Study on the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanisms of Ju-Hong Tan-Ke liquid for the treatment of “phlegm, cough, and asthma” based on network pharmacology

The pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanisms of Ju-Hong Tan-Ke liquid (JHTKL) for its anti-tussive, anti-asthmatic and expectorant effects were investigated by using network pharmacology. We collected, screened, and predicted potential targets and signaling pathways for 24 compounds in the 8 herbs of JHTKL and grouped them according to their efficacy. Combined with the evidence analysis in the literature database, we explored molecular mechanisms of the components of this formula in different diseases and analyzed their compatibility laws. To verify the network analysis results, we used software to perform molecular docking of a part of the pivotal targets with their corresponding compounds. The results show that the main active ingredients in JHTKL may be naringin, L-ephedrine, glaucogenin C, amygdalin, deoxyschizandrin, neotuberostemonine, pachymic acid and glycyrrhizic acid. Moreover, efficacy groups of JHTKL may play a role by acting on pivotal gene targets such as the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1, acetylcholinesterase, beta-2 adrenergic receptor, prostaglandin G/H synthase 2, tumor necrosis factor, epidermal growth factor receptor and biological pathways such as the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cholinergic synapses, calcium signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In this study, we have confirmed the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanisms of JHTKL by using network pharmacology, laying a foundation for improving the quality standards of JHTKL and providing a reference basis for its potential expansion in clinical applications.