scholarly journals Pharmacological Network Reveals the Active Mechanism of Qi-Replenishing, Spleen-Strengthening, Phlegm-Dispelling, and Blood-Nourishing Fufang on Coronary Heart Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Fan Zhang ◽  
Yue Liu ◽  
Sicheng Zheng ◽  
Boyi Dang ◽  
Jianan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Salvia Miltiorrhiza ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Tanshinone Iia ◽  
Ppi Network ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Active Compounds ◽  
Magnesium Lithospermate B

This study aimed to investigate the potential targets and pathways of qi-replenishing, spleen-strengthening, phlegm-dispelling, and blood-nourishing Fufang in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD). The composition of Fufang was identified, followed by screening of the active components using ADME. The targets of active components were predicted and screened based on the TCMSP and BATMAN databases and were cross-validated using the CTD database and DisGeNET. A functional enrichment analysis was performed using the ClueGO + CluePedia plugins and clusterProfiler in the R package. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape. Finally, a pharmacological network was constructed. A total of 27 overlapping targets were obtained after cross-validation. ALB, IL-6, and TNF were the hub genes in the PPI network. The pharmacological network included 59 nodes and 189 relation pairs. Among the 59 nodes, there were 2 herbal medicine nodes (Salvia miltiorrhiza and Astragalus mongholicus), 8 chemical component nodes (magnesium lithospermate B, neocryptotanshinone II, heteratisine, daphneolone, tanshinone IIA, tanshinone IIB, soyasapogenol B, and astragaloside II), 27 target protein nodes (such as ALB, TNF, IL-6, NFKB1, APOA1, APOA2, CYP1A1, and CYP1A2), and 22 pathway nodes (such as the toll-like receptor signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway). Therefore, we found that the genes TNF, IL-6, NFKB1, ALB, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, APOA1, and APOA2 might be important targets of the key active compounds neocryptotanshinone II and astragaloside II. These genes targeted by the key active compounds might regulate inflammation-related pathways and the level of albumin and cholesterol in CHD.

scholarly journals A Network Pharmacology-Based Study on Active Ingredients of Corydalis Rhizoma on Coronary Heart Disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Li ◽  
Guhang Wei ◽  
Zhenkun Zhuang ◽  
Mingtai Chen ◽  
Changjian Yuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Active Ingredients ◽  
Active Components

Abstract BackgroundCorydalis Rhizoma(CR) showed a high efficacy for coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the interaction between the active ingredients of CR and the targets of CHD has not been unequivocally explained in previous researches. To study the active components and potential targets of Corydalis Rhizoma and to determine the mechanism underlying the exact effect of Corydalis Rhizoma on coronary heart disease, a method of network pharmacology was used.Materials and MethodsThe active components of CR and targets corresponding to each component were scanned out from Traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP), and target genes of CHD were searched on GeneCards database and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) database. The active components and common targets of CR and CHD were used to build the “CR-CHD” network through Cytoscape (version 3.2.1) software as well as protein-protein interaction(PPI) network on String database. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was executed by clusterProfiler(version 3.8) and DOSE(version 3.6) package on R platform.Results49 active ingredients and 394 relevant targets of CR and the 7173 CHD-related genes were retrieved. 40 common genes were selected for subsequent analysis. Crucial biological processes and pathways were obtained and analyzed, including DNA-binding transcription activator activity, RNA polymerase II-specific, RNA polymerase II transcription factor binding, kinase regulator activity, ubiquitin-like protein ligase binding, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, TNF signaling pathway, apoptosis, MAPK signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.ConclusionsOverall, CR could alleviate CHD through the mechanisms predicted by network pharmacology, laying the foundation for future development of new drugs from traditional Chinese medicine on CHD.

scholarly journals Using Network Pharmacology to Explore Potential Treatment Mechanism for Coronary Heart Disease Using Chuanxiong and Jiangxiang Essential Oils in Jingzhi Guanxin Prescriptions

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Tai ◽  
Junbo Zou ◽  
Xiaofei Zhang ◽  
Yu Wang ◽  
Yulin Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Retinoic Acid ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Cellular Response ◽  
Metabolic Process ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Active Components

Background. To predict the active components and potential targets of traditional Chinese medicine and to determine the mechanism behind the curative effect of traditional Chinese medicine, a multitargeted method was used. Jingzhi Guanxin prescriptions expressed a high efficacy for coronary heart disease (CHD) patients of which essential oils from Chuanxiong and Jiangxiang were confirmed to be the most important effective substance. However, the interaction between the active components and the targets for the treatment of CHD has not been clearly explained in previous studies. Materials and Methods. Genes associated with the disease and the treatment strategy were searched from the electronic database and analyzed by Cytoscape (version 3.2.1). Protein-protein interaction network diagram of CHD with Jiangxiang and Chuanxiong essential oils was constructed by Cytoscape. Pathway functional enrichment analysis was executed by clusterProfiler package in R platform. Results. 121 ingredients of Chuanxiong and Jiangxiang essential oils were analyzed, and 393 target genes of the compositions and 912 CHD-related genes were retrieved. 15 coexpression genes were selected, including UGT1A1, DPP4, RXRA, ADH1A, RXRG, UGT1A3, PPARA, TRPC3, CYP1A1, ABCC2, AHR, and ADRA2A. The crucial pathways of occurrence and treatment molecular mechanism of CHD were analyzed, including retinoic acid metabolic process, flavonoid metabolic process, response to xenobiotic stimulus, cellular response to xenobiotic stimulus, cellular response to steroid hormone stimulus, retinoid binding, retinoic acid binding, and monocarboxylic acid binding. Finally, we elucidate the underlying role and mechanism behind these genes in the pathogenesis and treatment of CHD. Conclusions. Generally speaking, the nodes in subnetwork affect the pathological process of CHD, thus indicating the mechanism of Jingzhi Guanxin prescriptions containing Chuanxiong and Jiangxiang essential oils in the treatment of CHD.

scholarly journals The Active Compounds of Yixin Ningshen Tablet and Their Potential Action Mechanism in Treating Coronary Heart Disease- A Network Pharmacology and Proteomics Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Xing Lv ◽  
Huijun Wang ◽  
Ruoming Wu ◽  
Xiaoyan Shen ◽  
Guan Ye
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Endocrine Resistance ◽  
Arachidonic Acid Metabolism ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Active Compounds ◽  
Target Proteins ◽  
Potential Target

Yixin Ningshen tablet is a CFDA-approved TCM formula for treating coronary heart disease (CHD) clinically. However, its active compounds and mechanism of action in treating CHD are unknown. In this study, a novel strategy with the combination of network pharmacology and proteomics was proposed to identify the active components of Yixin Ningshen tablet and the mechanism by which they treat CHD. With the application of network pharmacology, 62 active compounds in Yixin Ningshen tablet were screened out by text mining, and their 313 potential target proteins were identified by a tool in SwissTargetPrediction. These data were integrated with known CHD-related proteomics results to predict the most possible targets, which reduced the 313 potential target proteins to 218. The STRING database was retrieved to find the enriched pathways and related diseases of these target proteins, which indicated that the Calcium, MAPK, PI3K-Akt, cAMP, Rap1, AGE-RAGE, Relaxin, HIF-1, Prolactin, Sphingolipid, Estrogen, IL-17, Jak-STAT signaling pathway, necroptosis, arachidonic acid metabolism, insulin resistance, endocrine resistance, and steroid hormone biosynthesis might be the main pathways regulated by Yixin Ningshen tablet for the treatment of CHD. Through further enrichment analysis and literature study, EGFR, ERBB2, VGFR2, FGF1, ESR1, LOX15, PGH2, HMDH, ADRB1, and ADRB2 were selected and then validated to be the target proteins of Yixin Ningshen tablet by molecular docking, which indicated that Yixin Ningshen tablet might treat CHD mainly through promoting heart regeneration, new vessels’ formation, and the blood supply of the myocardial region and reducing cardiac output, oxygen demand, and inflammation as well as arteriosclerosis (promoting vasodilation and intraplaque neoangiogenesis, lowering blood lipid). This study is expected to benefit the clinical application of Yixin Ningshen tablet for the treatment of CHD.

scholarly journals Effects of Astragalus injection and Salvia Miltiorrhiza injection on serum inflammatory markers in patients with stable coronary heart disease: a randomized controlled trial study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luo Zhihao ◽  
Yuntao Liu ◽  
Zhen Zhao ◽  
Xia Yan ◽  
Dawei Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Salvia Miltiorrhiza ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Tanshinone Iia ◽  
Fatty Acid Binding ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Stable Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Main Component

Abstract Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a clinical syndrome caused by coronary atherosclerosis (AS) or functional changes of coronary arteries. Our previous experimental study found that the main component of Astragalus, Astragaloside IV, and the main component of Salvia Miltiorrhiza, Tanshinone IIA, can effectively improve myocardial ischemic injury. Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, blinded, parallel design trial. A total of 160 eligible patients were randomized to a treatment group (in three groups) or the placebo control group in a 1:1:1:1 ratio using a central randomization system. Patients will receive appropriate treatment for 7 days within 24 hours after enrollment and follow-up for 28 days. Main evaluation indicators: cell count, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), Interleukin-6(IL-6), IL-1β, IL-8, IL-18, IL-10, Tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α), Oxidized low density lipoprotein(OX-LDL), exosome levels, and angina grade and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) symptom changes scale. Secondary evaluation indicators: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, troponin (cTn), muscle enzyme isoenzyme (CK-MB), heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), liver function, renal function, blood coagulation and the like. Adverse events will be monitored throughout the trial. Discussion: This is a randomized controlled trial of Chinese herbal extracts for the treatment of coronary heart disease. The results of this trial will provide valuable clinical evidence for the recommendations for disease management and identify its underlying mechanisms.

scholarly journals A Network Pharmacology-Based Study on Active Ingredients of Corydalis Rhizoma on Coronary Heart Disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Li ◽  
Guhang Wei ◽  
Zhenkun Zhuang ◽  
Mingtai Chen ◽  
Haidan Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Active Ingredients ◽  
Active Components

Abstract Background. Corydalis Rhizoma(CR) showed a high efficacy for coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the interaction between the active ingredients of CR and the targets of CHD has not been unequivocally explained in previous researches. To study the active components and potential targets of Corydalis Rhizoma and to determine the mechanism underlying the exact effect of Corydalis Rhizoma on coronary heart disease, a method of network pharmacology was used. Materials and Methods. The active components of CR and targets corresponding to each component were scanned out from Traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP), and target genes of CHD were searched on GeneCards database and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) database. The active components and common targets of CR and CHD were used to build the “CR-CHD” network through Cytoscape (version 3.2.1) software as well as protein-protein interaction(PPI) network on String database. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was executed by clusterProfiler(version 3.8) and DOSE(version 3.6) package on R platform. Results. 49 active ingredients and 394 relevant targets of CR and the 7173 CHD-related genes were retrieved. 40 common genes were selected for subsequent analysis. Crucial biological processes and pathways were obtained and analyzed, including DNA-binding transcription activator activity, RNA polymerase II-specific, RNA polymerase II transcription factor binding, kinase regulator activity, ubiquitin-like protein ligase binding, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, TNF signaling pathway, apoptosis, MAPK signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Conclusions. Overall, CR could alleviate CHD through the mechanisms predicted by network pharmacology, laying the foundation for future development of new drugs from traditional Chinese medicine on CHD.

scholarly journals Identifying a Serum Exosomal-Associated lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network in Coronary Heart Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Jia Mao ◽  
Yufei Zhou ◽  
Licheng Lu ◽  
Ping Zhang ◽  
Runhua Ren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Cellular Protein ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Ppi Network ◽  
Hub Genes ◽  
Cerna Network ◽  
Normal Controls

Background. Accumulating evidence supports the importance of noncoding RNAs and exosomes in coronary heart disease (CHD). However, exosomal-associated competing endogenous RNA- (ceRNA-) mediated regulatory mechanisms in CHD are largely unexplored. The present study aimed to explore exosomal-associated ceRNA networks in CHD. Methods. Data from 6 CHD patients and 32 normal controls were downloaded from the ExoRBase database. CHD and normal controls were compared by screening differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs), lncRNAs (DELs), and circRNAs (DECs) in serum exosomes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) targeting DEMs were predicted using the Targetscan and miRanda databases, and miRNAs targeted by DELs and DECs were predicted using the miRcode and starBase databases, respectively. The biological functions and related signaling pathways of DEMs were analyzed using the David and KOBAS databases. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established to screen out on which hub genes enrichment analyses should be performed, and a ceRNA network (lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA) was constructed to elucidate ceRNA axes in CHD. Results. A total of 312 DEMs, 43 DELs, and 85 DECs were identified between CHD patients and normal controls. Functional enrichment analysis showed that DEMs were significantly enriched in “chromatin silencing at rDNA,” “telomere organization,” and “negative regulation of gene expression, epigenetic.” PPI network analysis showed that 25 hub DEMs were closely related to CHD, of which ubiquitin C (UBC) was the most important. Hub genes were mainly enriched in “cellular protein metabolic process” functions. The exosomal-associated ceRNA regulatory network incorporated 48 DEMs, 73 predicted miRNAs, 10 DELs, and 15 DECs. The LncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction axes (RPL7AP11/hsa-miR-17-5p/UBC and RPL7AP11/hsa-miR-20b-5p/UBC) were obtained from the network. Conclusions. Our findings provide a novel perspective on the potential role of exosomal-associated ceRNA network regulation of the pathogenesis of CHD.

scholarly journals Effects of Astragalus injection and Salvia Miltiorrhiza injection on serum inflammatory markers in patients with stable coronary heart disease: a randomized controlled trial study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luo Zhihao ◽  
Yuntao Liu ◽  
Zhen Zhao ◽  
Xia Yan ◽  
Dawei Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Salvia Miltiorrhiza ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Tanshinone Iia ◽  
Fatty Acid Binding ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Stable Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Main Component

Abstract Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a clinical syndrome caused by coronary atherosclerosis (AS) or functional changes of coronary arteries. Our previous experimental study found that the main component of Astragalus, Astragaloside IV, and the main component of Salvia Miltiorrhiza, Tanshinone IIA, can effectively improve myocardial ischemic injury. Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, blinded, parallel design trial. A total of 160 eligible patients were randomized to a treatment group (in three groups) or the placebo control group in a 1:1:1:1 ratio using a central randomization system. Patients will receive appropriate treatment for 7 days within 24 hours after enrollment and follow-up for 28 days. Main evaluation indicators: cell count, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), Interleukin-6(IL-6), IL-1β, IL-8, IL-18, IL-10, Tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α), Oxidized low density lipoprotein(OX-LDL), exosome levels, and angina grade and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) symptom changes scale. Secondary evaluation indicators: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, troponin (cTn), muscle enzyme isoenzyme (CK-MB), heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), liver function, renal function, blood coagulation and the like. Adverse events will be monitored throughout the trial. Discussion: This is a randomized controlled trial of Chinese herbal extracts for the treatment of coronary heart disease. The results of this trial will provide valuable clinical evidence for the recommendations for disease management and identify its underlying mechanisms.

scholarly journals Research on the Mechanism of Wuwei Yuganzi San in the Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease Based on Network Pharmacology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qunhui Zhang ◽  
Yimei Li ◽  
Yang Guo ◽  
Qiqin Lu ◽  
Guoying Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Protein Interaction ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Receptor Protein ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Ras Signaling ◽  
Ppi Network ◽  
Active Ingredients

Abstract Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a chronic cardiovascular disease across the world, which poses numerous threats to mankind. Wuwei Yuganzi San (WYS) is a famous traditional Tibetan medicine prescription. It has been confirmed effective in the treatment of CHD, but its specific mechanism remains still unclear. Objective: To elucidate the main pharmacological action of WYS in treating CHD and investigate the underlying multiple mechanisms of its multi-ingredient-multi-target by network pharmacology.Methods: Firstly, active ingredients of WYS and connected targets of five herbs were retrieved by using traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) and screening literature. Then, genome explanation databases (OMIM and GeneCards) were used to acquire targets related to CHD. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built using the mutual targets filtering genes through protein interaction. Next, a network diagram could be established with the help of Cytoscape 3.8.2. And, STRING platform was used to construct a protein interaction network. Finally, GO and KEGG analyses were analyzed to further elucidate biological process enrichment.Results: After the screening, 36 active ingredients and 202 related targets in WYS in addition to 952 disease-related targets were acquired. A total of 37 key targets including AKT1, ESR1, and EGFR were screened in the PPI network. These targets were mostly concentrated on the transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase signaling pathway, cellular response to growth factors stimulus, and response to growth factor. The KEGG enrichment demonstrated that the MAPK signaling pathway, P13K/AKT signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, and other corresponding signaling pathways were closely related to CHD.Conclusions. WYS plays a significant role in the treatment of CHD. And this study provides a novel approach to disclose the therapeutic mechanisms of WYS on CHD.

scholarly journals Identifying Serum Exosomal-Associated lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network in Coronary Heart Disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Mao ◽  
Yufei Zhou ◽  
Licheng Lu ◽  
Ping Zhang ◽  
Runhua Ren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Cellular Protein ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Signal Pathways ◽  
Ppi Network ◽  
Hub Genes ◽  
Cerna Network ◽  
Normal Controls

Abstract Background: Accumulating evidence has indicated that the importance of noncoding RNAs and exosomes in coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the exosomal-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA)-mediated regulatory mechanism in CHD is still unknown. The present study aimed to explore exosomal-associated ceRNA network in CHD.Methods: The dataset, including 6 CHD patients and 32 normal controls, were downloaded from the ExoRBase database. Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs), lncRNAs (DELs) and circRNAs (DECs) in the serum exosomes between CHD and normal controls were screened. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) targeting DEMs were predicted by Targetscan and miRanda, miRNAs targeting DELs and DECs were predicted with miRcode and starBase, respectively. The biological functions and related signal pathways of DEMs were analyzed using David and KOBAS database. Subsequently, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established to screen out hub genes, enrichment analyses of hub genes were performed and the ceRNA network (lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA) was constructed to elucidate ceRNA axes in CHD.Results: A total of 312 DEMs, 43 DELs and 85 DECs were identified between CHD patients and normal controls. Functional enrichment analysis showed that DEMs were significantly enriched in “chromatin silencing at rDNA”, “telomere organization”, “negative regulation of gene expression, epigenetic”. The PPI network analysis showed that 25 hub DEMs were closely related to CHD, of which, ubiquitin C (UBC) was the most important. The biological function of hub genes showed that they were mainly enriched in “cellular protein metabolic process”. The exosomal-associated ceRNA regulatory network incorporated 48 DEMs, 72 predicted miRNAs, 10 DELs and 15 DECs. LncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction axes (RPL7AP11/hsa-miR-17-5p/UBC, RPL7AP11/hsa-miR-20b-5p/UBC) were obtained from the network. Conclusions: Our findings have provided a novel perspective on the potential roles of exosomal-associated ceRNA network regulating the pathogenesis of CHD.

scholarly journals Molecular mechanism of Epicedium treatment for depression based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yankai Dong ◽  
Bo Tao ◽  
Xing Xue ◽  
Caixia Feng ◽  
Yating Ren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Functional Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Testable Hypothesis ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Active Compounds

Abstract Background Increasing attention has been paid to the effect of Epimedium on the nervous system, particularly anti-depression function. In the present study, we applied network pharmacology to introduce a testable hypothesis on the multi-target mechanisms of Epicedium against depression. Methods By reconstructing the network of protein–protein interaction and drug–component–target, we predicted the key protein targets of Epicedium for the treatment of depression. Then, through molecular docking, the interaction of the main active components of Epicedium and predicted candidate targets were verified. Results Nineteen active compounds were selected from Epicedium. There were 200 targets associated with Epicedium and 537 targets related to depression. The key targets of Epicedium for treating depression were IL6, VEGFA, AKT1, and EGF. According to gene ontology functional enrichment analysis, 22 items of biological process (BP), 13 items of cell composition (CC) and 9 items of molecular function (MF) were obtained. A total of 56 signaling pathways (P < 0.05) were identified by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, mainly involving depression-related pathways such as dopaminergic synapse, TNF signaling pathway, and prolactin signaling pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that the most important activity components, including luteoklin, quercetin and kaempferol, were well combined with the key targets. Conclusions Luteoklin, quercetin, kaempferol and other active compounds in Epicedium can regulate multiple signaling pathways and targets such as IL6, AKT1, and EGF, therefore playing therapeutic roles in depression.

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