American elderberry bioactives for chronic skin inflammation therapies
A novel therapeutic approach leveraging bioactive compounds from American elderberry (berries, flowers, and peduncles) to develop long-duration, effective treatments for chronic inflammatory skin conditions, offering improved efficacy, safety, and convenience over current therapies.
Overview
This research initiative focuses on developing a novel therapeutic agent from bioactive compounds found in American elderberry. The goal is to address chronic inflammatory skin conditions with a treatment that offers long-duration effectiveness, improved safety, and greater convenience of administration compared to existing options. Preliminary metabolomic studies have identified promising bioactive compounds in American elderberry cultivars with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-soothing properties. This work builds on the established success of similar compounds in European elderberry-based products, positioning American elderberry as a valuable domestic source for skin health therapeutics.
Technical specifications
Key research areas:
- Identification of bioactive compounds in American elderberry berries, flowers, and peduncles
- Determination of optimal plant part and harvest season for highest bioactive concentration
- Comprehensive in vitro testing for cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, wound healing, and anti-histamine activity
- Formulation development based on active extract concentrations
- Human irritancy and efficacy studies
- Stability testing to establish shelf life and optimal storage conditions
Potential applications:
- Treatment of chronic inflammatory skin diseases
- Wound healing and skin repair
- Soothing and protective skin care formulations
Technology readiness level
This project is currently in the preclinical research phase. Preliminary metabolomic data supports the hypothesis, but rigorous validation is still required. The structured 18-month plan includes identifying optimal plant material, conducting comprehensive in vitro studies, developing formulations, and performing human irritancy and efficacy testing. Stability studies will follow to confirm long-term viability. The technology is positioned to transition from laboratory findings toward potential clinical applications upon successful completion of these validation phases.
About University of Missouri, Columbia
Founded as Missouri’s flagship land‑grant, the University of Missouri–Columbia is a comprehensive public research university serving a large student body and partners statewide. Industry engages on campus through co‑located research cores, a research park and incubator in Columbia, and access to a high‑power university research reactor supporting isotope production and advanced testing. An integrated academic health system enables clinical studies and translation, while a statewide extension and agricultural research network links companies to field sites, producers, and community testbeds across Missouri. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOE. A dedicated tech transfer office supports IP, licensing, and sponsored‑research agreements.
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