The effects of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) on TRPV gene family expression and coronavirus replication

Chamomile (Maticaria chamomilla) is widely grown in our country. Chamomile is used in the thearapy of upper respiratory tract infections and various disorders. Coronaviruses cause respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal tract infections, and systemic diseases in humans, mammals, and birds. SARS coronaviruses became important for human health during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreaks of 2002-2003 and caused more than eighthundreds of deaths. They are still risk factor for human health. TRP gene family are thought to be biological sensors that detect environmental changes of the cells. TRPV (vanilloid receptor) gene family members are named as TRPV1-6. TRPV1-4 gene family members are the heat-sensitive, Ca2+ permeable, non-selective cation channels. TRPV5-6 gene family members are Ca2+ selective channels. In this study, the effects of chamomile extract on coronavirus replication and TRPV gene expression was investigated. Firstly, The cytotoxic effects of Matricaria chamomilla extracts have been determined on HeLa CEACAM cells by MTT (3 - (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-difeniltetrazoliumbromid) assay. Then effects of Matricaria chamomilla extract was investigated in the replication of coronavirus MHV-A59 and TRPV gene family expression by Fluidigm Real-Time PCR System with BioMarin ? HD. Results: 1/10 density of Matricaria chamomilla ekstract showed maximum cytotoxic effect on HeLa CEACAM cells. 1/100 density of Matricaria chamomilla extract showed significantly decreasing of TRPV1-6 gene expressions on the 6th and 8th hour of coronavirus replication. Key words: Coronavirus, Cytotoxicity, Maticaria chamomilla, SARS, TRPV gene family