Network pharmacology analysis and clinical efficacy of the traditional Chinese medicine Bu-Shen-Jian-Pi. Part 1: Biogenic components and identification of targets and signaling pathways in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.

Abstract

There is evidence that Bu-Shen-Jian-Pi (BSJP), a traditional Chinese medicine, has curative effects in patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and potentially fatal hypoxic condition. To identify biogenic components in BSJP extracts having potential pharmacological efficacy in ALS. Biogenic components in BSJP and their potential pharmacological targets and signaling pathways in ALS were identified and assessed using network pharmacology/hub node analysis. Network pharmacology analysis identified icariin, naringenin, kaempferol, quercetin, and formononetin as core components in BSJP with potential activity involving mitochondrial protection in patients with ALS. Network pharmacology analysis proved to be a successful screening tool for obtaining information from scientific databases on the pharmacology of biogenic components in BSJP showing potential therapeutic activity in ALS.