Unveiling the mechanisms of Bidentate Achyranthes and American Ginseng therapy in Sjögren’s Syndrome: insights from network pharmacology and molecular docking

doi:10.5246/jcps.2025.10.069

Abstract

Abstract:

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a challenging condition within the realm of rheumatologic immune disorders. Recent studies have indicated that the imbalance in the immune microenvironment, exacerbated by mitochondrial dysfunction (MDF), plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of SS. The efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating SS has been noteworthy. In the present study, we compiled medical cases of SS treated by Lu Zhizheng, a renowned master of Chinese medicine, and identified bidentate achyranthes and American ginseng as high-frequency medicinal pairs utilized in the treatment of desiccation syndrome through data mining. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that key genes associated with these medicinal pairs were linked to both upstream and downstream components of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Our findings suggested that bidentate achyranthes and American ginseng might correct MDF through the mtDNA-cGAS-STING signaling axis, thereby restoring the balance of the immune microenvironment in the submandibular gland. This mechanism potentially led to the treatment and alleviation of symptoms associated with SS.

Key words: Network pharmacology, Lu Zhizheng, Molecular docking, cGAS-STING pathway

Supporting:

Haotian Li, Qianxing Liu, Congmin Xia, Sile Hu, Yanjun Liu, Quan Jiang. Unveiling the mechanisms of Bidentate Achyranthes and American Ginseng therapy in Sjögren’s Syndrome: insights from network pharmacology and molecular docking[J]. Journal of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2025, 34(10): 932-942.

Figures/Tables 7

References 27

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