Mechanisms of Linggui Zhugan Decoction in the Treatment of Obesity Based on Network Pharmacology

Abstract

This study employed network pharmacology to investigate how Linggui Zhugan Decoction (LGZGD) may treat obesity. The TCMSP platform was used to select active ingredients and targets of LGZGD based on drug ADME properties, forming a component-target network. Obesity-related targets were identified from various databases, and a global network was constructed to analyze interactions between components, targets, and disease-related proteins. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted using G: profiler. Molecular docking using AutoDockTools validated the binding of key active components to core targets. The study identified 120 active ingredients and 201 targets for LGZGD, with 84 targets related to obesity. GO analysis revealed various biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions associated with obesity, including lipid response and cellular response to chemical stimuli. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted signaling pathways such as AGE-RAGE signaling in diabetic complications, cancer pathways, IL-17 signaling, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signaling. Molecular docking confirmed that the core active components of LGZGD tightly bind to key targets involved in obesity treatment. This study provides a preliminary understanding of the pharmacological basis and efficacy mechanism of LGZGD in treating obesity, supporting its traditional use and offering a theoretical foundation for further research.