Based on Network Pharmacology to Explore the Potential Bioactive Compounds and Mechanisms of Zuojin Pill for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Background. Zuojin Pill (ZJP), a classic prescription, has the potential to prevent ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the active components and mechanisms of ZJP are still arcane. This study aimed to use a network pharmacology approach to find the bioactive compounds and potential action mechanisms of ZJP in the treatment of UC. Methods. Firstly, the components and putative targets of ZJP were collected based on herbal medicine target databases, and a network containing the interaction between the targets of ZJP and the potential therapeutic targets of UC was established. Then, topological parameters were calculated to identify the key targets in the network and, in turn, to import them into the David database to perform path enrichment analysis. Results. 14 potential therapeutic components of ZJP and 26 key targets were obtained. These targets were related to signal transduction, MAPK cascade, inflammatory response, immune response, and the apoptotic process of UC. Moreover, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and Prolactin signaling pathway were predicted to participate in ZJP treating UC. Among them, 14 active components of ZJP directly regulate these pathways. Conclusion. ZJP could alleviate UC through the predicted components and mechanisms. The 14 predicted active components of ZJP may mainly play a therapeutic role for UC through synergistic regulation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway.