UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS Combined with Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Animal Verification Reveals the Mechanism of Insomnia Treatment by Shen Qi Wu Wei Zi capsules

Abstract

Background: Shen Qi Wu Wei Zi capsules (SQWWZ) are often used to treat insomnia; however, the potential therapeutic mechanism is still unclear. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of the Shen Qi Wu Wei Zi capsules on insomnia. Methods: The components of SQWWZ were identified using the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technique in conjunction with relevant literature. Insomnia-related targets were searched in the GeneCards and DisGeNET databases, and the intersection targets were obtained using a Venn diagram. A component-target-insomnia network diagram was constructed using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. Core targets underwent GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Molecular docking techniques were employed to verify the key proteins involved in the pathway and their corresponding compounds. Insomnia was induced in SD rats through the intraperitoneal injection of pchlorophenylalanine (DL-4-chlorophenylalanine, PCPA). The rats were treated orally with SQWWZ, and the serum levels of 5-HT and GABA in each group were determined using ELISA. Histological analysis of hippocampal tissue sections from the rats was performed using HE staining. Results: Using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and reviewing relevant literature, we identified 49 components of SQWWZ. Additionally, we obtained 1,043 drug targets and 367 insomnia-related targets. Among these, 82 targets were found to be common to both drug and insomnia targets. Following drug administration, rats in the treatment group exhibited a significant increase in the serum levels of 5-HT and GABA. Moreover, histological analysis using HE staining revealed neatly arranged hippocampal neuronal cells in the treated rats. Conclusion: The active components of SQWWZ had good inhibition of insomnia. This study provides a reference and guidance for the in-depth study of SQWWZ for the treatment of insomnia.