Network Pharmacology And Animal Study On Cistanche's Periodontal Effects

This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of Xinjiang Cistanche ethanol extract (CEE) against periodontitis using network pharmacology and molecular docking, with validation through in vivo experiments. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to identify potential targets of CEE for periodontitis treatment. Twenty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups (control, model, low-dose CEE, and high-dose CEE) and subjected to full-thickness skin wound modeling for 14 days. ELISA measured IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MMP-9 levels. Immunohistochemistry assessed collagen repair (Collagen I, III) and inflammation markers (IL-1β, IL-6). Western blot analyzed PI3K/AKT pathway proteins (PI3K, P-PI3K, AKT, P-AKT) and angiogenesis markers (VEGFA, CD31). Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to identify potential targets of CEE for periodontitis treatment. Twenty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups (control, model, low-dose CEE, and high-dose CEE) and subjected to full-thickness skin wound modeling for 14 days. ELISA measured IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MMP-9 levels. Immunohistochemistry assessed collagen repair (Collagen I, III) and inflammation markers (IL-1β, IL-6). Western blot analyzed PI3K/AKT pathway proteins (PI3K, P-PI3K, AKT, P-AKT) and angiogenesis markers (VEGFA, CD31). CEE promotes tissue repair by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway and mitigating inflammation, offering a novel therapeutic strategy for periodontitis.