Our research

Dr. Sigmundur Gudbjarnason, professor emeritus of biochemistry and organic chemistry is our director of research and development. His research on Icelandic medicinal herbs started in 1992 and led to the founding of SagaMedica in 2000.

Dr. Gudbjarnason earned his doctorate in Munich, Germany in 1959 and was a professor of medicine and biochemistry for 10 years at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He has been active in experimental cardiology, studying cardiac metabolism and the biochemical reasons for heart disease, such as myocardial infarction and heart failure. He has also studied myocardial lipids extensively at the University of Iceland, particularly the role of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in cellular membrane lipids during stress, aging and sudden death. Dr. Gudbjarnason has an international reputation as a scientist and conference speaker. In addition to his scientific work he has held a number of administrative positions in Iceland and abroad, including the position of President of the University of Iceland.

Steinthor Sigurdsson, a biochemist trained at the University of Freiburg in Germany, joined Dr. Gudbjarnason in 1995. Their collaboration has resulted in several interesting discoveries and peer-reviewed studies. In 2009, Steinthor Sigurdsson earned his doctorate for research on the bioactivity of Icelandic medicinal herbs.

Many scientists from various institutes in the University of Iceland have contributed to our research.

For example;

• The Microbiology Institute
• The Virology Institute
• Department of Pathology
• Department of Pharmacy
• The Science Institute
• Research Institute of the Icelandic Cancer Society

Half of Icelandic Medicinal Herbs Studied

There are around eighty medicinal herbs in Iceland. We have studied about half of them. Following the initial research, more thorough attention has been given to the Angelica archangelica, Angelica sylvestris, Achillea millefolium, Geranium sylvaticum and also the Lupinus nootkatensis which is actually new to the Icelandic flora. Our research has mainly been aimed at identifying bioactive phytochemicals which have an effect on bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. We have also sought to findbioactive compounds that stimulate the immune system. The findings of our research indicate that some Icelandic medicinal herbs contain phytochemicals that can have a suppressing effect on the growth of various bacteria and viruses, can affect the immune system and may possibly play a part in the the proliferation of cancer cells.

Quality Control in Production of Dietary Supplements

Our dietary supplements are manufactured under high production standards. Each production batch is standardized with respect to active compounds before it is packed so as to ensure the same quality throughout.

History and Science Behind Our Natural Products

Since the end of the 18th century, traditional herbal medicine has been pushed aside by advances in modern medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. Today, however, herbal medicine is regaining its stature in the world and there is growing interest in natural remedies as a way to treat or prevent illnesses.

Regulations for Natural Products

Requirements for a solid research background are becoming more pronounced and, in most Western countries, strict rules and regulations regarding the marketing of natural products are being formed. These provisions are being made due to the fact that many of the claims companies make regarding the efficacy of their natural products have no scientific proof. In the coming years, this will likely result in a widespread culling of natural products that do not meet official standards.

Science Explains Historical Popularity

Traditional use often serves as a foundation for modern research. When our research began, we looked at how  Icelandic medicinal herbs were used in the past. Thus, modern research now puts our ancestors’ use of herbal medicine into scientific context.

Scientific research at the University of Iceland since 1992, and extensive data gathering from published scientific articles, supports the claims made regarding the Icelandic Angelica archangelica.