The Potential Mechanisms of Catechins in Tea for Anti-Hypertension: An Integration of Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Catechins, a class of polyphenolic compounds found in tea, have attracted significant attention due to their numerous health benefits, particularly for the treatment and protection of hypertension. However, the potential targets and mechanisms of action of catechins in combating hypertension remain unclear. This study systematically investigates the anti-hypertensive mechanisms of tea catechins using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation techniques. The results indicate that 23 potential anti-hypertensive targets for eight catechin components were predicted through public databases. The analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) identified three key targets (MMP9, BCL2, and HIF1A). KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analyses revealed that these key targets play significant roles in regulating vascular smooth muscle contraction, promoting angiogenesis, and mediating vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signaling. The molecular docking results demonstrate that the key targets (MMP9, BCL2, and HIF1A) effectively bind with catechin components (CG, GCG, ECG, and EGCG) through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the stability of the binding between catechins and the targets. This study systematically elucidates the potential mechanisms by which tea catechins treat anti-hypertension and provides a theoretical basis for the development and application of tea catechins as functional additives for the prevention of hypertension.