Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking-Based Investigation of Potential Targets of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis Compound Acting on Spinal Cord Injury.

Background: Astragalus membranaceus (Huang-qi, AM) and Angelica sinensis (Dang-gui, AS) are common Chinese herbal medicines and have historically been used in spinal cord injury (SCI) therapies. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of AM&AS remain little understood. The purpose of this research was to explore the bioactive components and the mechanisms of AM&AS in treating SCI according to network pharmacology and the molecular docking approach. Methods: AM&AS active ingredients were first searched from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) and Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Database (TCM-ID). Meanwhile, we collected relevant target genes of SCI through the GeneCards database, OMIM database, PharmGkb database, DurgBank database, and TDD database. By utilizing the STRING database, we constructed a network of protein-protein interactions (PPIs). In addition, we used R and STRING to perform GO and KEGG function enrichment analyses. Subsequently, AutoDock Vina was employed for a molecular docking study on the most active ingredients and most targeted molecules to validate the results of the network pharmacology analysis mentioned above. Result: The overall number of AM&AS active compounds identified was 22, while the number of SCI-related targets identified was 159. Then, the 4 key active ingredients were MOL000098 quercetin, MOL000422 kaempferol, MOL000354 isorhamnetin, and MOL000392 formononetin. A total of fourteen core targets were TP53, ESR1, MAPK1, MTC, HIF1A, HSP90AA1, FOS, MAPK14, STAT1, AKT1, EGFR, RELA, CCND1, and RB1. The KEGG enrichment analysis results indicated that lipid and atherosclerosis, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, human cytomegalovirus infection, fluid shear stress, and atherosclerosis, etc., were enhanced with SCI development. Based on the analyses of docked molecules, four main active compounds had high affinity for the key targets. Conclusions: Altogether, it identified the mechanisms by which AM&AS was used for SCI treatment, namely, active ingredients, targets and signaling pathways. Consequently, further research into AM&AS treating SCI can be conducted on this scientific basis.

Revealing the magic of acupuncture based on biological mechanisms: A literature review.

Acupuncture has been used to treat various disease for more than 3,000 years in China and other Asian countries. As a complementary and alternative therapy, it has gained increasing popularity and acceptance among public and healthcare professionals in the West. Over the past few decades, basic and clinical research on acupuncture has made considerable progress. Internationally recognized evidence from clinical studies has been published, a preliminary system to clinically evaluate acupuncture has been created, and some clinical guidelines have been formulated. Moreover, scientists have strived to explore the physiological and biological mechanisms of acupuncture. Some basic studies have indicated that acupuncture has various actions, such as analgesic, muscle relaxing, anti-inflammatory, mild anxiolytic, and antidepressant actions, with possible biological mechanisms such as central sensitization, neurotransmitters, the intestinal flora, immune regulation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. The current review describes the common indications for acupuncture recommended by the WHO and the use of acupuncture in China, the United States, Australia, and several other countries. This review then summarized the mechanisms by which acupuncture treats common conditions including lower back pain (LBP), ischemic stroke, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and it also cited specific acupuncture points for treating these conditions. The hope is that this review will provide useful information for both acupuncturists and researchers to better understand the mechanisms of acupuncture and reasons for its usage.