Areas of Research at Helfgott Natural Therapies & the Immune System With a state-of-the-art research laboratory, Helfgott is wellequipped to study natural therapies and their effect on the immune system. To date, investigators have looked at the immunological effects of a range of botanicals, vitamins and naturopathic therapies. Highlights of this research include studies on Vitamin A, an Ayurvedic herb called Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a combination of purported immuneenhancing herbs including Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus, and Glycyrrhiza glabra, and the effects of hydrotherapy, the application of alternating hot and cold temperatures to the skin.
Cancer Cancer development and prognosis can be strongly influenced by nutrition, lifestyle and the environment. Investigators at Helfgott seek to develop innovative, holistic and effective strategies to address cancer prevention and treatment. In addition to investigating immune-enhancing botanicals and therapies, Helfgott also researches the effects of nutritional and mind-body therapies in relation to cancer. Studies in this area include the effect of cruciferous vegetables on estrogen metabolism and the use of relaxation and visualization therapy for breast cancer patients.
Psychophysiology Lab
Helfgott investigators and students are committed to researching natural approaches to women’s health issues. Projects include an investigation into an all-natural spermicide, a study on the herb Vitex agnus castus to treat female infertility, and a project on the effects of a strontium supplement on bone health. In addition, Helfgott postdoctoral fellows Carolyn Iacullo, ND, and Jill Edwards, ND, are launching a practice-based research network for naturopathic midwives. Women use natural medicine treatments more frequently than men and Helfgott researchers are working to expand the evidence base on these treatments to ensure that they are safe and effective.
The psychophysiology lab at Helfgott was established to study subtle physiologic changes that occur in response to a variety of natural medicine treatments. Helfgott researchers are able to measure heart rate variability, respiration rate, skin temperature, blood pressure, brain waves and other vital functions. Helfgott Senior Investigator Agatha Colbert, MD, and her team are looking to see if these objective outcome measures correlate with people’s subjective reports of improvement as indicators of response to meditation, neurofeedback, acupuncture, massage and other therapies. Current and past projects include evaluating neurofeedback for insomnia, determining the effects of meditation on heart rate variability and developing an instrument to measure skin impedance at various acupuncture and non-acupuncture points on the body.
Nutrition & Diabetes
Social Medicine
Chronic disease, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, is on the rise in the U.S., but effective ways to reverse this trend remain elusive. At Helfgott, studying nutritional and mind-body approaches to chronic illness is a strong focus of our research. Helfgott studies have looked at about the efficacy of weight loss methods and the expectancy effects associated with these methods. In addition, Helfgott investigators study a range of diets to determine possible effects on the cellular level and in clinical applications. These nutritional studies include investigations into effects of detoxification diets, cruciferous vegetable supplements and the naturopathic anti-inflammatory Diet’s effects on immune parameters in diabetics and pre-diabetics.
Several studies are under way at Helfgott to examine the cultural, societal, economic and environmental factors that play a role in health. Helfgott investigator Kim Tippens, ND, MSAOM, specializes in this area. She is focused on research to understand barriers to health care access and the establishment of accessible and effective preventive care for diverse communities. One of Dr. Tippens’ projects looks at community acupuncture clinics—a recent innovation designed to provide low-cost, acupuncture treatment in a group setting. Another study aims to determine the best integrative medical practices for diabetes care by understanding how different medical practices approach diabetes treatment.
Women’s Health
Helfgott Research Institute | 8