CQU research student Paul Neilsen's long-term goal is a 'double header' benefit, a novel pharmaceutical gleaned from a natural product like bovine cartilage, which will benefit both the health and cattle sectors.

Research being conducted through Central Queensland University, and in collaboration with CSIRO Livestock Industries in Brisbane, aims to help ethical dietary-supplement manufacturers produce clean and reliable products, and perhaps also to define the biological activities in natural products like bovine cartilage.

In the current environment, the community needs to know much more about its natural products and to be confident of their health benefits.

CQU biomedical science honours student Paul Neilsen is conducting the research under the supervision of CQU School of Biomedical Sciences Associate Professor Graham Pegg and expert in the field, Dr Greg Harper at the Brisbane-based Queensland Bioscience Precinct.

Paul worked closely with Harper’s team in Brisbane during August and September, before returning to Rockhampton to finalise his thesis.

Mr Neilsen said similar studies had been conducted on shark cartilage extracts, but his study was the first at a molecular level on bovine cartilage extracts.

“I have enjoyed doing research with the CSIRO team, and putting the skills I’ve developed here at CQU to practical use,’’ he said.

“Who knows, perhaps I will be lucky enough to progress to PhD studies, and discover a natural product of real clinical value.’’