The effect of homeopathic plant extract solutions on the cell proliferation of human cutaneous fibroblasts in vitro.
BACKGROUND
According to homotoxicology illness is defined as an overload of the connective tissue matrix with toxic substances, the homotoxins. In order to support elimination of these homotoxins, complex homeopathic medicines were developed. Fibroblasts are the local cells of this matrix and produce and modulate the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in every organ.


OBJECTIVE
In this study, the effect of 17 potentiated plant extracts, which are components of some antihomotoxic remedies, on the cell proliferation of human cutaneous fibroblasts (F54) was analyzed as an indication of their influence on the ECM.


METHODS
Cell proliferation of the F54 cells was measured by a colorimetric XTT-based assay kit.


RESULTS
Six of the tested agents had no effect on the cell proliferation of fibroblasts; 11 plant extracts had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on cell proliferation.


CONCLUSIONS
As the modulation of the ECM is dependent on the activity of the fibroblasts, these results indicate that the plant extracts may modulate the composition of the ECM via the inhibitory effect on fibroblasts cell growth.
Valentiner
U
U
Institut für Anatomie II, Experimentelle Morphologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. valentin@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Weiser
M
M
Moll
I
I
Schumacher
U
U
D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002460:Cell Line; D003124:Colorimetry; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000187:drug effects*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D006705:Homeopathy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology
D010936:Plant Extracts