• Phytoestrogen toxicity in mammals
• Herbal drug toxicity

Research in my lab focuses on natural products:  their analysis, and their effect on living systems.   Using large animals such as sheep and bulls, we found that phytoestrogens, molecules produced by plants that act like estrogen in mammals, can be found in oviductal fluid following administration, where they may impact the fertilizability of sperm, depending on concentration.  Other natural products include many that are sold as OTC herbal and dietary supplements.  We have analyzed such supplements for the presence of phytoestrogens and metals, and have studied ephedra-containing dietary supplements for their effects on the cardiovascular system, particularly in combination with nicotine.  Our present research combines our interest in phytoestrogens with cardiovascular studies; we are interested in whether phytoestrogens may be valuable in reducing cardiovascular changes associated with depletion of estrogen during perimenopause.