# Prediction and analysis of components and functions of Ixeris chinensis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

## TL;DR

This study uses network pharmacology and molecular docking to identify active components and potential disease targets of Ixeris chinensis, supporting its medicinal value and future drug development.

## Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive analysis of Ixeris chinensis's active ingredients, key targets, and signaling pathways using network pharmacology and molecular docking.

## Key findings

- 12 effective components and 40 key targets were identified, including AKT1, TNF, and EGFR.
- Molecular docking showed strong binding between active components and key targets.
- Meta-analysis confirmed Ixeris extract reduces blood lipid levels in animals.

## Abstract

It is reported that the Ixeris chinensis has high medicinal value, but there are few reports about its potential molecular mechanism. We used a network pharmacology approach to predict the active ingredients, targets of action and possible interventions in diseases of Ixeris chinensis.

We employed various databases and software to predict the active ingredients, target genes, protein interactions, signaling pathways, network diagrams, and molecular docking of Ixeris chinensis. Simultaneously, we searched multiple Chinese and English databases and conducted meta-analyses of five randomized controlled trials.

The analysis results revealed 12 effective components, including apigenin β-sitosterol, baicalin, baicalein, and luteolin; and selected 40 key targets, including AKT1, TNF, EGFR, ESR1, SRC, among others. GO analysis generated 225 biological processes, 39 cellular components, and 65 molecular functions; KEGG analysis revealed 103 signaling pathways. Molecular docking results indicated that the main active components of Ixeris chinensis can bind well with key targets. Five randomized controlled trials were included. Meta-analysis showed that Ixeris extract can effectively reduce animal blood lipid levels.

This study revealed the main active ingredients and key targets of Ixeris chinensis, analyzed the signaling pathways of potential targets, conducted disease prediction, and performed molecular docking prediction, providing a basis for research on the pathways of Ixeris treatment for related diseases and subsequent new drug development.