Dr. Benjamin Kirchweger

Current Projects                                                    

Our research team is focused on discovering natural products from medicinal plants, fungi or human metabolism, aiming to develop novel therapeutics for chronic inflammatory and vascular diseases. Our approach involves deciphering complex extracts to isolate active principles and elucidating their mode of action.

• Achenbach, Juliane works on a project aimed at investigating the dual potential of polypore mushroom extracts to inhibit both inflammation and angiogenesis. Building on promising preliminary results with Inonotus obliquus (chaga), the project seeks to identify bioactive compounds, elucidate their mechanisms of action, and optimize extraction techniques for potential therapeutic applications in chronic inflammatory diseases.
• Roggio, Alexandro is currently working with two plants from traditional European practices that exhibit intriguing activities on endothelial function, particularly in cell proliferation and leukocyte recruitment, with potential applications for psoriasis treatment. His main research focus is the discovery of novel natural compounds as tools to explore new and exploitable mechanisms for therapeutic development.
• Verrilli, Giulia is investigating the potential of chlorophyll catabolites in combating arteriosclerosis. Her studies focus on how these compounds affect monocyte recruitment, the uptake of oxidized lipoproteins, the formation of foam cells, and the functionality of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Team Members

• Achenbach, Juliane (PhD student)
• Roggio, Alexandro (PhD student)
• Bartusel, Elke (Technician)
• Verrilli, Giulia (Intern)

Funding

Our team is currently supported by funding from NatVantage of the Wilhelm Doerenkamp-Stiftung: Natvantage

Publications

An up-to-date list of Dr. Kirchweger's publications can be found on Pubmed.