Mechanism of Valeriana Jatamansi Jones for the treatment of spinal cord injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Medicine, 2023 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000036434 · Published: December 1, 2023

Alternative Medicine Pharmacology Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how Valeriana jatamansi Jones (VJJ), a Chinese herbal medicine, may help treat spinal cord injury (SCI) by analyzing its potential molecular mechanisms. The research used network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore how VJJ interacts with multiple targets and pathways related to SCI, focusing on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The findings suggest VJJ exerts therapeutic effects through its iridoid components, acting on key genes and pathways involved in SCI, particularly the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Identified 56 active ingredients of VJJ, primarily iridoids, which are believed to be the main components responsible for its therapeutic effects.
2
The study found that VJJ may exert its therapeutic effects on SCI through the iridoid fraction, acting on signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, CASP3, AKT1, tumor necrosis factor, mammalian target of rapamycin, interleukin 6, and other hub genes, which may be related to the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
3
Molecular docking results suggest that the core ingredients of VJJ bind well to hub genes enriched in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Research Summary

The study aimed to analyze the potential molecular mechanisms of action of VJJ in the treatment of SCI, using network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. Key findings include the identification of 56 active ingredients, mainly iridoids, and the implication of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in VJJ's therapeutic effect on SCI. The research suggests that VJJ exerts its therapeutic effect on SCI through iridoid fractions, acting on key genes such as STAT3, CASP3, AKT1, TNF, MTOR, and IL6, which are related to the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Practical Implications

Drug Development

Further research should focus on iridoids from VJJ and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to develop new treatments for SCI.

Clinical Application

The findings provide a theoretical basis for further investigation into the application of VJJ in SCI treatment and suggest future research should focus on irdoids from VJJ, based on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Further Research

Future investigations should be conducted using animal and cellular experiments to lay the foundation for the clinical transformation of VJJ in the treatment of SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study is based on bioinformatics and molecular docking, requiring further validation through in vivo and in vitro experiments.
2
The specific mechanisms of action of individual iridoids from VJJ on the identified target genes and pathways need further elucidation.
3
The clinical efficacy of VJJ in treating SCI patients needs to be evaluated in clinical trials.

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