Network pharmacology, a promising approach to reveal the pharmacology mechanism of Chinese medicine formula

Li Zhao; Hong Zhang; Ning Li; Jinman Chen; Hao Xu; Yongjun Wang; Qianqian Liang

doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116306

Network pharmacology, a promising approach to reveal the pharmacology mechanism of Chinese medicine formula

J Ethnopharmacol. 2023 Jun 12:309:116306. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116306. Epub 2023 Feb 27.

Authors

Li Zhao¹, Hong Zhang¹, Ning Li¹, Jinman Chen¹, Hao Xu¹, Yongjun Wang², Qianqian Liang³

Affiliations

¹ Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China; Spine Institute, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
² Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China; Spine Institute, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China. Electronic address: yjwang8888@126.com.
³ Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China; Spine Institute, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China. Electronic address: Liangqianqian@shutcm.edu.cn.

PMID: 36858276
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116306

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Network pharmacology is a new discipline based on systems biology theory, biological system network analysis, and multi-target drug molecule design specific signal node selection. The mechanism of action of TCM formula has the characteristics of multiple targets and levels. The mechanism is similar to the integrity, systematization and comprehensiveness of network pharmacology, so network pharmacology is suitable for the study of the pharmacological mechanism of Chinese medicine compounds.

Aim of the study: The paper summarizes the present application status and existing problems of network pharmacology in the field of Chinese medicine formula, and formulates the research ideas, up-to-date key technology and application method and strategy of network pharmacology. Its purpose is to provide guidance and reference for using network pharmacology to reveal the modern scientific connotation of Chinese medicine.

Materials and methods: Literatures in this review were searched in PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar using the keywords "traditional Chinese medicine", "Chinese herb medicine" and "network pharmacology". The literature cited in this review dates from 2002 to 2022.

Results: Using network pharmacology methods to predict the basis and mechanism of pharmacodynamic substances of traditional Chinese medicines has become a trend.

Conclusion: Network pharmacology is a promising approach to reveal the pharmacology mechanism of Chinese medicine formula.

Keywords: Chinese herb medicine; Network pharmacology; Traditional Chinese medicine.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Drug Delivery Systems
Drugs, Chinese Herbal* / chemistry
Drugs, Chinese Herbal* / pharmacology
Medicine, Chinese Traditional*
Network Pharmacology
Systems Biology

Substances

Drugs, Chinese Herbal