Updated: November 5th, 2020
On July 19 students and faculty gathered to share the research they’ve recently been working on in various areas related to acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition. 

The University community and public participated as well. Dawn B. Wallerstedt, M.S.N., CRNP, of the Samueli Institute was the guest speaker and two students won the prestigious President’s Award and Provost’s Award.

Here are the winners, along with the finalists (honorable mentions), of 2013’s Research Day:

President’s Award Winner: Holly Chittum

Program: Therapeutic Herbalism

Prize: $200, a small plaque, and her name added to the President’s Award Winners plaque in the Sherman Cohn Library

Poster Title: American Ginseng in the Eastern United States: A comparison of wild, wild simulated, woods grown, and field grown ginseng and factors affecting marketability and buyer preferences in domestic vs international trade, including grower/harvester perspectives

Abstract: American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is one of the most well documented and widely used medicinal herbs native to the Appalachian region of the eastern United States. It was used for its tonic properties by First Nations peoples and collected for export to China beginning in the early 1700s. Such well-known figures in American history as George Washington and my ancestor Daniel Boone harvested ginseng for export trade. Because of its popularity and demand both domestically and abroad, it has been cultivated using different methods, and harvested in the wild with fervor. It has also been studied extensively in terms of its ethnobotanical and economic significance, and via phytochemical and clinical investigations. Using published literature, ginseng seller qualitative survey data, and sample analysis of wild, wild simulated, forest grown, and field farmed American ginseng, I will present an overview of this herb from multiple angles/perspectives in order to help interested parties make informed decisions on its use.

Provost’s Award Winner: Kim Cherry

Program: Therapeutic Herbalism

Prizes: $100, a small plaque, and her name added to the Provost’s Award Winners plaque in the Sherman Cohn Library

Poster Title: Effect of acupuncture on hypomimia in men with Parkinson Disease: a preliminary study

Abstract: This protocol is designed to conduct a preliminary study to determine the extent of any effects of acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping (AMC) on hypomimia, a symptom of Parkinson Disease (PD). Male patients with Parkinson Disease attending a neurology/neurosurgery clinic will be offered the opportunity to participate in a 12-week exploratory study. The study will not be randomized, but the neurologist/neurosurgeon will review baseline, 6-week and 12-week video recordings of the subjects to assign a hypomimia score using the standard hypomimia scale (UPDRS III-19). In an effort to limit reviewer bias, the video recordings for each subject will be scrambled so that the neurosurgeon will not know whether he is reviewing baseline, week 6 or week 12 recordings. The subjects will complete Parkinson Disease Questionnaire 8 (PDQ8) assessments at baseline, week 6 and week 12.

Finalist (for Honorable Mention): Anna Ewing

Program: Therapeutic Herbalism    

Poster Title: Managing the Trichomoniasis epidemic with natural therapies

Abstract: Although incidence of several parasitic infections are rising, there is still little awareness in the medical community and in the general public. Of the 5 parasitic conditions outlined by the CDC for targeted awareness campaigns, the sexually transmitted Trichomonas vaginalis, is not only the most common, but is also largely asymptomatic. This incredibly infectious protozoa is currently treated with strong antibiotics. Although fairly effective, drug resistant strains are developing, side effects of treatment can be uncomfortable, and reinfection is common. Alternative remedies can help to bridge the gap, and provide regular support for at risk individuals. The purpose of this review is to bring together information about the disease and possible alternative treatment options. This information, disseminated in conjunction with awareness campaigns, can help to empower at risk communities to prevent further spread of this disease.

Finalist (for Honorable Mention): Marybeth Missenda

Program: Nutrition and Integrative Health

Poster Title: Mineral deficiencies and perceived hunger: A possible link to the obesity epidemic    

Abstract: The NHANES V (2003 to 2006) found a significant number of Americans are not consuming the estimated average requirement (EAR) of calcium and magnesium (Fulgoni,Keast,Bailey & Dwyer, 2011). We are also facing an obesity epidemic with almost 35.9% of the American adults defined as obese (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013 May 30). The purpose of this study is to show an association between mineral insufficiencies and increased caloric intake. METHOD: One hundred and twenty (120) adults (>18 years) who had breakfast (500 -800 calorie) 1 to 2 hours prior to study will participate in a two phase double blind randomized controlled study. Phase I: Participants will be assessed for dietary intake and current health status using validated questionnaires. Mineral and glucose status will be measured using serum blood and hair analysis prior to the intervention. The participants will then be randomly assigned to one of 4 treatment arms; 4 oz of mineral devoid water PLUS 1) 40 drops of multi-mineral solution 2). Infused with Porphyra spp (Nori) 3) infused with Schisandra chinensis berries and 4) ¼ teaspoon sodium chloride as control. Phase II: Twenty (20) minutes after the intervention, each participant will complete a Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) questionnaire to assess perceived hunger (Mehling,Price,Daubenmier, Acree, Bartmess & Stewart, 2012), followed by measurement of the quantity of soup consumed. Metabolic hunger prior to intervention will be measured using serum glucose and compared to mineral insufficiencies and caloric intake post intervention.