The MU Center for Phytonutrient and Phytochemical Studies is a comprehensive research program that investigates the molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals and phytonutrients in human disease. The Center fosters research to determine the safety and efficacy of botanicals or plants in the treatment of human disease. The Center’s current research investigates molecular mechanisms of the phytoestrogen and polyphenol actions in three human diseases: Cancer, Neurodegenerative disease and Immune-mediated abnormalities.

The Center focuses four primary research projects and four core units.

Prostate Cancer Research Project: "Is prostate tumor progression altered by phytonutrients?" examines the effect of phytoestrogens on prostate cancer in Estrogen Receptor (ER)-alpha and/or ER-beta KO mice in a TRAMP prostate cancer mouse model.

Immunity Research Project: "Phytoestrogens and innate immunity in ER-deficient mice" determines whether phytoestrogens act in the innate immune system via ER-alpha and/or ER-beta in SCID mice.

Botanical Identification Project: "Identification and characterization of botanicals" is a field guide to authentication of botanicals with primary emphasis on those used in food supplements.

Ischemia Research Project: "Neuroprotective effects of plant polyphenols against oxidative insults" examines alternative molecular mechanisms of phytoestrogens when considered as polyphenols in neurodegenerative disease.

Four Cores support these projects and coordinate research activities:

Administrative Core provides central management.

Plant Core grows and classifies authenticated botanicals for use by Center Projects.

Analytical Core assesses the purity of botanical ingredients from commercial and plant sources and measures the concentration of active ingredients in cell and animal experiments.

Animal/Nutrition Core breeds, treats with botanical ingredients, and supplies the necessary transgenic and non-transgenic animals.