Exploring the molecular mechanism of Mahuang decoction against influenza: An integrated computational and experimental study
Jun Qin, Xiang Fang, Yanqing Wang, Xiaoling Chu, Xiaoqian Chu · Medicine · 2025
BACKGROUND: Mahuang Decoction (MHD) is primarily used to treat viral colds and alleviate muscle pain, with extensive clinical application. However, its therapeutic effects against influenza and its anti-inflammatory mechanisms remain unclear. METHODS: Active compounds and targets were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database platform, OMIM database, and GeneCards database. Protein-protein interaction networks and compound-target networks were constructed to screen core targets and components. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID database, and the results were visualized via the Microbioinformatics platform. Molecular docking was employed to evaluate the binding affinity between potential targets and active compounds. Finally, cytopathic effect assays and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction experiments were conducted for validation. RESULTS: Network pharmacology studies revealed that AKT1, EGFR, and SRC are core targets of MHD in treating influenza, with kaempferol, quercetin, and luteolin as key compounds. The mechanism of MHD is closely associated with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulatory effects. Cytopathic effect assays and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction experiments confirmed the therapeutic effects of key compounds against H1N1. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that MHD exhibits anti-H1N1 viral activity and comprehensively elucidates its active components, potential targets, and molecular mechanisms in influenza treatment. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further exploration of MHD's protective effects and anti-inflammatory mechanisms against influenza.