# Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Ginseng in Diabetic Retinopathy: A Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Study

## TL;DR

This study explores how ginseng might help treat diabetic retinopathy by targeting harmful pathways linked to the disease.

## Contribution

The study identifies ginseng compounds that may target key proteins and pathways in diabetic retinopathy using network pharmacology and molecular docking.

## Key findings

- Ginseng compounds show strong binding to proteins involved in diabetic retinopathy pathways.
- Key pathways like AGE-RAGE signaling are enriched in ginseng's potential therapeutic mechanism.
- Network analysis highlights inflammation and oxidative stress as major targets of ginseng.

## Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a major cause of vision impairment, results from hyperglycemia‐induced retinal microvascular damage. Current therapies mainly address symptoms rather than underlying mechanisms. Ginseng, a traditional medicinal herb with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, may offer therapeutic benefits for DR. This study employed network pharmacology to identify bioactive compounds in ginseng and their potential molecular targets associated with DR. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed significant enrichment in inflammation‐ and oxidative stress‐related pathways, particularly the advanced glycation end product (AGE)‐RAGE signaling pathway. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network identified key targets, and molecular docking and dynamics simulations confirmed strong binding affinities between ginseng compounds and DR‐related proteins. These findings suggest ginseng may modulate critical pathways involved in DR progression, offering potential as a natural therapeutic agent.