to be recognized by UQ for the work that we do and to be considered a significant research partner. We’re already in discussions with large global industry groups for research on botanicals that can contribute to anti-inflammatory topical and ingestible applications, and this first phase of work will create significant information to drive further knowledge and more specific research projects with UQ. The next decade will see an explosion of natural compound research and an emergence of industry categories such as phyto-pharma, which will also contribute to enormous opportunities for our growers to scale for global demand and diversify their markets, promote greater inclusion of First Nation growers and attribute new value to their crops as we target high-value species to commercialise.”
- Lisa Carroll, NATIVE EXTRACTS Director
AUSTRALIAN NATIVES – NEW SOURCES OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES
There was very limited information available when NATIVE EXTRACTS embarked on its journey to share the data of unique Australian native species’ phyto-compound profiles, achieved through its revolutionizing extraction protocols and a focus on the entourage over isolation and purification. Australian natives are under-researched, and this extensive selection of diverse species provides an exciting opportunity to explore anti-inflammatory activity and therapeutic potential that exists within the Australian ecosystem.
GROWING OUR UNDERSTANDING OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES
In skincare, the use of anti-inflammatories is a commonly desired antidote for redness, infections, aging, puffiness, etc. But their importance extends far beyond the skin’s surface. Inflammation is a vital part of the immune system's response to injury and infection. It is the body's way of signaling the immune system to heal and repair damaged tissue, as well as defend itself against foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria.1
Severe inflammation might manifest as arthritis, heart disease, stroke, and even Alzheimer's disease. However, it’s important to understand that all inflammation is not detrimental. Inflammation does have an important role in how immune systems maintain a homeostatic safe and healthy body. Acute inflammation is how our bodies fight infection and heal; whereas chronic inflammation is persistent, which results in white blood cells attacking nearby healthy tissues and organs.2
Chronic inflammatory diseases are the most significant cause of death in the world. Worldwide, 3 of 5 people die due to chronic inflammatory diseases like stroke, chronic respiratory diseases, heart disorders, cancer, obesity, and diabetes.3
Through this research project, we hope to better understand anti-inflammatory activity and how they might be valuable in topical and ingestible applications. We already know there are multiple anti-inflammatory compounds in our Cellular Extracts, EssenXces and Essential Oil, but delving into each species’ profile will give us a new lens to view Australian Native species through. Especially as polyphenols and flavonoids gain increasing prominence due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,4 we look forward to working with UQ to offer the market more information on these species’ anti-inflammatory potential.
AN INTERVIEW WITH PETER CABOT
Why is it important to do research on new sources of botanicals to target inflammation?
Nature has provided (or has been the basis for) many of the molecules we currently use for treating inflammatory diseases, the scope of which is still largely unexplored. New sources may provide new alternatives and insights into novel mechanisms for controlling inflammation.
Why does this research primarily focus on Australian native species?
More than ever, with growing interest in Australia’s native botanical species, this research holds importance as Australian native flora is so uniquely diverse as it has evolved to meet challenges in a unique environment.
Why are you excited about this project and working with NATIVE EXTRACTS’ plant profiles (Cellular Extracts and EssenXces - phyto-compounds in their entourage)?
The array of sophisticated extracts are from an extensive and dynamic selection of diverse Australian native plants. This provides an exciting opportunity to explore anti-inflammatory activity and therapeutic potential that exists within the Australian ecosystem.
What will this research be used for?
Modulation of inflammatory markers is used both in the clinical setting, as well as in preclinical drug discovery for elucidating disease and the impacts of treatments.
How is this initial screening phase important for building knowledge on natural sources targeting inflammation for industry sectors such as Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals and Cosmeceuticals?
The cell-based screening assays in this study examine inflammatory biomarkers and as such are useful tools for assessing underlying impacts on inflammatory mechanisms, this is the first stage in determining bioactivity that can lead to evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Or a lay form. These studies will look at the mechanisms of inflammation and as such will be essential in providing evidence of potential therapeutic benefit.
What will be involved in the research – how will the extracts be screened?
The extracts will be screened using well established state of the art assays and analysis techniques for biomarkers predominant in inflammation. Cultured immune cells in an inflamed state will be exposed to extracts in a concentration dependent manner to assess their response on the biomarker release.
EXTRACTS OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY INTEREST: based on our early work
Contact us to learn more!
…and follow along as we release our findings from UQ’s lab over the study.
* We would like to extend our thanks to The University of Queensland for choosing NATIVE EXTRACTS as an Industry Partner, and the ability to work with Associate Professor Peter Cabot and his team. This information will be valuable for NATIVE EXTRACTS to expand projects with our Innovation Partners, and Growers. Learn more about the program at https://agriculture.uq.edu.au/research/groups/uq-agri-food-innovation-alliance
SOURCES:
1. https://www.livescience.com/52344-inflammation.html
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/playing-with-the-fire-of-inflammation
3. Pahwa R, Goyal A, Jialal I. Chronic Inflammation. [Updated 2021 Sep 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/
4. Ferreira MS, Magalhães MC, Oliveira R, Sousa-Lobo JM, Almeida IF. Trends in the Use of Botanicals in Anti-Aging Cosmetics. Molecules. 2021 Jun 11;26(12):3584. doi: 10.3390/molecules26123584. PMID: 34208257; PMCID: PMC8230945.