Transcriptome analysis in HepG2 cells revealed multiple activity mechanisms of a Tibetan polyherbal formula

Background: Transcriptome analysis in combination with pathway-focused bioassays is considered as a helpful approach to gain deeper insight into the complex mechanisms of action of multicomponent herbal preparations in living cells. Tibetan medicine relies on the concept of polyherbalism, however, it is difficult to explain multifactorial molecular signatures. Therefore, a polyherbal Tibetan preparation, that has been approved by the Swiss drug authorities (Padma 28, Swissmedic Nr.58436), was applied to a more detailed dissection of mechanism of action in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Methods: Cell-free as well as…