This study aimed to investigate the potential target proteins, the crucial components of
Phyllanthus niruri, and the molecular mechanisms involved in hepatoprotective activities by
using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. In addition, the activities of
bioactive components obtained were compared to those of Curcuma longa and Curcuma
xanthorrhiza. Nine potential target proteins, namely AKT1, JUN, VEGFA, EGFR, CCND1,
SRC, CREB1, MMP2, and RELA, and two crucial components of P. niruri, namely ellagic acid
and quercetin, which have potential hepatoprotective activities, were identified. This network pharmacology study showed that P. niruri affected liver tissues mainly through ten biological processes and seven signaling pathways that could be classified into anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The molecular docking study confirmed these activities, which demonstrated the high binding activity in all ligands and receptors. Among the nine target proteins, CCND1 and RELA were determined as the key targets of P. niruri in hepatoprotective activities. We can conclude that P. niruri has the potential to be a promising new hepatoprotective agent.
Key words: Phyllanthus niruri, hepatoprotective, network pharmacology, potential target protein, molecular mechanism
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