GABA Receptor Modulation by Flavonoids [ 2003 - 2003 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: E/Pr Graham Johnston (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Mary Collins Chebib

Brief description Given that consumption of flavonoids in the diet is likely to be 100-1000 mg per day, it is important to find out how flavonoids might influence GABA-A receptors especially in relation to influencing actions of other therapeutic agents that interact with GABA-A receptors in the brain, such as benzodiazepines and ethanol. This may lead to new strategies in the use of herbal medicines and their possible interactions with other medications. These studies will provide information on how key dietary flavonoids and novel structurally related chemicals could influence brain function. This project will probe the chemical characteristics of novel modes of action of flavonoid-related compounds in order to design and develop potentially useful therapeutic agents for CNS disorders involving GABA-A receptors. It is likely that flavonoids act on specific sites on such receptors that represent important new targets for drug development. This research is intended to provide new chemical entities useful as either alternatives to the benzodiazepines, which have a range of undesirable side effects, or as adjuncts to enable reduced doses of benzodiazepines to be used.

Funding Amount $AUD 178,500.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant