Microarray analysis of genes from animals treated with a traditional formulation ChandraprabhaVati reveals its therapeutic targets

BACKGROUND: Traditional medicinal preparations have not received global acceptance, and their therapeutic benefits remain disputed due to lack of scientific evidence on their mechanism of action. Microarray analysis has emerged as a powerful technique that can aid in understanding the complex signaling networks activated by these formulations and thereby assess their beneficial as well as adverse effects. AIM: The present work aims to investigate the differential influence of ChandraprabhaVati, Ayurvedic formulation used in the treatment of diabetes, anemia, urinary, respiratory, skin and liver disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The RNA from the liver of rats treated with different doses of ChandraprabhaVati for 28 days was isolated and studied for the genome-wide changes in the expression. RESULTS: The results revealed several molecular targets that could contribute to the therapeutic effects of ChandraprabhaVati. Several genes have been differentially expressed, among those miRNAs miR-434, miR877, and miRlet7e contribute to the anti-diabetic, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory of CPV. The rejuvenative activity of CPV may be due to the MeOX1 and Upf3b genes. Up-regulation of Hbaa2 gene facilitates the anti-anemic effect. Interestingly gender-specific differential expressions of genes were also observed. Rab3d were found to be altered in female when compared to male animals. CONCLUSION: Thus the microarray data for the CPV treated animals has revealed molecular targets that may be responsible for the various known therapeutic effects and also identified new beneficial effects of CPV.