Plants for Health Experts
Plants can serve as a source not only of nutrients but also of compounds that protect and enhance human health. These so-called secondary compounds — phytochemicals that aren’t directly involved in a plant’s normal growth, development or reproduction — help the plants protect and defend themselves and attract pollinators. When eaten, they can yield health benefits for the consumer. College scientists search for and identify such plant components in North Carolina and around the global. Also, through integrated research in metabolomics, biochemistry, pharmacogenomics, breeding and postharvest technology, they work to improve fruit and vegetable crops to counteract human disease, fight fatigue and enhance strength.
James Ballington
Professor
Horticultural Science
919-515-1214
[email protected]
Muscadine grape breeding and evaluation for phenolic content and antioxidant activity as well as other health benefits and quality traits
Allan Brown
Assistant Professor
Horticultural Science
704-250-5417
[email protected]
Investigation of the genetics and stability of secondary metabolites in fruits and vegetables that have known health effects
David Danehower
Professor
Crop Science
919-515-3567
[email protected]
Development of methods for analyzing the active principles in phyto-pharmaceutical crops; protocols for the germination, propagation and agronomic production of these plants; and nutraceuticals from tobacco
Jeanine Davis
Associate Professor
Horticultural Science
828-684-3562
[email protected]
Research and education programs related to the cultivation of native woodland botanicals with medicinal properties
Lisa Dean
Assistant Professor (USDA)
Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences
919-515-6312
[email protected]
Examination of peanut skins as source of natural antioxidant compounds for human health
Connie Fisk
Extension Associate
Horticultural Science
910-296-2143
[email protected]
Evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of bio-available phenolic compounds in grape cultivars
Keith Harris
Assistant Professor
Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences
919-513-2124
[email protected]
Investigation of functional properties of plant foods, including the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of flavonoids and related compounds
Scott Laster
Professor
Microbiology
919-515-7958
[email protected]
Evaluation of compounds from medicinal plants for their ability to prevent the growth of influenza and to offset symptoms associated with meningitis, periotonitis and endotoxemia; and research into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that trigger inflammation
Mary Ann Lila
Professor and Director, Plants for Human Health Institute
Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences
704-250-5407
[email protected]
Discovery and pre-clinical characterization of bioactive plant compounds with benefits for human health (hypoglycemic and adaptogenic properties and prophylaxis against malaria)
Joe-Ann McCoy
Germplasm Laboratory Director
Horticultural Science
828-665-2492
[email protected]
Development of N.C. Medicinal Germplasm Repository at the N.C. Arboretum
Dilip Panthee
Assistant Professor
Horticultural Science
828-654-8590
[email protected]
Tomato breeding, including evaluating for content of lycopene, an antioxidant with anti-cancer properties
Penelope Perkins-Veazie
Professor
Horticultural Science
704-250-5419
[email protected]
Post-harvest research into the quality and nutritional value of fruit and vegetable crops (lutein and citrulline in cucumber, antioxidant content of blackberry and raspberry and carotenoid profile of tomato and watermelon)
Sara Spayd
Professor
Horticultural Science
919-513-0772
[email protected]
Evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of bio-available phenolic compounds in grape cultivars
Todd Wehner
Professor and Assistant Department Head
Horticultural Science
919-515-363
[email protected]
Breeding watermelon for high lycopene, prolycopene and citrulline content; cantaloupe for resistance to food-borne pathogens; and cucumber for high lutein content
Deyu Xie
Assistant Professor
Plant Biology
919-515-2129
[email protected]
Isolation, structural identification, biosynthesis and metabolic engineering of plant flavonoids from medicinal plants and crops, including Artemisia annua for antimalarial drug; and finding sources for protection against and treatment of aging diseases and cancer
