HDR Candidates

Adele Cave

Effectiveness of a herbal and nutritional supplement on cognitive function in older adults with subjective cognitive complaints.

Between 25-50 per cent of the world's ageing population experience subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) such as frequent forgetfulness, difficulties concentrating, making decisions and thinking clearly. SCCs are also linked to an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease.

The aim of Adele's study is to test the efficacy of a herbal and nutritional supplement in a sample of older adults who report SCCs. The project is a six month trial which will test the effects of the supplement (compared to placebo) on cognition (CogState), mood, fatigue, electrophysiology and autonomic function.

Adele's project will be investigating an under researched area and will provide a greater understanding of the effects of complementary treatments on brain activity and mood. The outcomes of her study will hold great value to the general community, particularly those who are noticing a decline in their cognitive functioning.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Genevieve Steiner-Lim; Professor Dennis Chang; Professor Gerald Muench; Dr Frances De Blasio

Ahmad Al-Khazaleh

Mechanistic Study of Herbal Formulation Against Inflammation Through a Synergistic Approach.

Lymphoma is a major health burden worldwide and a major challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. The gut microbiota is composed of a wide variety of microbes, and abnormalities in its composition are associated with the development of lymphoma. A healthy gut microbiota produces microbial metabolites (GMM) that have been implicated in preventing the development of lymphoma. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), a type of GMM derived from dietary fibre fermentation, have been shown to promote regulatory T cell function, reduce inflammation, and prevent lymphoma development. Conversely, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) released during dysbiosis, a disruption of gut microbiota composition, can promote chronic inflammation and increase the risk of lymphoma.

This PhD project will investigate the role of gut microbiota and GMM in lymphoma and their potential therapeutic applications. This study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of GMM. In addition, this study will also investigate the potential synergistic effects of selected GMMs, their interactions with standard chemotherapeutic drugs and anticancer activity in vitro. Findings from this study may contribute to developing new preventive and therapeutic strategies for lymphoma based on the therapeutic potential of GMM.

Supervisors: Dr Deep Jyoti Bhuyan; Professor Dennis Chang; Professor Gerald Muench

Andrew Proudfoot

Endometriosis and Endocannabinoid System Modulation: optimizing cannabinoid medicine in an insurance medicine context for Australian patients.

Andrew's project's primary objective will be to examine, survey and understand the current experience and potential barriers to life, disability and trauma insurance access for women with endometriosis managing their disease both with and without cannabis.

The second objective will be to improve the access to life insurance associated financial advice, policy coverage, pricing and contract terms in this patient population across Australia and New Zealand via the development of tools and resources for endometriosis patients and insurer stakeholder groups designed to translationally improve the scientific and health economic understanding of (i) endometriosis and (ii) cannabinoid medicine in an insurance medicine and disease burden context given lack of up-to-date guidance in these areas.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Mike Armour; Dr Sarah Duffy

Danielle Howe

'Endo@Work: Co-Design and Evaluating Inclusive Workplace Policies to Support Symptom Management, Productivity, and Career Success for People with Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain'.

The Endo@Work project focuses on improving workplace experiences for people with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. Through co-design and evaluation, the research aims to develop inclusive policies and practices that support effective symptom management, enhance productivity, and foster career success. By addressing stigmas and workplace barriers, the project promotes education for compassionate leadership and equitable environments. The findings will inform practical guidelines and education initiatives, empowering both employees and employers to create healthier, more supportive workplaces for people managing chronic conditions.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Mike Armour; Dr Michelle O'Shea; Dr Sarah Duffy

LinkedIn

Dhevaksha Naidoo

The effects of residential health and wellness retreat experiences on health and wellbeing.

This project aims to evaluate what measurable impact virtual retreat programs might have on resilience and coping during periods of crisis. The study will measure changes in resilience for virtual retreat participants using the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale, changes in coping for retreat participants using the Brief-Cope questionnaire, and collect saliva samples for telemore length analysis. A qualitative evaluation will also be conducted via semi-structured telephone interviews with retreat participants.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Carolyn Ee; Emeritus Professor Alan Bensoussan; Dr Michael de Manincor; Professor Marc Cohen

Dongzheng Liu

Study on Frontier Technologies and Applications in Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role within biological systems, acting as key mediators of intercellular communication by transferring proteins, lipids, RNA, and other biomolecules, essential for maintaining normal physiological functions of the organism. While the functions and mechanisms of extracellular vesicles from animal and human sources have been extensively studied, including their potential roles in disease treatment and diagnosis, research on plant-derived extracellular vesicles is still limited. This project aims to investigate Australia's native plant-derived EVs using cutting-edge technologies and understand their properties and potential biomedical applications.

Dongzheng's PhD project is dedicated to exploring plant-derived EVs’ extraction, purification, and characterization, as well as their biological activities, with a particular interest in their potential effects and mechanisms in humans. Additionally, through RNA sequencing and omics analyses, the research aims to delve into the functions and potential applications of these plant-derived extracellular vesicles in drug development and general healthcare applications.

Supervisors: Professor Chun Guang Li; Dr Deep Jyoti Bhuyan; Associate Professor Lei Cao (Xi'an Jiatong University)

Emma Wong

Gabriela Caballero

Dementia Friends Unite! A community co-produced multilingual dementia education initiative.

Culturally and linguistically diverse people living with dementia and their carers experience inequitable access to dementia education that hinders support. We aim to co-produce a multilingual dementia education initiative with and for communities and workforces. Three information sessions will be delivered by bilingual co-facilitators in Arabic, Cantonese, English, Greek, Mandarin, and Vietnamese across South Western Sydney. Mixed methods will evaluate stakeholder engagement and the education initiative through RE-AIM: Reach and effectiveness (on participants’ short- and longer-term knowledge, attitudes, behavioural changes); adoption (by stakeholders), implementation (by bilingual co-facilitators), and a cost-benefit analysis of maintenance. This project will address awareness gaps about dementia, services, and care practices, and offers a methodological blueprint for future implementation efforts within research and other dementia alliances.

Supervisors: Dr Diana Karamacoska; Associate Professor Genevieve Steiner-Lim; Dr Joyce Ng; Associate Professor Ann Dadich

Research Gate

Indeewarie Dissanayake

Probiotic Bacterial Fermentation of Australian Native Fruits for Enhanced Antioxidant Bioavailability and Bioactivity.

This PhD project will investigate how lactic acid bacterial (LAB) fermentation impacts the metabolism of polyphenols in three commercially important native Australian fruits - Kakadu plum (KP), Illawarra plum (IP), and Davidson’s plum (DP).

Supervisors: Dr Deep Jyoti Bhuyan; Professor Dennis Chang; Professor Chun Guang Li

LinkedIn |  Google Scholar

Najwa-Joelle Metri

Underlying Mechanisms of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation on the Cognitive and Mood Symptoms of Menopause: A Randomised, Sham-Controlled, Double-Blinded Pilot Clinical Trial.

The aim of this 5-week randomised, sham-controlled, double-blinded pilot clinical trial (The MenoStim Trial) is to investigate how a potential treatment works for the cognitive and mood symptoms experienced during menopause through a form of non-invasive brain stimulation.  You have likely heard of the common menopause symptoms, like hot flushes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances.  These symptoms are called vasomotor symptoms, and most treatment options for menopause symptoms focus on symptoms like these.  However, menopause can affect our memory, thinking, and mood.  These symptoms are also common, however, there is a lack of treatment options when compared to the vasomotor symptoms.  This is why we are doing research into potential treatment options for the memory, thinking, and mood symptoms that are common in menopause.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a technique that can alter activation in certain areas of the brain by using magnetic stimulation.  This stimulation is non-invasive, which means it is applied to the top of your scalp.  The stimulation then travels through the scalp and into the brain.  Specific forms of TMS, like intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) are promising treatments for depression, memory, and thinking.  Even though it is promising, no one has investigated whether iTBS can improve these symptoms in people going through menopause.  This is what we refer to as an evidence-practice gap.  This research will address this evidence-practice gap by using non-invasive brain stimulation in the form of iTBS to test how it works and whether it can improve cognition and mood in females going through the late menopause transition.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Genevieve Steiner-Lim; Associate Professor Carolyn Ee; Associate Professor Heather Francis; Dr Rocco Cavaleri; Dr Edwin Lim

Google Scholar |  NICM HRI Trials

Justin Sinclair

Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition characterised by the presence of tissue similar to the lining of the womb being found outside the uterus. This condition impacts around 1 in 10 women, with an estimated prevalence of 750,000 women in Australia and approximately 176 million women worldwide.  Aside from pelvic pain, women suffer a constellation of other symptoms including painful periods, poor mental health, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems and a poor quality of life. Currently, there is no known cure and medical options are often limited due to significant side effects, which may be why women with endometriosis are commonly utilising other self-management strategies.

Cannabis has been used as a medicine by humans for thousands of years, however, research into its therapeutic applications were hampered by prohibition in the 1930’s. Our team's previous research in women with endometriosis suggests that cannabis may prove a useful management option for women with endometriosis due to its potential anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea and analgesic effects, with published survey data from women with endometriosis in Australia and New Zealand showing that illicit cannabis can not only relieve pain and other symptoms, but can also reduce women’s use of pharmaceutical medications. Justin's proposed research has a mixed methods design which is comprised of two major phases. The first phase is broken up into qualitative focus groups and a large quantitative international survey which will inform the design of the second phase which will be a randomised clinical trial investigating a standardised and quality assured medicinal cannabis product for endometriosis pain and associated symptoms.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Mike Armour; Professor Jerome Sarris; Professor Jason Abbott; Professor David Pate

Katerina Christofides

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a preceding phase that can lead to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and is defined by accelerated age-inappropriate cognitive decline. Deficits in executive function can be a strong predictor for MCI conversion to AD. Many aspects of executive function are mediated by neurotransmitters. Dysregulation of these are thought to play a significant role in perpetuating inflammation and neurodegeneration.

The aim of Katerina’s study is to decipher the complex link between brain chemical imbalance, inflammation, and cognitive function in MCI. The project uses a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating biochemical and metabolomic analysis, electrophysiology, and cognitive assessment. This project also includes an interventional study that will test the effect of a supplement known to improve cognition on the levels of these biochemicals and metabolic regulators.

Katerina’s project will provide evidence on which biochemical and/or metabolic processes are deviated in MCI. This will provide a greater understanding of the biology behind MCI. This can inform future drug development for treating MCI, by looking at targeting the biological markers identified by this work.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Genevieve Steiner-Lim; Dr Edwin Lim; Dr Mitchell Low; Dr Frances De  Blasio

Kayla Jaye

Breast cancer is a global health concern and is the most diagnosed cancer type in women, with a high incidence of mortality and burden on healthcare systems. The role of the gut microbiome in the normal physiological functioning of the human body, in addition to the treatment or prevention of disease, has been an evolving area of research in recent years. However, the mechanisms of action driving the anti-cancer potential of gut metabolites have not been thoroughly investigated, specifically in the context of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This type of breast cancer is difficult to treat and often has poor prognoses, so finding adjuvant cancer therapies for this cancer type is of vital importance.

The present study aims to identify molecular pathways and mechanisms of action of key gut microbial metabolites in the treatment of breast cancer, as well as minimal residual disease (MRD). These experimental studies will provide a comprehensive understanding into the anti-cancer action of the gut metabolites against TNBC cell lines, as well as identify the specific molecular pathways activated during this activity and the mechanisms of action exhibited by these compounds.

The findings of this study will serve as a basis for future in vivo and clinical research into the action of gut metabolites as anti-cancer agents, which could revolutionise cancer therapy and the prognoses for patients with aggressive forms of breast cancer.

Supervisors: Dr Deep Jyoti Bhuyan; Professor Dennis Chang; Professor Chun Guang Li; Dr Muhammed Alsherbiny

Kirandeep Kaur

Modification of Curcumin and Its Bioactivity - Anticancer, Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory.

Traditionally used in Asian countries as a medicinal herb for the promotion of blood and pain relief, turmeric (Curcuma longa) has received much interest over the last few decades due to its medicinal properties. Curcumin, a major polyphenol compound in turmeric, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties and is suggested to be responsible for the observed medicinal properties of turmeric.

Curcumin has however shown poor water solubility and bioavailability. The aim of this project is to modify the hydroxyl groups of curcumin, and test for changes in its solubility and the effects of these modifications to its bioavailability and bioactivity. Molecular mechanisms of action will also be performed on the modified compound.

Supervisors: Professor Chun Guang Li; Dr Feng Li; Dr Deep Jyoti Bhuyan

Kirti Sharma

Investigating the Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Protective Properties of Australian Native Plants: Synergies and Mechanisms.

This PhD project has two main goals. First, it aims create the foundation for new health products made from Australian Native Plants (ANP). These products are intended to help Australians stay healthy in our harsh sun, where UV exposure can be intense. Secondly, this study aims to generate scientific evidence supporting the traditional use of ANP, bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science. Furthermore, this synergistic formulation presents a unique combination of ANP, offering potential benefits for various medical conditions through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Supervisors: Dr Xian (Phoebe) Zhou; Professor Dennis Chang; Professor Gerald Meunch; Dr Katie Dixon

Lauren Dewsbury

Boosting The Brain: A Therapeutic Ketogenic Approach for Post-menopausal Women at Risk of Dementia.

Dementia affects 50 million people worldwide and this is set to triple by 2050. Being female is one of the strongest risk factors for dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD); with 2/3 people with AD being women. During menopause, bioenergetic systems of the brain are impacted by oestrogen reduction, meaning the brain can no longer utilize glucose efficiently for energy production. Ketone bodies appear to be a promising therapeutic strategy; acting as an alternative fuel source to glucose in the brain – bridging the ‘energy deficit’ in brain glucose metabolism that are particularly relevant for post-menopausal women.

This PhD project will utilise a mixed methods approach to explore the feasibility, acceptability and adherence to exogenous ketogenic therapies. A pilot clinical trial will investigate the clinical effects of daily exogenous ketone supplementation versus placebo on cognitive function in postmenopausal women with subjective cognitive decline. The study will take a holistic approach and measure secondary outcomes involved in dementia risk.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Genevieve Steiner-Lim; Associate Professor Mike Armour; Dr Diana Karamacoska

LinkedIn | Research Gate

Liam Engel

Improving the Analysis and Pharmacological Characterisation of Phytomelatonin.

This project explores melatonin containing plants, their relationship with tryptophan derivatives and corresponding biological effects. By comparing plants, their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and impact on neuroplasticity via BDNF expression, we aim to highlight the therapeutic utility of complex plant products relative to simple, synthetic alternatives.

Supervisors: Dr Mitchell Low; Professor Chun Guang Li

Website | Google Scholar

Melissa Parker

Beyond the score: the footprint of Period ImPact and Pain Assessment (PIPPA) on management and help-seeking behaviour of young people with period pain (dysmenorrhoea) and menstrual symptoms; a mixed methods study.

While the PIPPA tool has been validated and published, it is unclear what actions young people take after self-screening with PIPPA in terms of self-management, conversations and help-seeking behaviour regarding their period symptoms. Web-based self-screening with PIPPA includes access to supporting information and guidance on management including downloadable letter to take to the doctor. This research project will investigate the utility and impact of web-based PIPPA self-screening in the context of menstrual health literacy for young people.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Mike Armour; Dr Millie Mardon; Professor Abdel-Latif Mohamed: Dr Beck O'Hara

PIPPA | LinkedIn | Google Scholar

Pragna Gaur

Historical and Cross-cultural lead chemical investigation of plants used for mental resilience and well-being.

Senior Forensic Scientist-Illicit Drug Analysis Unit | NSW Forensic & Analytical Science Service and Researcher with Western Sydney University.

Gadigal.

Pragna has more than ten years of experience as a Senior Forensic Scientist with the illicit drug analysis lab-Forensic analytical science services. She is an expert in the analytical work of illicit drugs. She has in-depth knowledge of quality assurance, method development and training in Illicit drug identification field.

She has MScTech from University of New South Wales (UNSW) and have complimented her qualifications by working within the industrial, analytical and research branches of the chemical testing organization conducting research and development, validation of analytical methods, and process optimization. Since the Year 2016, She has been doing dual senior role (Senior Botanist and Senior Chemist) with IDAU-FASS. She is a chairperson of CANNTAG ‑Drug SAG Australia. She has been part of the group which provides training for cannabis identification program to the Forensic Practitioners and Law enforcement officers nationally and internationally for regulatory purpose.

Pragna also works on research project with the WSU-NICM which covers chemical investigation of plant material utilized for mental resilience.

Supervisors: Dr Mitchell Low; Professor Chun Guang Li; Professor Jerome Sarris

Radwa Eladwy

Antiviral Activity of Natural Products Against Epstein Barr Virus: Synergistic Study and Molecular Mechanisms Elucidation.

Recently, the gut microbiota has been investigated for its pivotal roles in pathogens protection and regulating metabolic, endocrine, and immune functions. In previous studies, the gut microbial metabolites (GMMs) have shown to improve gut and metabolic health by modulating the gut microbial composition.

This PhD project will investigate GMMs in vitro for their anticancer activity, attributing molecular actions and potential synergy. In addition, to the synergistic combinations of GMMs with standard immunotherapeutic or chemotherapeutic drugs against cancer cell lines will also be assessed. Findings from this study could help to evaluate the potential preventive/therapeutic anticancer activity of GMMs.

Supervisors: Dr Deep Jyoti Bhuyan, Professor Dennis Chang, Professor Chun Guang Li

Rose Mery Bou Merhy

Investigating the Effects and Mechanisms of Cognitive Training Combined with Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation on Cognitive Function in Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a precursor to dementia, marked by cognitive decline while daily functioning remains intact. With no approved pharmacological treatments, this study investigates the combined effects of cognitive training (CT) and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on cognitive function, neuroplasticity, and functional connectivity. The randomised, sham-controlled trial assesses the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of these interventions in enhancing cognitive abilities and instrumental activities of daily living. By addressing a critical gap in MCI management, this research aims to develop innovative, non-pharmacological strategies to delay or prevent dementia progression.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Genevieve Steiner-Lim; Dr. Rocco Cavaleri; Dr. Ghufran Alhassani

Ryan Childs

Gender differences and biomarkers of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.

The current diagnostic tools for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease are invasive and costly. As the burden of dementia rises globally, it is important for more accessible diagnostic methods to be found. Further, more women currently live with dementia than men, though the reasons for this remain unexplained. Researching gender differences in dementia is crucial to understand the mechanisms behind this epidemiological difference.

This MPhil project aims to investigate how gender differences influence the relationship of inflammatory markers, event related potentials, and cognition, in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. By studying gender-specific differences in biomarkers of cognitive decline, the pathogenic mechanisms of cognitive impairment may be better understood to allow earlier detection and intervention.

Supervisors: Dr Diana Karamacoska, Associate Professor Genevieve Steiner-Lim

Sam Jeffrey

Barriers to care for transgender and gender diverse people with endometriosis; gaps in Australian health care provider curriculum.

Trans and gender diverse people presumed female at birth (PFAB) experience elevated rates of pelvic pain and endometriosis (1 in 4) yet have limited access to gender affirming endometriosis related care. This is largely due to a lack of inclusion in health care curriculum. This research will explore the inclusion of trans and gender diverse heath in medical and complementary medicine curriculum across Australia and Aotearoa and will develop an online educational module.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Mike Armour and Professor Tania Ferfolja.

Seungeon Yeon

Investigation of inorganic phosphate-induced vascular calcification in primary human aortic smooth muscle cells.

Vascular calcification is a common finding in atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes patients leading to an increase risk for adverse cardiovascular events. This study hypothesises that sclerostin, a glycoprotein that inhibits bone formation and mineralisation,  plays an important role in protecting against vascular calcification formation and progression.The aims of the study are to assess if sclerostin deficiency and excess modifies the predisposition for vascular calcification and progression; and if natural products can increase the expression of sclerostin and suppress vascular calcification development and atherosclerosis progression.

Interventions targeting arterial sclerostin could offer a new therapy for vascular diseases. Therapies modifying sclerostin are currently being investigated as treatment for osteoporosis. Therefore, better understating of the role of this pathway in arterial disease is urgently required.

Seungyeon has completed a Masters of Research at Western Sydney University, using ex vivo models to investigate the effects of Sailuotong (SLT) on cerebral vascular reactivity.  Her work revealed an unreported pharmacological property and mechanism of action of SLT, which helped to explain a previous clinical observation of SLT regarding an increase in cerebral blood flow.

Supervisors: Dr Mitchell Low; Professor Dennis Chang; Professor Chun Guang Li; Dr Sai Seto

Shayal Devi

Exploring the Beneficial Effects of Selected Australian Indigenous Fruit Extracts on Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes: Insights into Gut Microbiota Modulation and Metabolic Pathways.

This PhD project explores the therapeutic potential of Davidsonia pruriens and Illawarra plum extracts using in vitro models. By investigating their effects on inflammation, insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, energy metabolism and oxidative stress, this research aims to identify bioactive compounds that could inform the development of plant-based interventions. The findings could advance affordable, natural strategies for improving metabolic syndrome.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Mike Armour; Dr Deep Jyoti Bhuyan; Professor Dennis Chang; Dr Srinivas Nammi

LinkedIn

Toobah Farooqi

Exploring Medicinal Cannabis Effects via Gut Microbiome Modulation in Endometriosis (short title: GutFloraRx)

Toobah Farooqi is a PhD candidate at NICM, studying the gastrointestinal symptoms of endometriosis. Her work involves a cross-sectional survey and focus groups, which will be used to inform a clinical trial where the efficacy of medicinal cannabis will be investigated on the gastrointestinal symptoms of endometriosis, such as nausea, bloating, vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort. Her clinical trial will entail the collection of faecal and menstrual blood samples, in which endocannabinoids and cannabinoid metabolites will be analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, ELISA analysis of inflammatory markers TNF-a and IL-6, analysis of short chain fatty acids using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, as well as whole genome sequencing quantification of bacterial communities. By integrating these advanced analytical techniques, this study offers a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach to understand the biochemical and microbiological changes associated with endometriosis-related gastrointestinal distress.

The findings from this research have the potential to advance targeted therapies by identifying specific cannabinoid metabolites and inflammatory pathways involved in symptom modulation. This prohect will also inform clinical guidelines for the use of medicinal cannabis in managing endometriosis-related gastrointestinal symptoms, contributing to evidence-based practice. This study could contribute to a paradigm shift in how endometriosis-related gastrointestinal symptoms are understood and treated, providing hope for those who struggle with limited therapeutic options.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Mike Armour; Dr Deep Jyoti Bhuyan; Dr Mitchell Low; Dr Amelia Mardon

LinkedIn | Twitter/X

Vibhuti Rao

The role of Ayurveda and yoga in managing polycystic ovary syndrome in ethnic Indian women; a mixed-method study.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent and complex disorder amongst Indian women with resultant challenging metabolic and reproductive consequences. PCOS has no cure and there is a need for alternative, sustainable, and effective lifestyle options. Lifestyle modification is the first-line treatment of PCOS, however has limited research.

Ayurveda and yoga are traditional medicinal systems originated in Indian sub-continent, are now popular worldwide for their effect in managing various chronic and lifestyle-related. A lifestyle program called 'healthAY PCOS', constituting the Ayurvedic diet and yoga therapy (AY) based on Ayurvedic principles may help reduce weight and improve metabolic and reproductive outcomes in women with PCOS.

This exploratory, sequential and mixed-method study will be conducted in Australia and India, aiming to present a standard AY lifestyle program and assess its feasibility, acceptability, and safety in ethnic Indian women with PCOS who are overweight/obese. This study will include a randomised feasibility trial of over 12-weeks.

To our knowledge, this will be the first study to examine a combined lifestyle intervention including Ayurvedic diet and yoga to manage symptoms of PCOS. If this program proves to be effective, it may become a first-line treatment option for clinicians worldwide to provide a structured lifestyle program in ethnic Indian women with PCOS to help manage weight and improve PCOS related health outcomes.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Carolyn Ee; Associate Professor Mike Armour; Dr Bobby Cheema; Professor Caroline Smith

Zechariah Marting

Phytochemical profiling and pharmacological studies of Australian grown Vernonia amygdalina Delile (family Asteraceae).

Plants have always served as natural sources of medicines, supplements, economic, cosmetic, and industrial materials to humankind from time immemorial. One of the most used medicinal plants, Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Family: Asteraceae) occurs naturally in most tropical and subtropical African and Asian countries. This plant is being naturalised in Australia where hundreds of thousands of Australian Africans, Australian Asians, Australian South Americans, etc. utilise it for macro- and micro-nutritional and health purposes.

Ethnomedicinal reports show that the plant can treat about 44 different disease conditions. The aim of this study is evaluate the pharmacognostic, phytochemical and pharmacological value of Vernonia amygdalina Delile for the effective prevention and management of diabetes mellitus.

Supervisors: Dr Mitchell Low; Professor Dennis Chang; Professor Chun Guang Li

Nora Giese

The use and efficacy of acupuncture for endometriosis pain and related symptoms: a mixed-methods study

Endometriosis negatively impacts most, if not all, aspects of life for those affected. Satisfaction with current treatment options is low. Accordingly, symptom management is the most pressing need of people with endometriosis.

Previous research suggests that acupuncture can fulfill the requirements for treatment with minimal side effects. However, robust clinical investigations are still needed to determine its applicability and effectiveness and to inform guidelines.

The aim of this research project is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture on endometriosis pain and related symptoms such as quality of life, fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as satisfaction with treatment.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Mike Armour, Emeritus Professor Caroline Smith and Dr Millie Mardon