Complementary Medicine

Main Research

Coriander / Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
Our objective is to study the antimicrobial activity of essential oils of aromatic and medicinal plants, e.g. of coriander/cilantro and others in order to exploit their potential as dermatological drug products.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
Our objective is the systematic study of the anti-adhesive properties of cranberries and cranberry extracts, e.g. of proanthocyanidines (PAC), against uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) endowed with different virulence factors towards uroepithelial cell layers.

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
Our objective is the systematic study of the antimicrobial properties of horseradish root, elucidation of the mode of action of its ingredients, i.e. isothiocyanates (ITC) by investigating the microbial genetics and protein expressions after ITC exposure. Determination of the direct antimicrobial activity of ITC against human pathogens causing upper and lower respiratory infections,as well as urinary  and device-associated . infections.

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
Our objective is the systematic study of the anti-infective and immunomodulatory properties of the mistletoe and its extracts, i.e. their stimulating effect on human white blood cells (leukocytes), i.e. phagocytosis, oxidative burst and intracellular killing.

Mistletoe (Viscum album)
Studies on anti-infective properties; Phagocytosis, oxidative burst, intracellular killing.

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Our objective is the systematic study of the antimicrobial properties of nasturtium, elucidation of the mode of action of the ingredients, i.e. isothiocyanates (ITC), by investigating the microbial genetics and protein expressions after ITC exposure. Determination of the direct antimicrobial activity of ITC against human pathogens causing upper and lower respiratory infections, as well as  urinary and device-associated infections.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Our objective is the systematic study of the anti-infective, immunomodulatory properties of the purple coneflower and its extracts, i.e. their stimulating effect on human T- and B-lymphocytes and the pro-inflammatory cytokine cascade.  

South African  Geranium (Pelargonium sidoides)
Our objective is the systematic study of the anti-infective, immunomodulatory properties of the South African geranium plant and its extracts, i.e. their stimulating effect on human white blood cells (leukocytes), i.e. phagocytosis, oxidative burst and intracellular killing.