Integration of Bioinformatics and Pharmacological Network for Exploring the Potential of Curcumin as a Herbal Medicine for Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a benign gynecological disorder characterized by abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, and dysmenorrhea, affecting approximately 10% of women worldwide during their reproductive years. The high morbidity and postoperative complications associated with surgical treatments have generated interest in conservative therapies. Natural medicine, particularly plant-based compounds, is increasingly recognized in the field of reproductive health. Curcumin, a bioactive component found in Indonesian medicinal plants, demonstrates potential as a therapeutic candidate for adenomyosis. This study aimed to explore the physicochemical characteristics, suitable targets, and pharmacological mechanisms of curcumin’s action as a potential therapeutic alternative for adenomyosis. Pharmacological networks integrated with bioinformatics databases was used to explore curcumin’s potential pharmacological targets and mechanisms as an alternative therapy for adenomyosis. Data integration identified shared therapeutic targets, with protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks constructed via the STRING database. CytoHubba analysis identified key hub genes based on connectivity, highlighting EPHA5, EPHB2, and EPHA4 as the top nodes of interest within the PPI network. Compound-target-disease interactions analysis highlighted the therapeutic relevance of curcumin and its impact on adenomyosis-related molecular pathways. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses identified axon guidance as a significantly implicated pathway in adenomyosis. Molecular docking confirmed curcumin’s stable binding affinities with target proteins. This study presents theoretical and experimental evidence supporting curcumin’s potential as a therapeutic agent for adenomyosis. Key molecular targets and pathways are highlighted for further exploration, contributing to a broader understanding of curcumin’s pharmacological profile and its potential as a non-surgical therapy in adenomyosis.