Uncovering the anti-cervical cancer mechanism of Ziyuglycoside I via integrated network pharmacology molecular docking and experimental validation

We aimed to conduct a systematic analysis of the multi-target regulatory mechanisms of Ziyu glycoside I (Ziyu I) in cervical cancer progression using network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. Additionally, we validated our findings using cellular experiments and animal models. The PhamMapper database was used to identify drug targets for Ziyu I, while cervical cancer-related disease targets were obtained from the DisGeNET, DrugBank, GeneCards, and OMIM databases. In vitro, the effects of Ziyu I on the proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle were assessed using cultured HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cells. Network pharmacology analysis identified 68 potential targets of Ziyu I in cervical cancer. Molecular docking findings revealed that Ziyu I had a stable binding ability to MAPK1, MAPK8, and MAPK14, which are key targets in the MAPK signaling pathway. Cellular experiments revealed that Ziyu I significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer cells and promoted apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Finally, a nude mice-loaded tumor assay revealed that Ziyu I had significant anti-cervical cancer activity in vivo. Ziyu I inhibits cervical cancer progression through a multitarget regulatory network involving MAPK signaling pathway-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation and migration, apoptosis activation, and cell cycle arrest.