The Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) is a North Carolina State University research and education organization located at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, North Carolina, United States. The institute researches food crops, like fruits and vegetables, and the potential health-promoting properties they may convey when consumed.
PHHI is part of the North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the institute’s staff consists of faculty from the following departments: horticultural science; food, bioprocessing, and nutrition sciences; plant and microbial biology; genetics; and agricultural and resource economics. The institute has both research and Cooperative Extension components. Mary Ann Lila, a blueberry researcher, is the director of the Plants for Human Health Institute.
History
N.C. State began operations in Kannapolis in 2007 as the Fruit and Vegetable Science Institute. The university was one of the first organization to join the biotech hub.
The program's name was changed to Plants for Human Health Institute when the N.C. Research Campus was dedicated on October 20, 2008, in order "to more accurately reflect the ground-breaking research approach the institute will take. Institute research will focus on identifying and making available to consumers bioactive compounds in plants that prevent and treat disease."
As of January 2020, PHHI has about 100 faculty and staff in Kannapolis, not including seasonal staff.
Research
Overview
Plants for Human Health Institute researchers study the potential health-promoting properties of fruits and vegetables. The institute employs twelve lead researchers.
The institute's mission is to discover and deliver plant-based solutions to improve human health, PHHI researchers target naturally occurring chemical compounds in plants and fresh produce, known as phytochemicals, some of which convey health-promoting properties when ingested. Institute director, Lila, and other PHHI researchers have done research into phytochemicals, such as anthocyanins present in blueberries and other crops, indicating they provide health benefits against cancer, diabetes, and other chronic human diseases when consumed.
In 2013, Lila was a lead researcher in a study involving athletes ingesting blueberry and green tea-infused drinks twice daily during a two-week supplementation period and then for three days of rigorous exercise. Among the results, participants experienced a prolonged spike in their metabolism (up to 14 hours) after exercise.
Programs
Plants for Human Health Institute researchers integrate expertise in biochemistry, plant breeding, epigenetics, metabolomics, pharmacogenomics, postharvest physiology, and systems biology. PHHI research faculty have: Led the team that sequenced the blueberry genome. Discovered evidence that plants of the family Brassicaceae (like mustard greens and kale) could increase muscle mass in people suffering from debilitating diseases and the effects of aging. Developed functional food ingredients from health-enhancing plant compounds for undernourished populations in Africa. Created fruit-infused peanut flours to combat peanut allergies. Established multiple plant breeding programs, including broccoli, cabbage, and strawberry.
Greenhouse Complex
The institute operates three greenhouses. The greenhouse complex provides about 10,000 square feet of space for plant trials on crops like broccoli and strawberry and allows the institute to rent space or collaborate on research with other campus operations and businesses.
Researchers also partner with the Piedmont Research Station, a research farm located near Salisbury, N.C., to grow and test field crops.
Kannapolis Scholars
Funded by a $1 million U.S. Department of Agriculture – Agriculture & Food Research Initiative (USDA-AFRI) the Kannapolis Scholars was a program for graduate students from multiple disciplines to participate in integrated research. Led by Jack Odle, William Neal Reynolds, Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry at N.C. State, the scholars examined issues in the broad domain of functional foods, bioactive food components and human health. 30 faculty members from eight universities in North Carolina, from multiple disciplines, including food science, nutritional science, plant science, animal science, microbiology, biochemistry and metabolomics act as mentors to the Kannapolis Scholars.
Plant Pathways Elucidation Project (P2EP)