Network Pharmacology‐Based Study on the Active Component and Mechanism of the Anti-Gastric-Cancer Effect of Herba Sarcandrae

BACKGROUND: Herba Sarcandrae is used in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine to deal with gastric cancer. However, there are few studies on its precise mechanism. METHOD: In this study, a network pharmacological approach was utilized to construct a molecular/target/pathway molecular regulatory network for the anti-gastric-cancer effect of Herba Sarcandrae. The active components of Herba Sarcandrae and their potential mechanisms were explored. Chemical components of the Herba Sarcandrae were identified through a database, and they were evaluated and screened based on oral bioavailability and drug similarity. RESULTS: Genes related to gastric cancer were found in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and gene targets related to anti-gastric-cancer were chosen by comparison. Using annotation, visualization, and a comprehensive discovery database, the function and related pathways of target genes were analyzed and screened. Cytoscape software was utilized to construct a component/target/pathway network for the antitumor effect of Herba Sarcandrae. Finally, 6 drug ingredients and 29 target genes related to gastric cancer were detected. IL-17 signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, and other signaling pathways were significantly enriched. Many signaling pathways that directly act on tumors and indirect pathways inhibit the development of gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: This study provides a scientific basis for further elucidating the mechanism of the anti-gastric-cancer effect of Herba Sarcandrae.