About me
My research examines the chemical composition of herbal and dietary supplements, to investigate quality and safety. Herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) are increasingly popular in Australia and globally, with many consumers choosing these products in the belief that they are ‘natural’ and therefore ‘safe’. In Australia, the majority of HDS are regulated as low-risk products, meaning that they are not subject to safety, efficacy or quality analysis prior to becoming available on the Australian market. However, there is much we do not know about the composition of these products, which raises questions about their quality and safety.
My research involves cutting-edge analytical chemistry tools, primarily mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We also use in vitro toxicology approaches, combining traditional methods with the latest technology. This work is undertaken in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Adelaide School of Medicine, and the Australian National Phenome Centre. My long-term goal is to create a system for assessing quality (and therefore safety) of herbal medicines and dietary supplements that is adopted by industry and improves consumer health benefits.