Low-dose Drosera rotundifolia induces gene expression changes in 16HBE human bronchial epithelial cells

Abstract

Drosera rotundifolia has been traditionally used for the treatment of respiratory diseases in phytotherapy and homeopathy. The mechanisms of action recognized so far are linked to the known effects of specific components, such as flavonoids, but are not completely understood. In this study, the biological functions of D. rotundifolia were explored in vitro following the treatment of bronchial epithelial cells, which are the potential targets of the pharmacological effects of the herbal medicine. To do so, the whole plant ethanolic extract was 1000-fold diluted in water (D. rotundifolia 3×) and added to a 16HBE human cell line culture for 3 h or 6 h. The effects on gene expression of the treatments and corresponding controls were then investigated by RNA sequencing. The differentially expressed genes were validated through RT-qPCR, and the enriched biological functions involved in the effects of treatment were investigated. D. rotundifolia 3× did not impair cell viability and was shown to be a stimulant of cell functions by regulating the expression of dozens of genes after 3 h, and the effects were amplified after 6 h of treatment. The main differentially expressed genes encoded ligands of epithelial growth factor receptor, proteins involved in xenobiotic detoxification and cytokines, suggesting that D. rotundifolia 3× could stimulate self-repair systems, which are impaired in airway diseases. Furthermore, D. rotundifolia 3× acts on a complex and multifaceted set of genes and may potentially affect different layers of the bronchial mucosa.

Biological Potential of Carnivorous Plants from Nepenthales

“…For example, Dr. rotundifolia extract increased the expression of specific epidermal growth factors, which play a positive role in the regulation of cell survival, cell proliferation, and wound healing. It also enhanced the expression of proteins related to xenobiotic detoxification and cytokines; therefore, it stimulated self-repair systems impaired in respiratory tract diseases [142].…”

“…In turn, polyphenols are related to anti-inflammatory [129][130][131]133], antiosteoporotic [141,145], antispasmodic [131,131,143], and antiaging [156] activities and to the beneficial effect on the respiratory tract [142,143].…”

Actions of Drosera Sp in Dentistry Diseases. Phitochemical Components, Pharmacological Actions

“…Infections in the oral cavity and caries caused by bacteria from the Streptococcus class are very susceptible to Drosera extracts, action due especially to plumbagina. This inhibits the growth and development of strains of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus rattus, Streptococcus cricetus [25,26].…”

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“…Die Extrakte stimulierten die Integrität der Zellen gegenüber toxischen Substanzen über die Induktion von Cytochrom-P450- Enzymen (CYP1B1) und deren Reparationsfähigkeit über epidermale Wachstumsfaktoren wie AREG, EREG und EPGN. Als Wirkmechanismus wurde postuliert, dass die Epithelzellen proinflammatorische Zytokine ausschütten, die eine leichte Entzündung auslösen und darüber Zellen rekrutieren, die mit der angeborenen Immunabwehr und der Angiogenese in Verbindung stehen [ 1 ].…”