Exploration of the Mechanism of Huangqi(Astragali Radix)-Yinyanghuo(Epimedii Wushanensis Folium)in Treating Hypothyroidism Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology

XU Haixu; LI Changhui

Abstract：Objective This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism by which Huangqi(Astragali Radix)and Yinyanghuo(Epimedii Wushanensis Folium)treat hypothyroidism using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.Methods Active ingredients of Huangqi(Astragali Radix)and Yinyanghuo(Epimedii Wushanensis Folium)were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database(TCMSP),and their corresponding targets were predicted using the PharmMapper database.Disease targets related to hypothyroidism were identified through databases including PharmGKB,GeneCards,DrugBank,and the Therapeutic Target Database.Intersection targets between the drugs and the disease were identified using R language.Protein-protein interaction networks(PPI)were constructed using the STRING database,and core targets were identified using R language and Cytoscape software.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses were conducted using R and OrgDb package in R Studio.A"drug-component-target-pathway"network relationship diagram was visualized using Cytoscape software.Results 10 core components of the drug were obtained,including quercetin,kaempferol,luteolin,betulinic acid,etc.Protein interaction network analysis obtained AKT1,IL-6,TNF,IL-1β,TP53 and other 16 key targets of Astragalus-Epimedium and hypothyroidism.GO enrichment is mainly due to processes such as cell apoptosis,proliferation,and response to oxidative stress that occur on the outside of the plasma membrane,the vesicle cavity,and other components.KEGG enrichment mainly includes the top 30 signaling pathways such as lipid and atherosclerosis pathways,AGE/RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications,and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Three key nodes of quercetin,AKT1,lipid and atherosclerosis pathways were obtained through the drug-component-target-pathway network.Conclusion Huangqi(Astragali Radix)-Yinyanghuo(Epimedii Wushanensis Folium)may alleviate hypothyroidism through synergistic effects of multiple components acting on diverse targets and pathways.Specifically,the quercetin-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway emerges as a potential key pathway mediating their therapeutic effects.