Oberlies Research Group

Bioactive Compounds from Fungi

We have several ongoing projects that are exploring fungi, and my lab’s role is largely the isolation and structure elucidation of bioactive lead compounds. Our longest running project is funded by the National Cancer Institute to examine filamentous fungi for anticancer drug leads.

Studies on the Milk Thistle

My research team has been studying the chemistry of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) for over a decade. For the most part, this has involved the isolation and characterization of reference standards from the crude extract, which is termed ‘silymarin’. Not only are we able to isolate and characterize all seven major diastereoisomers in silymarin, but we are able to do so on the gram scale, providing ample materials for in vivo studies.

Mechanisms Underlying Drug Diet Interactions

This project involves a unique collaboration between the fields of metabolism and natural products. In a project led by Dr. Mary Paine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, we are studying the mechanisms of drug-diet interactions. Essentially, we are partnering our skills in characterizing natural products with Dr. Paine’s skills in studying drug metabolism.