Fibronectin Gene Up-regulation by Arnica montana in Human Macrophages: Validation by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay

Abstract

Background and Aim Arnica montana L. (Arnica m.) is a popular traditional medicine, used for its therapeutic properties in healing traumas, but little is known about its biological action on tissue formation and repair. This new work tested the effects of Arnica m. homeopathic dilutions on human macrophages, key cells in tissue defence and repair. Materials and Methods Macrophages derived from the THP-1 cell line were differentiated with interleukin-4 to induce a ‘wound-healing’-like phenotype, and treated with various dilutions of Arnica m. centesimal (100 times) dilutions (2c, 3c, 5c, 9c, and 15c) or control solvent for 24 hours. RNA samples from cultured cells were analysed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in five separate experiments. Results Arnica montana at the 2c dilution (final concentration of sesquiterpene lactones in cell culture = 10−8 mol/L) significantly stimulated the expression of three genes which code for regulatory proteins of the extracellular matrix, namely FN1 (fibronectin 1, % increase of 21.8 ± standard error of the mean 4.6), low-density lipoprotein-receptor-related protein 1 (% increase of 33.4 ± 6.1) and heparan sulphate proteoglycan 2 (% increase of 21.6 ± 9.1). Among these genes, the most quantitatively expressed was FN1. In addition, FN1, unlike other candidate genes, was upregulated in cells treated with higher dilutions/dynamisations (3c, 5c, and 15c) of Arnica m. Conclusion The results support evidence that the extracellular matrix is a potential therapeutic target of Arnica m., with positive effects on cell adhesion and migration during tissue development and healing.

The Science of the “Simile”

“…This could certainly be part of a concerted attack on homeopathy. Later, the tests were repeated with new methods [115], and the main results were confirmed [54].…”

Computational and In Vitro Approaches to Elucidate the Anti-cancer Effects of Arnica montana in Hormone-Dependent Breast Cancer

“…28,29 Marzotto et al witnessed the action of Arn on cell migration, inflammation and extracellular matrix regulation, during healing and repair, in an in vitro cell line model. 30 In another study, Arn induced increased expression of the chemokine CXCL1, suggesting positive influence on cell recruitment and angiogenesis, in human macrophage cell lines. 31 The rationale for carrying out the current study was based on the anti-inflammatory properties of Arn, which led us to evaluate its potential against BCa.…”

Volatile Composition Variability of Arnica montana Wild Populations of Trentino‐Alto Adige, Italy, Determined by Headspace‐Solid Phase Microextraction

“…[4] A. montana has been historically used as a traditional medicinal plant to treat various pathologies, such as contusions, wounds, rheumatism, and inflammation. [5] Its biolog-ical activity and medicinal properties have been the subject of many studies, [6,7] including veterinary medicine. [8] A. montana flower heads (Arnica flos) are included in the European pharmacopoeia, [9] while the plant's rhizome and roots are sold under the pharmaceutical trade name Arnica radix (Latin).…”