Network pharmacological study of Qingfei Paidu Decoction intervening on cytokine storm mechanism of COVID-19

Objective:To explore the possible mechanism of Qingfei Paibu Decoction in the treatment of COVID-19 from the perspective of cytokine storm by network pharmacology.Methods: The TCMSP and SymMap databases were used to screen out the active components and targets of Qingfei Paibu Decoction;The GeneCards database was used to screen the predicted targets of COVID-19;Two targets were mapped;The STRING database and Cytoscape3.7.2 software were used to construct the network diagram of active drag-ingredient-target and screen out the core components and targets;The GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were carried out by OmicShare cloud platform and David respectively.Results:A total of 52 potential targets of Qingfei Paibu Decoction for the treatment of COVID-19 were obtained, among which 17 were core targets related to inflammation, mainly including cytokines such as IL, IFN, TNF and chemokines. And 26 core components were obtained, including quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, naringenin, and baicalein;The GO enrichment results showed 224 biological processes, 15 molecular functions and 33 cell components related to inflammation;There were 5 inflammatory signaling pathways in KEGG enrichment results, including TNF signaling pathway, Nod-like receptor signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and cytokine receptor interaction. Conclusion: Qingfei Paibu Decoction can inhibit cytokine storms by acting on multiple targets and pathways with multiple components and thus treat COVID-19.