Integrated Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking to Explore the Mechanisms of Ningshen Wendan Decoction in the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Objective: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a prevalent chronic mental disorder characterized by a high recurrence rate and significant disability. Currently, no satisfactory pharmacological treatments have been identified. Although Ningshen Wendan decoction (NSWDD) has shown promising results in improving cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia, its underlying mechanism of action remains unclear.

Methods: This study systematically investigated the mechanisms of NSWDD in SCZ treatment using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches.

Results: Analysis of the interaction genes revealed 307 common targets of NSWDD and SCZ. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses indicated the involvement of multiple signaling pathways including interleukin 17 signaling pathway, multiple virus infections, Advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) - receptor of AGEs (AGEs-RAGE) signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, and Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway as key pathways influenced by NSWDD in treating SCZ. These pathways are associated with various biological processes such as transcriptional regulation, apoptosis regulation, gene expression regulation, and external stimulus-response. Molecular docking simulations indicated favorable binding interactions between components of NSWDD and target proteins via intermolecular forces.

Conclusion: The study provided initial insights into the internal molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of NSWDD on SCZ through multi-target modulation across multiple pathways.

Cite this article as: Qi C, Yu Y, Lv H, et al. Integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the mechanisms of Ningshen Wendan decoction in the treatment of schizophrenia. Alpha Psychiatry. 2024;25(4):456-464.