Novel Compatibility of Huanglianjiedu Decoction in Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Alzheimer's Disease1
Abstract Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive decline. Behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD) are another critical characterization of AD besides cognitive deficit. However, the pharmacological treatment of BPSD remains challenging. HuanglianJiedu decoction (HLJDD), which consists of four herbs, is applied to treat Alzheimer's disease in traditional Chinese medicine, especially AD with BPSD. While the frequently used compatibility of HLJDD, whose principal ingredient is Coptidis Rhizoma (Huang-lian, CR), may not be suitable for treating BPSD. Elucidating the mechanism underlying each herb is critical to HLJDD's pertinent compatibility.Methods: We utilized network pharmacology to analyze the herbs' targets and biological processes for treating BPSD in HLJDD and employed molecular docking to explore the binding activity between herbs' main active ingredients and neurotransmitter receptors. Results: Results showed that Scutellariae Radix (Huang-qin, SR) and Phellodendri Chinrnsis Cortex (Huang-bai, PCC) have better anti-BPSD effects than CR and Gardeniae Fructus (Zhi-zi, GF). SR has a better anti-neuroinflammation function, can better regulate blood vessels. PCC has a higher binding affinity with Dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A). CR and GF may be better for neuronal signaling.Conclusion: For treating BPSD, SR and PCC are the principal ingredients while CR and GF are the ancillary herbs.