Exploring the mechanism of Anshen Bu Nao Liquid in treating neurasthenic insomnia based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Objective To explore the action targets and mechanisms of Anshen Bunao Liquid (ABL) in treating neurasthenic insomnia based on network pharmacology and molecular docking methods. Methods: Through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), the active components and corresponding target genes of the Chinese medicines in ABL (Epimedium brevicornu Maxim., Cartilaginous, Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., dried ginger, jujube, licorice) were collected. The target genes related to neurasthenia and insomnia were obtained through GeneCards, OMIM, and DisGENET databases. The common genes were matched as the potential targets for ABL in treating neurasthenic insomnia. Cytoscape3.7.2 software was used to complete the "Chinese medicine-active components-action targets-disease" network, and the protein-protein interaction network was completed through the String database. The drug-disease intersection genes were uploaded to the DAVID database and GO gene function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed using DAVID 6.8, followed by molecular docking. Results: The active components of ABL in treating neurasthenic insomnia are mainly quercetin, resveratrol, kaempferol, emodin, and wogonin, with core targets including interleukin-6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and protein kinase Bα (AKT1). Molecular docking results showed that the main active components have stable binding activity with the core action targets. The main KEGG pathways for ABL in treating neurasthenic insomnia are the HIF-1 signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Conclusion: ABL can effectively improve neurasthenic insomnia through the synergistic action of multiple components and targets. This study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of ABL and also offers new ideas for the study of other Chinese medicine formulas.