Research on Non-addictive Natural Products for Chronic Pain Management through a Holistic, System-Oriented Approach (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Required)

Research on Non-addictive Natural Products for Chronic Pain Management through a Holistic, System-Oriented Approach (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Required) is sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Opportunity Listing - A Holistic Approach to Study Non-Addictive Natural Products for Pain Management A Holistic Approach to Study Non-Addictive Natural Products for Pain Management Agency: National Institutes of Health Assistance Listings: 93. 473 -- Complementary and Integrative Health - Research Projects Last Updated: May 13, 2026 View version history on Grants.

gov The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support collaborative interdisciplinary research that advances foundational understanding of non-addictive natural products for chronic pain management through a holistic, system-oriented approach.

This initiative aligns with the NIH Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative by promoting safe, non-addictive, and prevention-oriented strategies for pain relief. Chronic pain affects tens of millions of adults in the United States, contributing to disability, diminished quality of life, and significant healthcare costs.

Despite widespread public use of natural products, such as botanicals, dietary supplements, and other naturally derived compounds for pain relief, scientific evidence has not kept pace with demand. Existing research often focuses on single molecular targets or isolated pathways, which fail to capture the complex, multisystem actions of these products.

The scope of natural products under this NOFO includes those commonly used by the public as well as those with emerging usage or therapeutic potential. Research is expected to take a holistic approach that examines how these products influence pain through coordinated biological pathways across the multiple organ systems, such as digestive, immune, vascular, musculoskeletal, lymphatic, metabolic/adipose tissues, and nervous system.

Studies should also explore dose optimization based on the principle of hormesis, where low doses may elicit beneficial or adaptive effects while higher doses could be ineffective or harmful. In addition, investigators are encouraged to identify optimal intervention timing that aligns with the dynamic phases of pain and inflammation, thereby maximizing therapeutic outcomes and supporting physiological recovery.

This program emphasizes rigorous mechanistic studies that generate foundational insights to inform future translational research and guide the development of safe, evidence-based, non-addictive strategies for pain management.

Public and Indian housing authorities Special district governments City or township governments Federally recognized Native American tribal governments For-profit organizations other than small businesses Independent school districts Public and state institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education Other Native American tribal organizations Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3) Nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c)(3) Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations;Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions).

Grantor contact information Division of Extramural Research (DER) Program Officer Please contact via e-mail. No documents are currently available.

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