Analysis of the effect of the Chinese herbal pair, Semen Persicae–Carthami Flos, on psoriasis using network pharmacology

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the underlying effect of the Chinese herbal pair, Semen Persicae–Carthami Flos (PC), on psoriasis using network pharmacology. Method: The core components and targets of the Chinese herbal pair were screened using TCMSP and BATMAN databases. Psoriasis disease targets were searched in OMIM and GeneCards databases. The common targets of the herbal pair and psoriasis were identified using a Venn diagram. The component–psoriasis-target network map was constructed using Cytoscape software. Protein interaction analysis, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis were performed on STRING website, R Project, and DAVID 6.8 database. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina software to predict the binding of herbal pair PC to psoriasis targets. Results: A total of 45 components and 105 potential targets of PC, as well as 3729 psoriasis-related genes, were screened from the databases. Venn diagram shows that there were 62 common targets of PC and psoriasis. These common targets involved biological processes such as DNA transcription factor receptor binding, cytokine receptor binding, and regulation of molecular function. The targets also involved apoptosis and the advanced glycation end-products (AGE)-receptor for AGEs (RAGE), tumor necrosis factor, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathways. In addition, the main active components of PC spontaneously bound to the targets. Conclusion: The Chinese herbal pair PC provides an alternative clinical therapeutic strategy for patients with psoriasis.