Dr. Pamela Weathers is a Professor of Biology and Biotechnology (and Biomedical Engineering) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. An American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow and member of the National Academy of Inventors, Dr. Weathers is a world-renowned expert on plant-derived therapeutics with over 30 years of experience studying Artemisia annua and artemisinin. Her research has elucidated how artemisinin is significantly more bioavailable when delivered as whole plant material rather than as a purified compound, and she has demonstrated the efficacy of Artemisia extracts against multiple infectious diseases including malaria, tuberculosis, and viral infections. Dr. Weathers maintains a unique collection of clonally propagated Artemisia cultivars for research and has collaborated with commercial suppliers to establish consistent, validated sources of high-quality Artemisia products.
Project Description:
While antibiotics are effective at eliminating the Lyme disease pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi, a significant proportion of patients experience delayed symptom resolution or persistent symptoms even after successful bacterial clearance. This project investigates whether traditional herbal medicines might enhance or complement current antibiotic treatments, with the goal of improving patient outcomes in Lyme disease. Dr. Weathers brings her extensive expertise in plant-derived antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds to explore whether herbal therapeutics can reduce bacterial burden and inflammation.