Research
Collaborations
Collaborations
Where Industry Meets Academia
AOR Supports Researchers
We strive to remain at the forefront in the discovery of new ingredients, as well as delivery and dosage forms. More importantly, we support the whole natural health product industry, since many research projects benefit the entire industry, not just AOR. This is part of AOR’s commitment to those who use natural health products to improve their lives.
AOR has invested heavily over the last 30 years in research by collaborating with universities, not only in Canada but worldwide.
Researchers from the University of Ulster in Belfast to the University of Sydney, approached AOR for their studies.
Collaborations with AOR may look like:
- Supplying finished product or ingredients
- Manufacturing study materials including placebo
- Industry support for grant applications
- Research internship opportunities
- Funding support
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Academic Institutions
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Albert Einstein Medical College
Albert Einstein Medical College
Collaborator: Dr. Brownlee, Albert Einstein Medical College
Research Summary: This clinical study aims to evaluate the effect of benfotiamine and R‐lipoic acid on blood glycating indices HbA1c, as a marker of diabetes.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical study
Bonutti Technologies
Bonutti Technologies
Collaborator: Dr. Peter Bonutti, Bonutti Technologies
Research Summary: Exploring novel venous thromboemboloic disease (VTED) prophylaxis for hip and knee arthroplasty, using novel nutraceutical formulations.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical study
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Collaborator: Dr. Dugald Seely, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.
Research Summary: This project is aimed at exploring the impact of advanced integrative care in a pilot clinical research trial, the TPOISE study (“Study”), entitled “Pioneering Pre‐ and Post‐Operative Integrative Care to Improve Thoracic Cancer Quality of Care: The Thoracic Peri‐Operative Integrative Surgical Care Evaluation (POISE) Trial ‐ Stage I.
Current Status: Ongoing
Stage: Clinical study
Cornell University
Cornell University
Collaborator: Dr. Gary Gibson, Weill Cornell School of Medicine, Cornell University
Research Summary: This project focused on the use of nutraceuticals in reducing the symptoms and/or progression of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Current Status: Ongoing
Stage: Clinical study
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
Collaborator: Dr. Shengmin Sang, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University.
Research Summary: Professor Shengmin Sang and his team have developed a patented process for isolating and extracting alkylresorcinols (ARs) which are phenolic lipids exclusively present in the outer parts of wheat and rye grains. AR’s have been proposed as specific dietary biomarkers of wholegrain wheat and rye intake. AOR has funded this study and is in the process of finalizing a clinical study to demonstrate health impact on IBD and colorectal cancer as well as diabetes and obesity. Alkylresorcinols may offer an alternate way of increasing the intake of all the benefits associated with whole‐grain intake especially in children and seniors.
Current Status: Complete
Stage: Pre-clinical study
Queen’s University
Queen’s University
Collaborator: Dr. John Muscedere, Queen’s University
Research Summary: Lactoferrin (LF), an 80‐kDa, multifunctional glycoprotein of the transferrin family, is distributed widely in humans particularly in secretions of exocrine glands and specific neutrophil granules. The highest concentrations of LF are found in breast milk and colostrum. As an important component of the human innate immune system, it has many appealing properties that may prove effective for the prevention of Nosocomial Infections (NIs). This clinical study evaluated the role of lactoferrin in the prevention of NIs in the critically ill.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical study
Rutgers University
Rutgers University
Collaborator: Dr. Qingrong Huang, Rutgers University
Research Summary: This project focused on the development of potent polymethoxylated flavonoids as hypocholesterolemic, antiobesity and anticancer agents.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Pre-clinical study
Collaborator: Dr. Qingrong Huang, Rutgers University
Research Summary: Bioavailability is a pressing problem not only with pharmaceuticals but also with natural health products. It is estimated that over 40% of all new drugs that are being developed have poor bioavailability. AOR has collaborated with Professor Qingrong Huang and his team to develop a number of delivery forms for improving bioavailability including formation of stable and effective micro and nano‐emulsions, solid lipid particles, organogels, self‐emulsifying nano drug delivery systems and other formulations.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Pre-clinical study
University College Dublin
University College Dublin
Collaborator: Dr. Michelle Clark, University College Dublin
Research Summary: Osteoporosis is a major public health problem among older adults. Given the significant healthcare costs of treating osteoporosis and its consequences, new strategies to maintain better bone health in older age are urgently needed. Vitamin D and calcium have well established preventive roles against osteoporosis, but other nutritional factors are emerging, with recent evidence suggesting important protective roles for folate and the metabolically related B vitamins. This study looked to evaluate the beneficial effects of B vitamins in older adults at‐risk of sub‐optimal B vitamin status (due to genetics/low dietary intake).
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical Study
University of Alberta
University of Alberta
Collaborator: Dr. Thava Vasanthan, University of Alberta
Research Summary: This study was aimed at developing a functional flour with low glycemic index, high fibre and low caloric content, as well as optimizing the conditions to produce natural molecules with anti‐hypertensive properties.
Current Status: Preliminary study complete
Stage: Pre-clinical study
Collaborator: Dr. Gurmeet Singh and Dr. Sean Bagshaw, University of Alberta
Research Summary: A randomized, double‐blind clinical trial to assess the role of glutamine in reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract in patients following cardiac surgery.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical study
Collaborator: Dr. Robert Ippolito, Agri-food Discovery Place, University of Alberta
Research Summary: Fermentation of buckwheat sprouts with specific lactobacillus bacteria has produced powerful anti‐hypertensive molecules that are even more potent than the prescription drug Captopril. AOR, along with Dr. Bob Ippolito and his team at AFDP, optimized conditions to produce commercial scale quantities of these natural molecules with antihypertensive properties.
Animal and human studies are being planned. This discovery will help formulate a natural health product that can effectively reduce blood pressure without the corresponding side‐effects.
Current Status: Ongoing
Stage: Pre-clinical study
Collaborator: Dr. Robert Lppolito, Agri-Food Discovery Place, University of Alberta.
Research Summary: The aim of this project is to develop an extraction method to isolate and produce large scale amounts of lunasin from legumes. The lunasin peptide have been shown to exert powerful anti‐carcinogenic effects in pre‐clinical models of prostate, breast and colorectal cancers. The successful completion of this project will enable human clinical trials to commence, as well as designing more effective formulations for commercialization. Another portion of this project includes the scale up production of bioactive extracts of dandelion root extracts, which have shown significant activity in pre‐clinical models of leukemia, breast and colorectal cancers.
Current Status: Ongoing
Stage: Pre-clinical study
Collaborator: Dr. Jerome Yager, University of Alberta
Research Summary: This project is focused on evaluating the effect of broccoli sprout supplementation in preventing perinatal brain injury in pregnant females. We expect that this project will give us access to further study the role of broccoli sprout supplementation on the gut microbiome in humans – AOR is already in conversation with Dr. Jens Walters, at the University of Alberta, to commence pre‐clinical studies on the microbiome of animal models.
Current Status: Ongoing
Stage: Pre-clinical and clinical studies
University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia
Collaborator: Dr. Aziz Ghahary, University of British Columbia
Research Summary: Fibrosis is a disorder belonging to a group of fibroproliferative conditions and is seen in different organs such as skin, liver, lung, kidney and arteries. It is estimated that approximately 40 % of all deaths in the United States are caused, in part, by fibroproliferative disorders. AOR was actively involved in developing and formulating a stable topical formula that delivered a novel antifibrogenic factor to improve the outcome of wound healing in burn patients and can be used as an anti‐scarring treatment for other conditions, such as auto‐immune conditions.
Current Status: Complete
Stage: Clinical study
University of Calgary
University of Calgary
Collaborator: Dr. Praasanth Chelikani, University of Calgary
Research Summary: This study was carried out to evaluate the role of various components of whey protein, in particular lactalbumin and lactoferrin in reducing food intake, promoting less fat and increasing lean mass, as well as improving glucose tolerance, decreasing plasma leptin, insulin and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide secretions. A sub‐section of this study also evaluated the combination of lactalbumin, lactoferrin and prebiotic fiber in synergistically producing greater weight loss and diabetic improvements.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Pre-clinical study
University of East Anglia
University of East Anglia
Collaborator: Dr. Christopher Low, University of East Anglia
Research Summary: This project focused on the developing antihomocysteine formulations and evaluating their effects on markers of cardiovascular diseases in humans.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical Study
University of Gambia & LSHTM
University of Gambia & LSHTM
Collaborator: Dr. Jobe Modou, University of Gambia and Dr. Andrew Prentice, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Research Summary: AOR supported the clinical study to evaluate the use of riboflavin in pregnancy models to counter high blood pressure associated with pregnancies. This particular study was looking to intervene in pregnant women with the MTHFR CT genotype, which is more common in the Gambian population.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical Study
University of Guelph
University of Guelph
Collaborator: Dr. Paul Spagnuolo, University of Guelph
Research Summary: Fatty acid oxidation (β‐oxidation) is altered in numerous disease states including obesity and diabetes. In these chronic diseases it is largely accepted that excessive fatty acid oxidation in muscle and liver mitochondria causes metabolic overload and inefficiency which drives obesity associated glucose intolerance and insulin insensitivity. Dr. Paul Spagnuolo and his team at the University of Guelph has determined that an avocado‐derived lipid is a potent inhibitor of fatty acid oxidation which safely causes weight loss in mice. AOR is funding this investigation and the clinical study is currently in the process of developing a supplement containing this lipid for diabetes and weight loss.
Current Status: Ongoing
Stage: Clinical Study
University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba
Collaborator: Dr. Rotimi Aluko, University of Manitoba
Research Summary: Hypertension affects over 25% of adults in North America. This can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure or vision problems. Many drugs control blood pressure by interfering with angiotensin or aldosterone. However, when these drugs are used chronically, the body increases renin production, which drives blood pressure up again. Using food grade enzymes and a patented process, this research project worked to obtain a product which can reduce blood pressure while maintaining healthy kidney function by decreasing the activity of a renin – Pea Protein Hydrosylate.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Pre-clinical study
Collaborator: Dr. Rotimi Aluko, University of Manitoba
Research Summary: Iron deficiency and the associated anemia continue to be a public health problem in the world with an estimated 3.5 billion people suffering from one form of iron‐deficiency problem or the other. There are negative symptoms associated with the use of inorganic iron supplements, so there is a need for alternative sources of iron. This project aimed to develop a proprietary process for extracting phyto‐ferritin to accommodate the needs of consumers who, for religious or ethical reasons, are unable to consume animal by‐products.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Pre-clinical study
University of Montréal
University of Montréal
Collaborator: Dr. Keith Barrington, University of Montréal
Research Summary: Neonatal sepsis is a worldwide public health problem, with higher incidence in the developing world. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, infections in the neonatal period remain a major cause of death in newborns. Lactoferrin (LF), a milk glycoprotein with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties, has the potential to prevent infections in young children. Dr. Keith Barrington and his team performed a Phase II clinical trial in neonates with AOR providing the clinical trial material.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical study
University of Sydney
University of Sydney
Collaborator: Dr. Michael Dibley, University of Sydney
Research Summary: Lactoferrin is expected to play a major role in immune health and especially in preventing neonatal injury and infection. This study is focused on evaluating the effect of bovine lactoferrin in reducing neonatal sepsis and mortality rates, as well as reducing anemia in women of reproductive age.
Current Status: Closed
Stage: Clinical study
University of Tennessee
University of Tennessee
Collaborator: Qixin Zhong, University of Tennessee
Research Summary: Vitamin D3 is currently sourced from wool oil during shearing of the sheep. Even though the animals are not killed to extract vitamin D3, nonetheless, the source is not considered to be vegan. So, there is a need for an alternative source of vitamin D3. A few papers published in Switzerland suggests that certain plants grown at high altitudes may be a source of vitamin D3. Professor Qixin Zhong at the University of Tennessee looked into isolating and determining content of vitamin D3 from various sources of plants.
Current Status: Complete
Stage: Pre-clinical study
University of Toronto
University of Toronto
Collaborator: Dr. Michael Sole and Dr. Kevin Kuo, University Health Network, University of Toronto
Research Summary: Iron plays an essential role in normal human physiology. It is not only a critical component of hemoglobin but also is important in many intracellular pathways. Surprisingly, there is no mechanism to modulate iron loss from the body ‐ thus iron absorption must be well controlled. Iron overload may be seen with excessive dietary ingestion. Taurine (2‐aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a unique amino acid derivative that is not involved in protein synthesis. Its administration has been shown to benefit the treatment of congestive heart failure, liver disease, skeletal muscle disorders and some complications associated with diabetes in animal models. This project aims to determine if taurine can play a role in reducing abnormal intracellular Ca2+ and Fe2+ flux to minimize oxidative and inflammatory damage caused by Fe2+ overload in cardiomyocytes and other tissues.
Current Status: Ongoing
Stage: Clinical study
Collaborator: Dr. Robert Casper, University of Toronto
Research Summary: This study evaluated the effect of coenzyme Q10 in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical study
University of Toronto/Sunnybrook Research Institute
University of Toronto/Sunnybrook Research Institute
Collaborator: Dr. Elizabeth Asztalos, University of Toronto/Sunnybrook Research Institute
Research Summary: Almost 3,000 very low birth weight (VLBW <1500g) preterm infants are born and treated in Canada annually and about 1,200 either die or survive with severe brain or lung injury. This study aims to evaluate the role of oral bovine lactoferrin in reducing the rate of mortality or major morbidity in VLBW preterm infants. This study is being carried out at multiple trial sites in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the United States.
Current Status: Ongoing
Stage: Clinical study
University of Ulster
University of Ulster
Collaborator: Dr. Helene McNulty, University of Ulster
Research Summary: Health impact, phenotypes and mechanisms of nutrient‐gene interactions and future development of personalized nutrition – this study was to determine the effect of riboflavin on blood pressure in individuals who are lacking a specific enzyme, whose function is to help the body utilize folate.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical Study
University of Victoria/Victoria General Hospital
University of Victoria/Victoria General Hospital
Collaborator: Dr. Patrick Macleod, University of Victoria/Victoria General Hospital
Research Summary: This project started with a case study to investigate the role of nutritional ingredients in various neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical (Case Study)
University of Windsor
University of Windsor
Collaborator: Dr. Siyaram Pandey, University of Windsor
Research Summary: This project aims to identify the role of dandelion root extract in various human cancers. Pre‐clinical studies have confirmed the safety and efficacy of dandelion roots against cancer models. The clinical safety and efficacy are currently being evaluated by Dr. Caroline Hamm and her team, at the Windsor Regional Cancer Center.
Current Status: On-going
Stage: Pre-clinical and clinical studies
Washington University School of Medicine
Washington University School of Medicine
Collaborator: Dr. Brian Gage, Washington University School of Medicine
Research Summary: This study evaluated the effect of vitamin K2 (MK‐4), Vitamin K Epoxide Reductase Complex (VKORC1, a key enzyme in the vitamin k cycle) Polymorphism and the incidence and treatment of osteoporotic fractures.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical study
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Health Conditions
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Anti-scarring
Anti-scarring
This project developed and formulated a topical formula to improve the healing process of burns and as an anti-scarring treatment for other conditions such as fibrosis. Collaborator: Dr. Aziz Ghahary, University of British Columbia
Blood Sugar/Diabetes
Blood Sugar/Diabetes
This study evaluated the effects of benfotiamine and R‐lipoic acid on blood glycating indices HbA1c, as a marker of diabetes. Collaborator: Dr. Brownlee, Albert Einstein Medical College
Bone Health
Bone Health
This study evaluated the effects of the various forms of vitamin K2 and Vitamin K Epoxide Reductase Complex (a key enzyme in the vitamin k cycle) as a treatment for osteoporotic fractures. Collaborator: Dr. Brian Gage, Washington University School of Medicine
This study explored novel venous thromboemboloic disease (VTED) prophylaxis in hip and knee arthroplasties, using novel nutraceutical formulations. Collaborator: Dr. Peter Bonutti, Bonutti Technologies
Cancer
Cancer
This project is exploring the impact of advanced integrative care in a pilot clinical research trial, the TPOISE study. Collaborator: Dr. Dugald Seely, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.
This study aims to identify the role of dandelion root extract in various human cancers. Collaborator: Dr. Siyaram Pandey, University of Windsor
Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular Health
This study analysed the effects that riboflavin has on blood pressure in regard to individuals lacking a specific enzyme that helps the body utilize folate. Collaborator: Dr. Helene McNulty, University of Ulster
This study evaluated the use of riboflavin as a measure to counter high blood pressure associated with pregnancy. Collaborator: Dr. Jobe Modou, University of Gambia and Dr. Andrew Prentice, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
This research project focused on using pea protein to reduce blood pressure while maintaining healthy kidney function by decreasing the activity of renin (an aspartic protease protein and enzyme secreted by the kidneys). Collaborator: Dr. Rotimi Aluko, University of Manitoba
This project aims to determine if taurine has a role in reducing the abnormal flux of calcium ions and ferrous ions to minimize oxidative and inflammatory damage caused by an iron level overload in heart muscle cells and other tissues. Collaborator: Dr. Michael Sole and Dr. Kevin Kuo, University Health Network, University of Toronto
This project focused on developing formulations to reduce homocysteine (an amino acid) and evaluated the effects on the common markers of cardiovascular diseases. Collaborator: Dr. Christopher Low, University of East Anglia
Cognition/Neurological Health
Cognition/Neurological Health
This study investigated the role of nutritional ingredients in various neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. Collaborator: Dr. Patrick Macleod, University of Victoria/Victoria General Hospital
This project is focusing on the effects of broccoli sprout supplementation in preventing perinatal brain injury in pregnant females. Collaborator: Dr. Jerome Yager, University of Alberta
This project focused on the use of nutraceuticals in reducing the symptoms and/or progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. Collaborator: Dr. Gary Gibson, Weill Cornell School of Medicine, Cornell University
Drug Delivery Systems
Drug Delivery Systems
This study examined methods for improving bioavailability through a variety of drug delivery systems and formulations. Collaborator: Dr. Qingrong Huang, Rutgers University
Extraction and Scale up Production Methods
Extraction and Scale up Production Methods
This study aims to scale up the production of fermented buckwheat, which can then be used to formulate a natural health product that can effectively reduce blood pressure without side‐effects. Collaborator: Dr. Robert Ippolito, Agri-food Discovery Place, University of Alberta
This study is developing an extraction method to isolate and produce large scale amounts of lunasin from legumes, which has shown to have anti-carcinogenic effects for prostate, breast and colorectal cancers. Collaborator: Dr. Robert Lppolito, Agri-Food Discovery Place, University of Alberta.
This study investigated isolating and determining content of vitamin D3 from various sources of plants. Collaborator: Qixin Zhong, University of Tennessee
Immunity
Immunity
This clinical study evaluated the role of lactoferrin (a glycoprotein found in breast milk) in the prevention of nosocomial infections (ex. UTIs and respiratory pneumonia) in the critically ill. Collaborator: Dr. John Muscedere, Queen’s University
This study aims to evaluate the role of oral bovine lactoferrin (a glycoprotein found in breast milk) in reducing the rate of mortality, or major morbidity, in very low birth weight preterm infants. Collaborator: Dr. Elizabeth Asztalos, University of Toronto/Sunnybrook Research Institute
This study is evaluating the effect of bovine lactoferrin (a glycoprotein found in breast milk) in reducing neonatal sepsis, mortality rates and anemia in women of reproductive age. Collaborator: Dr. Michael Dibley, University of Sydney
This study tested the effects of Lactoferrin, a milk glycoprotein with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties, as a treatment for neonatal sepsis. Collaborator: Dr. Keith Barrington, University of Montréal
Inflammation/Gastrointestinal Health
Inflammation/Gastrointestinal Health
This study worked to create a flour with a low glycemic index, high fibre and low caloric content to optimize the production of molecules with anti-hypertensive properties. Collaborator: Dr. Thava Vasanthan, University of Alberta
This study focused on developing an extraction process for the phenolic lipids present in the outer parts of wheat and rye grains. In the next phase, the study will assess the health impact that these phenolic lipids have on IBD, colorectal cancer, diabetes and obesity. Collaborator: Dr. Shengmin Sang, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University.
This project aimed to develop a process for extracting an iron-protein complex found in plant chloroplasts in order to counter iron-deficiency. Collaborator: Dr. Rotimi Aluko, University of Manitoba
This clinical study assessed the use of glutamine in reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract in patients following cardiac surgery. Collaborator: Dr. Gurmeet Singh and Dr. Sean Bagshaw, University of Alberta
Metabolic Disorders/Health & Weight Loss
Metabolic Disorders/Health & Weight Loss
This study is investigating the effects of an avocado-derived lipid in regard to healthy weight loss, while simultaneously working on a process to develop a supplement containing this lipid for weight loss and diabetes. Collaborator: Dr. Paul Spagnuolo, University of Guelph
This study mainly evaluated the role of two components found in whey protein in reference to weight loss and diabetic improvement. Collaborator: Dr. Praasanth Chelikani, University of Calgary
This project focused on the development of potent polymethoxylated flavonoids as hypocholesterolemic, antiobesity and anticancer agents. Collaborator: Dr. Qingrong Huang, Rutgers University
Personalized Nutrition
Personalized Nutrition
This study evaluated the beneficial effects of B-vitamins in older adults who are at risk of low B-vitamin intake due to genetics and diet. Collaborator: Dr. Michelle Clark, University College Dublin
Women’s Health
Women’s Health
This study evaluated the effect of coenzyme Q10 in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization. Collaborator: Dr. Robert Casper, University of Toronto
Albert Einstein Medical College
Albert Einstein Medical College
Collaborator: Dr. Brownlee, Albert Einstein Medical College
Research Summary: This clinical study aims to evaluate the effect of benfotiamine and R‐lipoic acid on blood glycating indices HbA1c, as a marker of diabetes.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical study
Bonutti Technologies
Bonutti Technologies
Collaborator: Dr. Peter Bonutti, Bonutti Technologies
Research Summary: Exploring novel venous thromboemboloic disease (VTED) prophylaxis for hip and knee arthroplasty, using novel nutraceutical formulations.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical study
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Collaborator: Dr. Dugald Seely, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.
Research Summary: This project is aimed at exploring the impact of advanced integrative care in a pilot clinical research trial, the TPOISE study (“Study”), entitled “Pioneering Pre‐ and Post‐Operative Integrative Care to Improve Thoracic Cancer Quality of Care: The Thoracic Peri‐Operative Integrative Surgical Care Evaluation (POISE) Trial ‐ Stage I.
Current Status: Ongoing
Stage: Clinical study
Cornell University
Cornell University
Collaborator: Dr. Gary Gibson, Weill Cornell School of Medicine, Cornell University
Research Summary: This project focused on the use of nutraceuticals in reducing the symptoms and/or progression of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Current Status: Ongoing
Stage: Clinical study
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
Collaborator: Dr. Shengmin Sang, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University.
Research Summary: Professor Shengmin Sang and his team have developed a patented process for isolating and extracting alkylresorcinols (ARs) which are phenolic lipids exclusively present in the outer parts of wheat and rye grains. AR’s have been proposed as specific dietary biomarkers of wholegrain wheat and rye intake. AOR has funded this study and is in the process of finalizing a clinical study to demonstrate health impact on IBD and colorectal cancer as well as diabetes and obesity. Alkylresorcinols may offer an alternate way of increasing the intake of all the benefits associated with whole‐grain intake especially in children and seniors.
Current Status: Complete
Stage: Pre-clinical study
Queen’s University
Queen’s University
Collaborator: Dr. John Muscedere, Queen’s University
Research Summary: Lactoferrin (LF), an 80‐kDa, multifunctional glycoprotein of the transferrin family, is distributed widely in humans particularly in secretions of exocrine glands and specific neutrophil granules. The highest concentrations of LF are found in breast milk and colostrum. As an important component of the human innate immune system, it has many appealing properties that may prove effective for the prevention of Nosocomial Infections (NIs). This clinical study evaluated the role of lactoferrin in the prevention of NIs in the critically ill.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical study
Rutgers University
Rutgers University
Collaborator: Dr. Qingrong Huang, Rutgers University
Research Summary: This project focused on the development of potent polymethoxylated flavonoids as hypocholesterolemic, antiobesity and anticancer agents.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Pre-clinical study
Collaborator: Dr. Qingrong Huang, Rutgers University
Research Summary: Bioavailability is a pressing problem not only with pharmaceuticals but also with natural health products. It is estimated that over 40% of all new drugs that are being developed have poor bioavailability. AOR has collaborated with Professor Qingrong Huang and his team to develop a number of delivery forms for improving bioavailability including formation of stable and effective micro and nano‐emulsions, solid lipid particles, organogels, self‐emulsifying nano drug delivery systems and other formulations.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Pre-clinical study
University College Dublin
University College Dublin
Collaborator: Dr. Michelle Clark, University College Dublin
Research Summary: Osteoporosis is a major public health problem among older adults. Given the significant healthcare costs of treating osteoporosis and its consequences, new strategies to maintain better bone health in older age are urgently needed. Vitamin D and calcium have well established preventive roles against osteoporosis, but other nutritional factors are emerging, with recent evidence suggesting important protective roles for folate and the metabolically related B vitamins. This study looked to evaluate the beneficial effects of B vitamins in older adults at‐risk of sub‐optimal B vitamin status (due to genetics/low dietary intake).
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical Study
University of Alberta
University of Alberta
Collaborator: Dr. Thava Vasanthan, University of Alberta
Research Summary: This study was aimed at developing a functional flour with low glycemic index, high fibre and low caloric content, as well as optimizing the conditions to produce natural molecules with anti‐hypertensive properties.
Current Status: Preliminary study complete
Stage: Pre-clinical study
Collaborator: Dr. Gurmeet Singh and Dr. Sean Bagshaw, University of Alberta
Research Summary: A randomized, double‐blind clinical trial to assess the role of glutamine in reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract in patients following cardiac surgery.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical study
Collaborator: Dr. Robert Ippolito, Agri-food Discovery Place, University of Alberta
Research Summary: Fermentation of buckwheat sprouts with specific lactobacillus bacteria has produced powerful anti‐hypertensive molecules that are even more potent than the prescription drug Captopril. AOR, along with Dr. Bob Ippolito and his team at AFDP, optimized conditions to produce commercial scale quantities of these natural molecules with antihypertensive properties.
Animal and human studies are being planned. This discovery will help formulate a natural health product that can effectively reduce blood pressure without the corresponding side‐effects.
Current Status: Ongoing
Stage: Pre-clinical study
Collaborator: Dr. Robert Lppolito, Agri-Food Discovery Place, University of Alberta.
Research Summary: The aim of this project is to develop an extraction method to isolate and produce large scale amounts of lunasin from legumes. The lunasin peptide have been shown to exert powerful anti‐carcinogenic effects in pre‐clinical models of prostate, breast and colorectal cancers. The successful completion of this project will enable human clinical trials to commence, as well as designing more effective formulations for commercialization. Another portion of this project includes the scale up production of bioactive extracts of dandelion root extracts, which have shown significant activity in pre‐clinical models of leukemia, breast and colorectal cancers.
Current Status: Ongoing
Stage: Pre-clinical study
Collaborator: Dr. Jerome Yager, University of Alberta
Research Summary: This project is focused on evaluating the effect of broccoli sprout supplementation in preventing perinatal brain injury in pregnant females. We expect that this project will give us access to further study the role of broccoli sprout supplementation on the gut microbiome in humans – AOR is already in conversation with Dr. Jens Walters, at the University of Alberta, to commence pre‐clinical studies on the microbiome of animal models.
Current Status: Ongoing
Stage: Pre-clinical and clinical studies
University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia
Collaborator: Dr. Aziz Ghahary, University of British Columbia
Research Summary: Fibrosis is a disorder belonging to a group of fibroproliferative conditions and is seen in different organs such as skin, liver, lung, kidney and arteries. It is estimated that approximately 40 % of all deaths in the United States are caused, in part, by fibroproliferative disorders. AOR was actively involved in developing and formulating a stable topical formula that delivered a novel antifibrogenic factor to improve the outcome of wound healing in burn patients and can be used as an anti‐scarring treatment for other conditions, such as auto‐immune conditions.
Current Status: Complete
Stage: Clinical study
University of Calgary
University of Calgary
Collaborator: Dr. Praasanth Chelikani, University of Calgary
Research Summary: This study was carried out to evaluate the role of various components of whey protein, in particular lactalbumin and lactoferrin in reducing food intake, promoting less fat and increasing lean mass, as well as improving glucose tolerance, decreasing plasma leptin, insulin and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide secretions. A sub‐section of this study also evaluated the combination of lactalbumin, lactoferrin and prebiotic fiber in synergistically producing greater weight loss and diabetic improvements.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Pre-clinical study
University of East Anglia
University of East Anglia
Collaborator: Dr. Christopher Low, University of East Anglia
Research Summary: This project focused on the developing antihomocysteine formulations and evaluating their effects on markers of cardiovascular diseases in humans.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical Study
University of Gambia & LSHTM
University of Gambia & LSHTM
Collaborator: Dr. Jobe Modou, University of Gambia and Dr. Andrew Prentice, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Research Summary: AOR supported the clinical study to evaluate the use of riboflavin in pregnancy models to counter high blood pressure associated with pregnancies. This particular study was looking to intervene in pregnant women with the MTHFR CT genotype, which is more common in the Gambian population.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical Study
University of Guelph
University of Guelph
Collaborator: Dr. Paul Spagnuolo, University of Guelph
Research Summary: Fatty acid oxidation (β‐oxidation) is altered in numerous disease states including obesity and diabetes. In these chronic diseases it is largely accepted that excessive fatty acid oxidation in muscle and liver mitochondria causes metabolic overload and inefficiency which drives obesity associated glucose intolerance and insulin insensitivity. Dr. Paul Spagnuolo and his team at the University of Guelph has determined that an avocado‐derived lipid is a potent inhibitor of fatty acid oxidation which safely causes weight loss in mice. AOR is funding this investigation and the clinical study is currently in the process of developing a supplement containing this lipid for diabetes and weight loss.
Current Status: Ongoing
Stage: Clinical Study
University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba
Collaborator: Dr. Rotimi Aluko, University of Manitoba
Research Summary: Hypertension affects over 25% of adults in North America. This can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure or vision problems. Many drugs control blood pressure by interfering with angiotensin or aldosterone. However, when these drugs are used chronically, the body increases renin production, which drives blood pressure up again. Using food grade enzymes and a patented process, this research project worked to obtain a product which can reduce blood pressure while maintaining healthy kidney function by decreasing the activity of a renin – Pea Protein Hydrosylate.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Pre-clinical study
Collaborator: Dr. Rotimi Aluko, University of Manitoba
Research Summary: Iron deficiency and the associated anemia continue to be a public health problem in the world with an estimated 3.5 billion people suffering from one form of iron‐deficiency problem or the other. There are negative symptoms associated with the use of inorganic iron supplements, so there is a need for alternative sources of iron. This project aimed to develop a proprietary process for extracting phyto‐ferritin to accommodate the needs of consumers who, for religious or ethical reasons, are unable to consume animal by‐products.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Pre-clinical study
University of Montréal
University of Montréal
Collaborator: Dr. Keith Barrington, University of Montréal
Research Summary: Neonatal sepsis is a worldwide public health problem, with higher incidence in the developing world. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, infections in the neonatal period remain a major cause of death in newborns. Lactoferrin (LF), a milk glycoprotein with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties, has the potential to prevent infections in young children. Dr. Keith Barrington and his team performed a Phase II clinical trial in neonates with AOR providing the clinical trial material.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical study
University of Sydney
University of Sydney
Collaborator: Dr. Michael Dibley, University of Sydney
Research Summary: Lactoferrin is expected to play a major role in immune health and especially in preventing neonatal injury and infection. This study is focused on evaluating the effect of bovine lactoferrin in reducing neonatal sepsis and mortality rates, as well as reducing anemia in women of reproductive age.
Current Status: Closed
Stage: Clinical study
University of Tennessee
University of Tennessee
Collaborator: Qixin Zhong, University of Tennessee
Research Summary: Vitamin D3 is currently sourced from wool oil during shearing of the sheep. Even though the animals are not killed to extract vitamin D3, nonetheless, the source is not considered to be vegan. So, there is a need for an alternative source of vitamin D3. A few papers published in Switzerland suggests that certain plants grown at high altitudes may be a source of vitamin D3. Professor Qixin Zhong at the University of Tennessee looked into isolating and determining content of vitamin D3 from various sources of plants.
Current Status: Complete
Stage: Pre-clinical study
University of Toronto
University of Toronto
Collaborator: Dr. Michael Sole and Dr. Kevin Kuo, University Health Network, University of Toronto
Research Summary: Iron plays an essential role in normal human physiology. It is not only a critical component of hemoglobin but also is important in many intracellular pathways. Surprisingly, there is no mechanism to modulate iron loss from the body ‐ thus iron absorption must be well controlled. Iron overload may be seen with excessive dietary ingestion. Taurine (2‐aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a unique amino acid derivative that is not involved in protein synthesis. Its administration has been shown to benefit the treatment of congestive heart failure, liver disease, skeletal muscle disorders and some complications associated with diabetes in animal models. This project aims to determine if taurine can play a role in reducing abnormal intracellular Ca2+ and Fe2+ flux to minimize oxidative and inflammatory damage caused by Fe2+ overload in cardiomyocytes and other tissues.
Current Status: Ongoing
Stage: Clinical study
Collaborator: Dr. Robert Casper, University of Toronto
Research Summary: This study evaluated the effect of coenzyme Q10 in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical study
University of Toronto/Sunnybrook Research Institute
University of Toronto/Sunnybrook Research Institute
Collaborator: Dr. Elizabeth Asztalos, University of Toronto/Sunnybrook Research Institute
Research Summary: Almost 3,000 very low birth weight (VLBW <1500g) preterm infants are born and treated in Canada annually and about 1,200 either die or survive with severe brain or lung injury. This study aims to evaluate the role of oral bovine lactoferrin in reducing the rate of mortality or major morbidity in VLBW preterm infants. This study is being carried out at multiple trial sites in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the United States.
Current Status: Ongoing
Stage: Clinical study
University of Ulster
University of Ulster
Collaborator: Dr. Helene McNulty, University of Ulster
Research Summary: Health impact, phenotypes and mechanisms of nutrient‐gene interactions and future development of personalized nutrition – this study was to determine the effect of riboflavin on blood pressure in individuals who are lacking a specific enzyme, whose function is to help the body utilize folate.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical Study
University of Victoria/Victoria General Hospital
University of Victoria/Victoria General Hospital
Collaborator: Dr. Patrick Macleod, University of Victoria/Victoria General Hospital
Research Summary: This project started with a case study to investigate the role of nutritional ingredients in various neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical (Case Study)
University of Windsor
University of Windsor
Collaborator: Dr. Siyaram Pandey, University of Windsor
Research Summary: This project aims to identify the role of dandelion root extract in various human cancers. Pre‐clinical studies have confirmed the safety and efficacy of dandelion roots against cancer models. The clinical safety and efficacy are currently being evaluated by Dr. Caroline Hamm and her team, at the Windsor Regional Cancer Center.
Current Status: On-going
Stage: Pre-clinical and clinical studies
Washington University School of Medicine
Washington University School of Medicine
Collaborator: Dr. Brian Gage, Washington University School of Medicine
Research Summary: This study evaluated the effect of vitamin K2 (MK‐4), Vitamin K Epoxide Reductase Complex (VKORC1, a key enzyme in the vitamin k cycle) Polymorphism and the incidence and treatment of osteoporotic fractures.
Current Status: Completed
Stage: Clinical study
Anti-scarring
Anti-scarring
This project developed and formulated a topical formula to improve the healing process of burns and as an anti-scarring treatment for other conditions such as fibrosis. Collaborator: Dr. Aziz Ghahary, University of British Columbia
Blood Sugar/Diabetes
Blood Sugar/Diabetes
This study evaluated the effects of benfotiamine and R‐lipoic acid on blood glycating indices HbA1c, as a marker of diabetes. Collaborator: Dr. Brownlee, Albert Einstein Medical College
Bone Health
Bone Health
This study evaluated the effects of the various forms of vitamin K2 and Vitamin K Epoxide Reductase Complex (a key enzyme in the vitamin k cycle) as a treatment for osteoporotic fractures. Collaborator: Dr. Brian Gage, Washington University School of Medicine
This study explored novel venous thromboemboloic disease (VTED) prophylaxis in hip and knee arthroplasties, using novel nutraceutical formulations. Collaborator: Dr. Peter Bonutti, Bonutti Technologies
Cancer
Cancer
This project is exploring the impact of advanced integrative care in a pilot clinical research trial, the TPOISE study. Collaborator: Dr. Dugald Seely, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.
This study aims to identify the role of dandelion root extract in various human cancers. Collaborator: Dr. Siyaram Pandey, University of Windsor
Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular Health
This study analysed the effects that riboflavin has on blood pressure in regard to individuals lacking a specific enzyme that helps the body utilize folate. Collaborator: Dr. Helene McNulty, University of Ulster
This study evaluated the use of riboflavin as a measure to counter high blood pressure associated with pregnancy. Collaborator: Dr. Jobe Modou, University of Gambia and Dr. Andrew Prentice, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
This research project focused on using pea protein to reduce blood pressure while maintaining healthy kidney function by decreasing the activity of renin (an aspartic protease protein and enzyme secreted by the kidneys). Collaborator: Dr. Rotimi Aluko, University of Manitoba
This project aims to determine if taurine has a role in reducing the abnormal flux of calcium ions and ferrous ions to minimize oxidative and inflammatory damage caused by an iron level overload in heart muscle cells and other tissues. Collaborator: Dr. Michael Sole and Dr. Kevin Kuo, University Health Network, University of Toronto
This project focused on developing formulations to reduce homocysteine (an amino acid) and evaluated the effects on the common markers of cardiovascular diseases. Collaborator: Dr. Christopher Low, University of East Anglia
Cognition/Neurological Health
Cognition/Neurological Health
This study investigated the role of nutritional ingredients in various neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. Collaborator: Dr. Patrick Macleod, University of Victoria/Victoria General Hospital
This project is focusing on the effects of broccoli sprout supplementation in preventing perinatal brain injury in pregnant females. Collaborator: Dr. Jerome Yager, University of Alberta
This project focused on the use of nutraceuticals in reducing the symptoms and/or progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. Collaborator: Dr. Gary Gibson, Weill Cornell School of Medicine, Cornell University
Drug Delivery Systems
Drug Delivery Systems
This study examined methods for improving bioavailability through a variety of drug delivery systems and formulations. Collaborator: Dr. Qingrong Huang, Rutgers University
Extraction and Scale up Production Methods
Extraction and Scale up Production Methods
This study aims to scale up the production of fermented buckwheat, which can then be used to formulate a natural health product that can effectively reduce blood pressure without side‐effects. Collaborator: Dr. Robert Ippolito, Agri-food Discovery Place, University of Alberta
This study is developing an extraction method to isolate and produce large scale amounts of lunasin from legumes, which has shown to have anti-carcinogenic effects for prostate, breast and colorectal cancers. Collaborator: Dr. Robert Lppolito, Agri-Food Discovery Place, University of Alberta.
This study investigated isolating and determining content of vitamin D3 from various sources of plants. Collaborator: Qixin Zhong, University of Tennessee
Immunity
Immunity
This clinical study evaluated the role of lactoferrin (a glycoprotein found in breast milk) in the prevention of nosocomial infections (ex. UTIs and respiratory pneumonia) in the critically ill. Collaborator: Dr. John Muscedere, Queen’s University
This study aims to evaluate the role of oral bovine lactoferrin (a glycoprotein found in breast milk) in reducing the rate of mortality, or major morbidity, in very low birth weight preterm infants. Collaborator: Dr. Elizabeth Asztalos, University of Toronto/Sunnybrook Research Institute
This study is evaluating the effect of bovine lactoferrin (a glycoprotein found in breast milk) in reducing neonatal sepsis, mortality rates and anemia in women of reproductive age. Collaborator: Dr. Michael Dibley, University of Sydney
This study tested the effects of Lactoferrin, a milk glycoprotein with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties, as a treatment for neonatal sepsis. Collaborator: Dr. Keith Barrington, University of Montréal
Inflammation/Gastrointestinal Health
Inflammation/Gastrointestinal Health
This study worked to create a flour with a low glycemic index, high fibre and low caloric content to optimize the production of molecules with anti-hypertensive properties. Collaborator: Dr. Thava Vasanthan, University of Alberta
This study focused on developing an extraction process for the phenolic lipids present in the outer parts of wheat and rye grains. In the next phase, the study will assess the health impact that these phenolic lipids have on IBD, colorectal cancer, diabetes and obesity. Collaborator: Dr. Shengmin Sang, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University.
This project aimed to develop a process for extracting an iron-protein complex found in plant chloroplasts in order to counter iron-deficiency. Collaborator: Dr. Rotimi Aluko, University of Manitoba
This clinical study assessed the use of glutamine in reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract in patients following cardiac surgery. Collaborator: Dr. Gurmeet Singh and Dr. Sean Bagshaw, University of Alberta
Metabolic Disorders/Health & Weight Loss
Metabolic Disorders/Health & Weight Loss
This study is investigating the effects of an avocado-derived lipid in regard to healthy weight loss, while simultaneously working on a process to develop a supplement containing this lipid for weight loss and diabetes. Collaborator: Dr. Paul Spagnuolo, University of Guelph
This study mainly evaluated the role of two components found in whey protein in reference to weight loss and diabetic improvement. Collaborator: Dr. Praasanth Chelikani, University of Calgary
This project focused on the development of potent polymethoxylated flavonoids as hypocholesterolemic, antiobesity and anticancer agents. Collaborator: Dr. Qingrong Huang, Rutgers University
Personalized Nutrition
Personalized Nutrition
This study evaluated the beneficial effects of B-vitamins in older adults who are at risk of low B-vitamin intake due to genetics and diet. Collaborator: Dr. Michelle Clark, University College Dublin
Women’s Health
Women’s Health
This study evaluated the effect of coenzyme Q10 in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization. Collaborator: Dr. Robert Casper, University of Toronto
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