Oxyberberine: A novel bioactive compound of Tinospora cardifolia and its therapeutic mechanism in Alzheimer's disease via network pharmacology approach
Keywords:
Tinospora cordifolia, Alzheimer's disease, Network pharmacology β-amyloid protein, Protein-protein interaction network, Hub genes, MAPK cascade Apoptotic regulation, VEGFR signalling pathway, Neuroprotection, Drug developmentAbstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia, characterized by the accumulation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ42) and phosphorylated tau protein (P-tau), leading to cognitive decline and neuronal damage. Available AD medications have limitations, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic agents. Natural products, particularly alkaloids, have shown promise in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Tinospora cordifolia, a medicinal plant, contains various alkaloids, including oxyberberine. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of oxyberberine in AD using a network pharmacology approach. ADMET evaluation confirmed the favourable pharmacokinetic properties of oxyberberine, including its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Target gene analysis revealed 62 common targets for oxyberberine and 161 common targets for AD. Compound-target network analysis visualized the interactions between oxyberberine and AD-related targets.
Additionally, protein-protein interaction network analysis identified ten hub genes, such as MAPK1, PIK3CB, and RAC1, crucial in AD pathogenesis. Gene functional enrichment analysis showed these hub genes involved in critical biological processes, including MAPK cascade, apoptotic regulation, and VEGFR signalling pathways. The results provide valuable insights into oxyberberine's potential therapeutic mechanism in AD and encourage further experimental studies to validate its efficacy and explore its full therapeutic potential.
