Utilizing data mining and network pharmacology to analyze the formulation rule and function of enhancing immunity of Acanthopanax Radix et Rhizoma-containing health products

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to analyze the formulation rules of Ciwujia (Acanthopanax Radix et Rhizoma)-containing health products and investigate the potential mechanisms.

Methods: By searching the Ciwujia-containing health products from the special food information inquiry platform of the State Administration for Market Regulation and MedSciNet, the basic information, including efficacy, tropism of taste, dosage form, health function etc., was analyzed using R language software packages and Excel. The formulation rules and core drug combinations were analyzed using the Apriori algorithm of IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0. By searching TCMID and other databases and reviewing relevant literature, the chemical components and potential targets database of Ciwujia was constructed. The protein–protein interaction network was analyzed using R package, String database, and Cytoscape software to screen for key components and targets related to health functions. Gene ontology functional annotation and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis were performed. Finally, molecular docking was used to verify the binding affinity of core targets and key components.

Results: A total of 315 cases of Ciwujia-containing health products were collected. The major health functions were to relieve physical fatigue and immune enhancement. A total of 205 effective components and 775 targets related to Ciwujia were obtained. By intersecting the genes related to Ciwujia and immune enhancement, 212 key target genes were identified. Ciwujia has an effect on immune enhancement through signaling pathways such as C-type lectin receptor, toll-like receptor, and NOD-like receptor. Molecular docking results also indicated a spontaneous and stable binding between the key components of Ciwujia and the core targets.

Conclusions: Through data mining, network pharmacology, and molecular docking research, this study analyzed the relevant information of Ciwujia-containing health products, preliminarily revealing its potential targets and mechanism pathways of immune enhancement and providing a theoretical basis for the development of future health products.

Keywords

Acanthopanax Radix et Rhizoma / data mining / health products / immune enhancement / network pharmacology

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