Have you ever wondered what is actually in a herbal supplement tablet? That’s the question that drives Dr Garth Maker, Associate Professor of Biochemistry who was recently interviewed for the 'Paramount Importance' Podcast series by Kurt Krispyn.

For over a decade, Garth and his colleagues have been using cutting-edge technology to study the thousands of different chemicals that make up herbal medicines and dietary supplements. Most of these molecules probably don’t do anything to our body,  some of them might be beneficial, and some of them might be toxic.

Garth’s ultimate goal is to be able to give consumers and their health practitioners a much better idea of the quality of these supplements, which ones might be effective, and which ones should be avoided.

Currently, Garth and the team are focused on weight-loss supplements, many of which claim to help you lose weight fast. Combining the latest analytical chemistry techniques, such as mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy, with toxicology studies, their studies are showing that while some of the compounds found in these supplements might change the metabolism of individual cells, they most likely won’t help you lose weight. Most importantly, some of them might even cause damage to your liver.

Like many scientists, Garth’s research career has taken some unexpected turns. He started off studying Marine Science, before completing a PhD in Biochemistry, where he started to work with the techniques he uses today. At Murdoch, he teaches undergraduate biochemistry and toxicology, bringing the latest research developments into the classroom.

If you’re interested in careers in this field of science, you can study a major in Pharmacology & Toxicology as part of Murdoch’s Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences. In addition to learning how medicines work in the human body, you will also study the effect of poisons and how we can help make our environment safer.