Network pharmacology and computational analysis of berberine and kuwanon Z as possible natural antiviral compounds in COVID-19

Background:Global efforts to discover effective therapeutic agents for combating coronavirus disease 19(COVID-19)have intensified the exploration of natural compounds with potential antiviral properties.In this study,we utilized network pharmacology and computational analysis to investigate the antiviral effects of Berberine and Kuwanon Z against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,the viruses responsible for COVID-19.Method:Utilizing comprehensive network pharmacology approaches,we elucidated the complex interactions between these compounds and the host biological system,highlighting their multitarget mechanisms.Network pharmacology identifies COVID-19 targets and compounds through integrated protein‒protein interaction and KEGG pathway analyses.Molecular docking simulation studies were performed to assess the binding affinities and structural interactions of Berberine and Kuwanon Z with key viral proteins,shedding light on their potential inhibitory effects on viral replication and entry.Results:Network-based analyses revealed the modulation of crucial pathways involved in the host antiviral response.Compound-target network analysis revealed complex interactions(122 nodes,121 edges),with significant interactions and an average node degree of 1.37.KEGG analysis revealed pathways such as the COVID-19 pathway,chemokines and Jak-sat in COVID-19.Docking studies revealed that Kuwanon Z had binding energies of-10.5 kcal/mol for JAK2 and-8.1 kcal/mol for the main protease.Conclusion:The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of the pharmacological actions of Berberine and Kuwanon Z in the context of COVID-19,providing a basis for further experimental validation.These natural compounds exhibit promise as potential antiviral agents,offering a foundation for the development of novel therapeutic strategies in the ongoing battle against the global pandemic.

Unraveling the therapeutic mechanisms of myristic acid and luteolin 7-rutinoside in oral cancer: insights from network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis

Background:The compound Luteolin-7-rutinoside(L7R)is a flavone derivative of luteolin,predominantly identified in plant species belonging to the families Asteraceae.Conversely,Myristic acid is characterized by its structure as a 14-carbon,unsaturated fatty acid.In this investigation,we endeavor to elucidate the putative mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Myristic Acid and Luteolin 7-rutinoside in the context of oral cancer treatment,employing network pharmacology coupled with molecular docking methodologies.Methods:The protein targets of Myristic Acid and Luteolin 7-rutinoside were identified through a search on the Swiss Target Database.Subsequently,a compound-target network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1.Targets associated with OC were retrieved from the OMIM and GeneCards databases.The overlap between compound targets and OC-related targets was determined,and the resulting shared targets were subjected to protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis using the STRING database.Additionally,gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses were conducted on the identified targets.Molecular docking were performed to investigate the interactions between the core target and the active compound.Results:The component target network comprises 103 nodes and 102 edges.Among the proteins in the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network,those with higher degrees are TNF,PPARG,and TP53.Analysis through Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathways indicates that the treatment of OC with Myristic Acid and Luteolin 7-rutinoside primarily involves the regulation of miRNA transcription and inflammatory response.The identified signaling pathways include Pathways in cancer,PPAR signaling pathway,EGFR signaling pathway,and TNF signaling pathway.Molecular docking studies reveal that Luteolin 7-rutinoside and Myristic acid exhibit higher affinity towards TNF,PPARG,TP53,and EGFR.Conclusion:This study reveals the potential molecular mechanism of Myristic Acid and Luteolin 7-rutinoside in the treatment of oral cancer,and provides a reference for subsequent basic research.