A network pharmacology approach to explore the potential role of Panax ginseng on exercise performance

Abstract

[Purpose] As Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (ginseng) exhibits various physiological activities and is associated with exercise, we investigated the potential active components of ginseng and related target genes through network pharmacological analysis. Additionally, we analyzed the association between ginseng-related genes, such as the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and improved exercise capacity.[Methods] Active compounds in ginseng and the related target genes were searched in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Gene ontology functional analysis was performed to identify biological processes related to the collected genes, and a compound-target network was visualized using Cytoscape 3.7.2.[Results] A total of 21 ginseng active compounds were detected, and 110 targets regulated by 17 active substances were identified. We found that the active compound protein was involved in the biological process of adrenergic receptor activity in 80%, G-protein-coupled neurotransmitter in 10%, and leucocyte adhesion to arteries in 10%. Additionally, the biological response centered on adrenergic receptor activity showed a close relationship with G protein through the beta-1 adrenergic receptor gene reactivity.[Conclusion] According to bioavailability analysis, ginseng comprises 21 active compounds. Furthermore, we investigated the ginseng-stimulated gene activation using ontology analysis. GPCR, a gene upregulated by ginseng, is positively correlated to exercise. Therefore, if a study on this factor is conducted, it will provide useful basic data for improving exercise performance and health.

Pharmacological systemic analysis of gardenia fructus against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and validation of animal models

“…To analyze the mechanisms of GF active proteins, target networks were constructed using Cytoscape software 3.7.2. The networks were constructed as previously reported [ 13 ]. The selected candidate ingredients and targets were input into the software, and the gene ontology (GO) network was analyzed.…”

COVID-19 and Panax ginseng: Targeting platelet aggregation, thrombosis and the coagulation pathway

“…We sought to also investigate whether the bioactive compounds of P. ginseng from TCMSP can provide further information on the predicted targets against COVID-19. Twenty-one bioactive compounds (oral bioavailability ≥30; drug-likeness ≥ 0.18) were included, and the target genes were also determined by Kim et al (2021) [ 86 ]. The network was imported and constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.0 ( Supplementary Figure 3 ) and addressed as network (5).…”