Examining the Effects of Witch Hazel on Inflammation in Tetrahymena thermophila
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Authors
Anderko, Corinne
Carstens, Amelia
Date of Issue
2025-04-25
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
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Abstract
Witch Hazel, which is derived from the plant Hamamelis virginiana, is a supplement used to treat inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties are said to result from the supplement’s tannic acid content, which can promote vasorelaxation and reduce swelling. Although there is existing research on the cellular mechanisms by which tannic acid works to reduce inflammation, the goal of this study was to determine whether Witch Hazel treatment results in comparable changes to the inflammatory response in the model organism, Tetrahymena thermophila. To induce inflammation, the Tetrahymena thermophila were placed in a hypotonic solution and their recovery from cellular swelling in the presence of Witch Hazel was assessed. We hypothesized that Witch Hazel treatment would lead to a reduction in inflammation-related behaviors and gene expression. For the gene expression analysis via RT-qPCR, both the STF1 gene, which encodes for a solute transporter that regulates cell volume, and the CIT1 gene, which encodes for an enzyme that is part of the glyoxylate cycle, were analyzed. To determine the behavioral effects of Witch Hazel treatment on inflammation, each experimental group underwent three behavioral assays including a motility assay, a feeding assay, and a speed and tumbling assay. It was predicted that there would be an increase in expression of the STF1 and CIT1 genes in cultures exposed to the Witch Hazel treatment, as well as increases in motility, feeding, and speeding and tumbling behaviors.
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