Network pharmacological analysis of the active molecules in Coeloglossum viride var. bacteatum and their anti-Alzheimer’s disease activity through restoration of energy metabolism and inhibition of inflammation

Abstract

Coeloglossum viride var. bracteatum is an advanced tonic in Tibetan medicine with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Therefore, its anti-AD effects and potential targets should be explored. Firstly, a network pharmacological analysis of its bioactive molecules and their targets related to AD was performed, and the anti-inflammatory and energy metabolism modulating effects of its extract (CE) were investigated in LPS-induced astrocytes and BV2 cellular models. Then, inflammatory factors levels, ATP content and real-time energy metabolism were measured by RT-qPCR and Seahorse extracellular flux assays, respectively. Finally, we established a molecule-target network, as well as a PPI network of CE-related targets with AD-related targets, and identified 178 nodes and 2317 edges, yielding key targets that may play an important role in the treatment of AD. CE attenuated LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis in astrocytes, while also enhancing energy metabolism in BV2 cells. Mechanistically, CE inhibited LPS-induced enhancement of microglia glycolytic activity and improved energy metabolism by inhibiting the HIF-1α/PKM2 signaling axis. Thus, CE is a potential AD therapeutic agent with anti-inflammatory and energy metabolism modulating activities.