Integrated Network Pharmacology Analysis and In Vitro Validation Revealed the Potential Active Components and Underlying Mechanistic Pathways of Herba Patriniae in Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Herba Patriniae (HP) are medicinal plants commonly used in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. In this study, network pharmacology was used to predict the active components and key signaling pathways of HP in CRC. Patrinia heterophylla, one type of HP, was chosen for validation of the network pharmacology analysis. The phytochemical profile of Patrinia heterophylla water extract (PHW) was determined by UHPLC-MS. MTT, RT-PCR, and Western blot assays were performed to evaluate the bioactivities of PHW in colon cancer cells. Results showed that 15 potentially active components of HP interacted with 28 putative targets of CRC in the compound–target network, of which asperglaucide had the highest degree. Furthermore, the ErbB signaling pathway was identified as the pathway mediated by HP with the most potential against CRC. Both RT-PCR and Western blot results showed that PHW significantly downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of EGFR, PI3K, and AKT in HCT116 cells. Asperglaucide, present in PHW, exhibited an anti-migratory effect in HCT116 cells, suggesting that it could be an active component of PHW in CRC treatment. In conclusion, this study has provided the first scientific evidence to support the use of PHW in CRC and paved the way for further research into the underlying mechanisms of PHW against CRC.

Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology in the Exploration of the Multi-Targeted Therapeutic Approach of Traditional Medicinal Plants

“…These methods have been demonstrated to be effective in some herbal products used in traditional therapies [ 17 , 18 ]. A current method for identifying active ingredients and possible molecular targets in a variety of herbal formulations or basic plants is known as network pharmacology [ 19 , 20 ].…”

Investigation Driven by Network Pharmacology on Potential Components and Mechanism of DGS, a Natural Vasoprotective Combination, for the Phytotherapy of Coronary Artery Disease

“…TCM exerts a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway synergistic effect [18]. However, this complexity is a bottleneck for revealing its modern scientific significance.…”

Targeting lncRNA/Wnt axis by flavonoids: A promising therapeutic approach for colorectal cancer

“…Although conventional chemotherapy drugs have certain curative effects on the treatment of CRC, they have disadvantages such as toxicity, drug resistance, and high cost. Considering the numerous signal pathways involved in CRC metabolism, the exploration of multi‐target and safe natural bioactive compounds remained a priority (Ayan, Çetinkaya, Dursun, Güneş, & Şirin, 2021; Yang et al, 2021). Flavonoids are categorized as secondary metabolites, which were widely present in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, spices, herb plants, tea, and wine (Hu, Li, Cao, Guo, & Luo, 2021).…”

“…Although conventional chemotherapy drugs have certain curative effects on the treatment of CRC, they have disadvantages such as toxicity, drug resistance, and high cost. Considering the numerous signal pathways involved in CRC metabolism, the exploration of multitarget and safe natural bioactive compounds remained a priority (Ayan, Çetinkaya, Dursun, Günes ¸, & S ¸irin, 2021;Yang et al, 2021).…”