Study on Anti-hepatocellular Carcinoma Active Ingredients and Mechanism of Prunella Spica-Figwort Root Based on Network Pharmacology

Abstract

Abstract. Objective: This paper aims to screen the target and mechanism of action of the "Prunella Spica-Figwort Root" combination against hepatocellular carcinoma based on network pharmacology. Methods: The active ingredients and related targets of Prunella Spica and Figwort Root are searched through the TCMSP database (http://tcmspw. com/tcmsp.php), and the target of hepatocellular carcinoma is obtained through the Genecards database (https://www.genecards.org/). Meanwhile, the target of Prunella Spica-Figwort Root acting on hepatocellular carcinoma is generated through their combination. GO function analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis are conducted via the Metascape database (https://www.metascape.org/gp/index.html #/main/step1). The String database (https://string-db.org) is used to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) and screen the core target genes. Finally, the "drug-active ingredients-target" network is built through Cytoscape 3.7. 2. Results: In this study, 10 active ingredients and 70 hepatocellular carcinoma targets of "Prunella Spica-Figwort Root" are screened out.And got five core target genes: SRC, ESR1, KDR, MAPK14 and MAPK3 through the algorithm. According to GO enrichment results, "Prunella Spica-Figwort Root" may play a role against hepatocellular carcinoma through nuclear receptor activity, hormone response, regulation of defense response, and steroid metabolism. In addition, KEGG enrichment results proved that "Prunella Spica-Figwort Root" may regulate hepatocellular carcinoma through signaling pathways such as AMPK, Apelin, JAK-STAT, and CAMP. Conclusion: "Prunella Spica-Figwort Root" can regulate multiple target genes of hepatocellular carcinoma through various active ingredients. In this study, the mechanism of "Prunella Spica-Figwort Root" against hepatocellular carcinoma is preliminarily discussed, which provides a basis for future research.