scholarly journals Integrating network pharmacological and experimental models to investigate the therapeutic effects of baicalein in glaucoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiawei Yang ◽  
Mingxu Zhang ◽  
Qiuyi Song ◽  
Siqi Li ◽  
Xiulan Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Ocular Hypertension ◽  
Core Protein ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Interleukin 17 ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Chain Reactions ◽  
Protein P53 ◽  
Tumor Protein P53

Abstract Background Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of treating glaucoma with remarkable effects, but there is no clear conclusion on its mechanism. Methods Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to analyze the mechanism and targets of TCM in the treatment of glaucoma, and baicalein was used to treat chronic ocular hypertension animal models rats for observation. Results The results of animal experiments showed that baicalein could significantly reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension and protect the structure of the retina and optic nerve, as shown by hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Reducing the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by upregulating the expression of the antiapoptotic protein BCL-2 is basically consistent with the results of molecular docking. In the network pharmacology analysis, many key proteins of biological pathways involved in the herbal therapeutic processes in glaucoma, such as threonine kinase 1 (AKT1, core protein of PI3K/AKT signaling), tumor protein p53 (TP53, a tumor suppressor gene coding tumor protein P53), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3, core protein of JAK/STAT signaling), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 17 (IL-17, proinflammatory factors), were identified. Their interactions built complicated chain reactions in the process of glaucoma. Conclusion By combining the analysis of network pharmacology and animal experimental results, baicalein could effectively improve the symptoms of glaucoma and reduce RGC apoptosis, suggesting that the potential mechanism of TCM in treating glaucoma is related to regulating inflammation and cellular immunity and reducing apoptosis.

Integrating Network Pharmacological and Experimental Models to Investigate the Therapeutic Effects of Baicalein on Glaucoma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiawei Yang ◽  
Mingxu Zhang ◽  
Qiuyi Song ◽  
Siqi Li ◽  
Xiulan Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Ocular Hypertension ◽  
Core Protein ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Animal Experiments ◽  
Suppressor Gene ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Therapeutic Effects

Abstract Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of treating glaucoma with remarkable effects, but there is no clear conclusion on its mechanism.Methods: Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to analyze the mechanism and targets of TCM in the treatment of glaucoma, and use baicalein to intervene in chronic ocular hypertension rat animal models to verify.Result：The results of animal experiments showed that baicalin could significantly reduce the intraocular pressure(IOP) in a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension and protect the structure of the retina and optic nerve, as shown by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and transmission electron microscope(TEM). Reduce the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells(RGCs) by up-regulating the expression of anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2, and adjusted the expression of AKT1, HIF-1α up and down to a certain extent, this trend is basically consistent with the results of the molecular docking. In the network pharmacology analysis, many key proteins of biological pathways involved in the herbal therapeutic processes on glaucoma like AKT1 (core protein of PI3K/AKT signaling), TP53 (a tumor suppressor gene coding tumor protein P53), STAT3 (core protein of JAK/STAT signaling), IL6 and IL1B (pro-inflammatory factors). And their interactions built complicated chain reaction in the process of glaucoma. Conclusion: By combining the analysis of network pharmacology and experimental verification revealed that baicalein can effectively improve the symptoms of glaucoma and reduce RGCs apoptosis, suggesting the potential mechanism of TCM in treating glaucoma is related to regulating inflammation and cellular immunity, and reducing apoptosis.

scholarly journals Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental study for the mechanisms of Qishen Yiqi Pills against Cardiovascular Diseases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie-wen Zhao ◽  
Hai-dong Liu ◽  
Ming-yin Man ◽  
Lv-ya Wang ◽  
Ning Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Functional Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Literature Mining ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Active Components

Abstract Background Qishen Yiqi Pills (QSYQP) is a traditional Chinese compound recipe. However, our understanding of its mechanism has been hindered due to the complexity of its components and targets. In this work, the network pharmacology-based approaches were used to explore QSYQP’s pharmacological mechanism on treating cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Results From ETCM and TCM MESH databases we collected QSYQP’s 333 active components and their 674 putative targets. We constructed the sub-network influence by CVD genes and found that 40% QSYQP targets appeared in 20 modules, in which QSYQP’s targets and CVD genes co-existed as hub nodes in the sub-network. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that the 42 key targets were mainly expressed in platelets, blood vessels, cardiomyocytes, and other tissues. The main signaling pathways regulated and controlled by the key targets were inflammation, immunity, blood coagulation and energy metabolism. Network and pathway analysis identified 7 key targets, which were regulated by 7 compounds of QSYQP. 26 of the 42 important targets, including the 7 key targets were verified by literature mining. Twelve pairs of interactions between key targets and QSYQP’s compounds were validated by molecular docking. Further validation experiments suggested that QSYQP suppressed H/R induced apoptosis and cytoskeleton disruption of cardiomyocytes. Western blotting showed that the expression of cardiovascular diseases-related genes including ACTC1, FoxO1 and DIAPH1 was significantly decreased by establishing the hypoxia-reoxygenation model in vitro, while the protein expression of experimental group was significantly increased by adding QSYQP or its ingredients. Conclusion These results indicated the correlation of QSYQP treatment to the therapeutic effects of CVD. At the molecular level, this study revealed the multicomponent and multitargeting mechanisms of QSYQP in the regulation and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, potentially providing a reference for the further utilization of QSYQP.

scholarly journals Network pharmacology based research into the effect and mechanism of Yinchenhao Decoction against Cholangiocarcinoma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiqiang Chen ◽  
Tong Lin ◽  
Xiaozhong Liao ◽  
Zeyun Li ◽  
Ruiting Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Active Compounds ◽  
Apoptosis Rate

Abstract Background: Cholangiocarcinoma refers to an epithelial cell malignancy with poor prognosis. Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD) showed positive effects on cancers, and associations between YCHD and cholangiocarcinoma remain unclear. This study aimed to screen out the effective active components of Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD) using network pharmacology, estimate their potential targets, screen out the pathways, as well as delve into the potential mechanisms on treating cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: By the traditional Chinese medicine system pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP) as well as literature review, the major active components and their corresponding targets were estimated and screened out. Using the software Cytoscape 3.6.0, a visual network was established using the active components of YCHD and the targets of cholangiocarcinoma. Based on STRING online database, the protein interaction network of vital targets was built and analyzed. With the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) server, the gene ontology (GO) biological processes and the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) signaling pathways of the targets enrichment were performed. The AutoDock Vina was used to perform molecular docking and calculate the binding affinity. The PyMOL software was utilized to visualize the docking results of active compounds and protein targets. In vivo experiment, the IC50 values and apoptosis rate in PI-A cells were detected using CCK-8 kit and Cell Cycle Detection Kit. The predicted targets were verified by the real-time PCR and western blot methods. Results: 32 effective active components with anti-tumor effects of YCHD were sifted in total, covering 209 targets, 96 of which were associated with cancer. Quercetin, kaempferol, beta-sitosterol, isorhamnetin, and stigmasterol were identified as the vital active compounds, and AKT1, IL6, MAPK1, TP53 as well as VEGFA were considered as the major targets. The molecular docking revealed that these active compounds and targets showed good binding interactions. These 96 putative targets exerted therapeutic effects on cancer by regulating signaling pathways (e.g., hepatitis B, the MAPK signaling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and MicroRNAs in cancer). Our in vivo experimental results confirmed that YCHD showed therapeutic effects on cholangiocarcinoma by decreasing IC50 values, down-regulating apoptosis rate of cholangiocarcinoma cells, and lowering protein expressions. Conclusion:As predicted by network pharmacology strategy and validated by the experimental results, YCHD exerts anti-tumor effectsthrough multiple components, targets, and pathways, thereby providing novel ideas and clues for the development of preparations and the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.

scholarly journals Elucidating the Effects of Curcumin against Influenza Using In Silico and In Vitro Approaches

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 880
Author(s):  
Minjee Kim ◽  
Hanul Choi ◽  
Sumin Kim ◽  
Lin Woo Kang ◽  
Young Bong Kim
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Mdck Cells ◽  
Influenza Infection ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
In Vitro Experiments ◽  
Target Interaction ◽  
Ppi Networks

The influenza virus is a constantly evolving pathogen that challenges medical and public health systems. Traditionally, curcumin has been used to treat airway inflammatory diseases, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. To elucidate common targets of curcumin and influenza infection and underlying mechanisms, we employed network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches and confirmed results using in vitro experiments. Biological targets of curcumin and influenza were collected, and potential targets were identified by constructing compound–disease target (C-D) and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks. The ligand–target interaction was determined using the molecular docking method, and in vitro antiviral experiments and target confirmation were conducted to evaluate curcumin’s effects on influenza. Our network and pathway analyses implicated the four targets of AKT1, RELA, MAPK1, and TP53 that could be involved in the inhibitory effects of curcumin on influenza. The binding energy calculations of each ligand–target interaction in the molecular docking showed that curcumin bound to AKT1 with the highest affinity among the four targets. In vitro experiments, in which influenza virus-infected MDCK cells were pre-, co-, or post-treated with curcumin, confirmed curcumin’s prophylactic and therapeutic effects. Influenza virus induction increased the level of mRNA expression of AKT in MDCK cells, and the level was attenuated by curcumin treatment. Collectively, our findings identified potential targets of curcumin against influenza and suggest curcumin as a potential therapy for influenza infection.

scholarly journals Mechanism of Dark Plum In Treatment of Sjögren's Syndrome Based On Network Pharmacology And Molecular Docking​

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhongli Sun ◽  
Lilin Deng ◽  
Zhoujie Xu ◽  
Kun Yang ◽  
Penglong Yu
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Sjögren’S Syndrome ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Sjögren's Syndrome ◽  
Sjogren’S Syndrome ◽  
Sjogren's Syndrome ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Sjögren‘S Syndrome

Abstract Background: Modern medicine has no cure for the xerostomia caused by the early onset of Sjögren's syndrome (SS).Dark plum is a common Chinese herbal medicine used to relieve xerostomia. However, the molecular mechanisms of the effects of dark plum are unknown. In this study, network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to investigate the mechanisms of action of dark plum on SS.Materials and method: The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) database was used to identify the active components and targets of dark plum, and the UniProt database was used to identify the genes encoding these targets. SS-related targets were also identified from the GeneCards and OMIM databases. By finding the intersection of the targets of the compounds and the targets of SS, the predicted targets of dark plum in the treatment of SS were obtained. Further investigation of the active compounds and their targets was carried out by constructing a network of "medicine-candidate compound-target-disease" using Cytoscape 3.7.2, the Protein-Protein Interaction(PPI) network using the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.7.2, and key targets were identified by Gene Ontology( GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis on R software. Finally, molecular docking was used to verify the affinity of the candidate compounds to the key targets.Results: Quercetin, beta-sitosterol, and kaempferol in dark plum interact with AKT1, IL-6, IL-1B, JUN, CASP3, and MAPK8. These results suggest that dark plum exerts its therapeutic effects on the peripheral gland injury of SS and its secondary cardiovascular disease and tumorigenesis through anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumor pathways.Conclusion: With network pharmacology, this study systematically identified the main active components, targets, and specific mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of dark plum on SS, providing both a theoretical basis and research direction for further investigations on dark plum.

scholarly journals Exploring the Potential Mechanism of Xiaokui Jiedu Decoction for Ulcerative Colitis Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Bin Wang ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
Jianhui Sun ◽  
Nailin Zhang ◽  
Xiaojia Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Potential Mechanism ◽  
Related Gene ◽  
Active Ingredients ◽  
Colon Cells ◽  
Hub Gene

Introduction. Network pharmacology is in line with the holistic characteristics of TCM and can be used to elucidate the complex network of interactions between disease-specific genes and compounds in TCM herbal medicines. Here, we investigate the pharmacological mechanism of Xiaokui Jiedu decoction (XJD) for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods. The Computational Systems Biology Laboratory Platform (TCMSP) database was searched and screened for the active ingredients of all drugs in XJD. The Uniport database was used to retrieve possible gene targets for the therapeutic effects of XJD. GeneCards, PharmGKB, TTD, and OMIM databases were used to retrieve XJD-related gene targets. A herb-compound-protein network and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed, and hub genes were screened for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Finally, molecular docking was performed to validate the interrelationship between disease target proteins and active drug components. Results. A total of 135 XJD potential action targets, 5097 UC-related gene targets, and 103 XJD-UC intersection gene targets were screened. The hub gene targets of XJD that exert therapeutic effects on UC are RB1, MAPK1, TP53, JUN, NR3C1, MAPK3, and ESR1. GO enrichment analysis showed 741 biofunctional enrichments, and KEGG enrichment analysis showed 124 related pathway enrichments. Molecular docking showed that the active components of XJD (β-sitosterol, kaempferol, formononetin, quercetin, and luteolin) showed good binding activities to five of the six hub gene targets. Discussion. The active ingredients of XJD (β-sitosterol, kaempferol, formononetin, quercetin, and luteolin) may regulate the inflammatory and oxidative stress-related pathways of colon cells during the course of UC by binding to the hub gene targets. This may be a potential mechanism of XJD in the treatment of UC.

scholarly journals Network Pharmacology Analysis of the Therapeutic Mechanisms Underlying Beimu-Gualou Formula Activity against Bronchiectasis with In Silico Molecular Docking Validation

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Xin Shen ◽  
Hong Li ◽  
Wen-Jun Zou ◽  
Jian-Ming Wu ◽  
Long Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Cellular Response ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Interaction Network ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Target Interaction ◽  
In Silico Molecular Docking

Background. The classical Chinese herbal prescription Beimu-Gualou formula (BMGLF) has been diffusely applied to the treatment of respiratory diseases, including bronchiectasis. Although concerning bronchiectasis the effects and mechanisms of action of the BMGLF constituents have been partially elucidated, it remains to be determined how the formula in its entirety exerts therapeutic effects. Methods. In this study, the multitarget mechanisms of BMGLF against bronchiectasis were predicted with network pharmacology analysis. Using prepared data, a drug-target interaction network was established and subsequently the core therapeutic targets of BMGLF were identified. Furthermore, the biological function and pathway enrichment of potential targets were analyzed to evaluate the therapeutic effects and pivotal signaling pathways of BMGLF. Finally, virtual molecular docking was performed to assess the affinities of compounds for the candidate targets. Results. The therapeutic action of BMGLF against bronchiectasis involves 18 core target proteins, including the aforementioned candidates (i.e., ALB, ICAM1, IL10, and MAPK1), which are assumed to be related to biological processes such as drug response, cellular response to lipopolysaccharide, immune response, and positive regulation of NF-κB activity in bronchiectasis. Among the top 20 signaling pathways identified, mechanisms of action appear to be primarily related to Chagas disease, allograft rejection, hepatitis B, and inflammatory bowel disease. Conclusion. In summary, using a network pharmacology approach, we initially predicted the complex regulatory profile of BMGLF against bronchiectasis in which multilink suppression of immune/inflammatory responses plays an essential role. These results may provide a basis for novel pharmacotherapeutic approaches for bronchiectasis.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches to investigating the mechanism of action of Zanthoxylum bungeanum in the treatment of oxidative stress-induced diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong Zhao ◽  
Meng-Meng Zhang ◽  
Dan Wang ◽  
Wei Peng ◽  
Qing Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Active Compounds ◽  
Zanthoxylum Bungeanum

Background: Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim., a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been reported to possess therapeutic effects on diseases induced by oxidative stress (DOS), such as atherosclerosis and diabetes complication. However, the active components and its related mechanisms are still not systematically reported. Objective: The current study was aimed to explore the main active ingredients and its molecular mechanisms of Z. bungeanum for treating DOS using network pharmacology combined with molecular docking simulation. Methods: The active components of Z. bungeanum pericarps, in addition to the interacting targets, were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. These components were filtered using the parameters of oral bioavailability and drug-likeness, and the targets related to DOS were obtained from the Genecards and OMIM database. Furthermore, the overlapping genes were obtained, and a protein-protein interaction was visualized using the STRING database. Next, the Cytoscape software was employed to build a disease/drug/component/target network, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed using R software. Finally, the potential active compounds and their related targets were validated using molecular docking technology. Results: A total of 61 active compounds, 280 intersection genes, and 105 signaling pathways were obtained. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that DOS occurs possibly through the regulation of many biological pathways, such as AGERAGE and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Thirty of the identical target genes showed obvious compact relationships with others in the STRING analysis. Three active compounds, quercetin, diosmetin, and beta-sitosterol, interacting with the four key targets, exhibited strong affinities. Conclusion: The findings of this study not only indicate the main mechanisms involving in the oxidative stress-induced diseases, but also provide the basis for further research on the active components of Z. bungeanum for treating DOS.

scholarly journals In Silico and In Vivo Studies on the Mechanisms of Chinese Medicine Formula (Gegen Qinlian Decoction) in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolu Liu ◽  
Yuling Fan ◽  
Lipeng Du ◽  
Zhigang Mei ◽  
Yang Fu
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Tnf Α

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD), a Chinese botanical formula, has exhibited beneficial efficacy against UC. However, the mechanisms underlying the effect of GQD still remain to be elucidated. In this study, network pharmacology approach and molecular docking in silico were applied to uncover the potential multicomponent synergetic effect and molecular mechanisms. The targets of ingredients in GQD were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of TCM (BATMAN-TCM) database, while the UC targets were retrieved from Genecards, therapeutic target database (TTD) and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database. The topological parameters of Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) data were used to screen the hub targets in the network. The possible mechanisms were investigated with gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was used to verify the binding affinity between the active compounds and hub targets. Network pharmacology analysis successfully identified 77 candidate compounds and 56 potential targets. The targets were further mapped to 20 related pathways to construct a compound-target-pathway network and an integrated network of GQD treating UC. Among these pathways, PI3K-AKT, HIF-1, VEGF, Ras, and TNF signaling pathways may exert important effects in the treatment of UC via inflammation suppression and anti-carcinogenesis. In the animal experiment, treatment with GQD and sulfasalazine (SASP) both ameliorated inflammation in UC. The proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) induced by UC were significantly decreased by GQD and SASP. Moreover, the protein expression of EGFR, PI3K, and phosphorylation of AKT were reduced after GQD and SASP treatment, and there was no significance between the GQD group and SASP group. Our study systematically dissected the molecular mechanisms of GQD on the treatment of UC using network pharmacology, as well as uncovered the therapeutic effects of GQD against UC through ameliorating inflammation via downregulating EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6.

scholarly journals A Network Pharmacology Approach for Exploring the Mechanisms of Panax notoginseng Saponins in Ischaemic Stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Cong Wang ◽  
Hao Chen ◽  
Shi-tang Ma ◽  
Bin-bin Mao ◽  
Yu Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Panax Notoginseng ◽  
Docking Studies ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Panax Notoginseng Saponins ◽  
Ginsenoside Re ◽  
Molecular Docking Studies ◽  
Ppi Networks

Background. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) have been deemed effective herb compounds for treating ischaemic stroke (IS) and improving the quality of life of IS patients. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of PNS in the treatment of IS based on network pharmacology. Methods. PNS were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, and their possible targets were predicted using the PharmMapper database. IS-related targets were identified from the GeneCards database, OMIM database, and DisGeNET database. A herb-compound-target-disease network was constructed using Cytoscape, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were established with STRING. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were performed using DAVID. The binding of the compounds and key targets was validated by molecular docking studies using AutoDock Vina. The neuroprotective effect of TFCJ was substantiated in terms of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and malondialdehyde) and the levels of IGF1/PI3K/Akt pathway proteins. Results. A total of 375 PNS targets and 5111 IS-related targets were identified. Among these targets, 241 were common to PNS, and IS network analysis showed that MAPK1, AKT1, PIK3R1, SRC, MAPK8, EGFR, IGF1, HRAS, RHOA, and HSP90AA1 are key targets of PNS against IS. Furthermore, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that PNS probably exert therapeutic effects against IS by regulating many pathways, such as the Ras, oestrogen, FoxO, prolactin, Rap1, PI3K-Akt, insulin, PPAR, and thyroid hormone signalling pathways. Molecular docking studies further corroborated the experimental results.The network pharmacology results were further verified by molecular docking and in vivo experiments. Conclusions. The ameliorative effects of PNS against IS were predicted to be associated with the regulation of the IGF1-PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Ginsenoside Re and ginsenoside Rb1 may play an important role in the treatment of IS.

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