Back to: Research : Division of Intramural Research
About the Division of Intramural Research
1st Row: Jeonga Kim, Julia Arnold, Marc Blackman, Michael Quon, Hahn Le, Howard Baldwin
2nd Row: Dawn Wallerstedt, Edward Lynn, Suzan Khoromi, Gloria Formoso, Andrea Carranza, Irini Manoli, Akosua Kankam, Barbara Moquin
3rd Row: Patrick Mansky, Vernon Steele, Hong-Kyu Kim, Rajaram Karne, Marel Ver, Hui Chen, Gail Sullivan, Jenna Khan, Yunhua Li, Bridget Agapito, Clint Lee
Acting Scientific Director for Clinical Research: Robert B. Nussenblatt, M.D. (PDF)
The NCCAM Division of Intramural Research (DIR) (established in April 2001):
- Conducts clinical, translational, and basic research investigations
of the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action of diverse CAM
modalities
- Facilitates integration of effective CAM and conventional practices
in the interdisciplinary health care system of the NIH Clinical
Center
- Fosters development of research and training curricula that include information about safe and effective CAM and conventional practices
The goal of the Division is to work closely with NCCAM and other stakeholders to establish a strong and lasting scientific foundation for integrative medicine.
Research Objectives
The major research theme of the Division centers on investigating the potential clinical utility of selected CAM modalities that might allay or attenuate the life "stressors" of depression, cognitive decline, chronic pain, frailty, and sleep disorders, particularly as they affect the elderly and the underserved.
Because each of these stressors exhibits derangements in the inter-relationships among endocrinologic, neurologic, and immunologic functions, research efforts will be coordinated to evaluate the interactions among these three important physiological communication systems, both in the absence and presence of various interventions.
Current investigations focus upon evaluating selected biologically based therapies (e.g., herbs, botanicals, dietary supplements), mind-body interventions (e.g., placebo, meditation), and alternative medical systems (e.g., traditional Chinese medicine).
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