International Research in Chinese Medicine

Objective To investigate the mechanism of action of Guipi Decoction in treating tinnitus using network pharmacology. Methods The active ingredients of Guipi Decoction were summarized and organized on the TCMSP database platform. Literature from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database up to 2023 was searched for these active ingredients. The resulting active ingredients were imported into the Uniprot platform and converted into corresponding protein targets. Homo sapiens species were selected, and unverified targets were deleted. Finally, the names of the target genes of Guipi Decoction were determined. Gene targets related to tinnitus were identified using GeneCards, OMIM, PharmGkb, TTD, and DrugBank. Gene targets were screened using a score ≥ median. The identified gene targets were identified as tinnitus-related targets. A drug-disease Venn diagram was constructed using the Venny 2.1 tool to identify drug-disease intersection targets. Protein interaction networks were then generated using the STRING platform and saved in TSV format. Core targets were then selected using Cytoscape software for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, followed by molecular docking. Results Guipi Decoction (GPD) contained 228 active ingredients and 246 primary targets, including kaempferol, polygala tenuifolia saponins, and quercetin. There were 1938 primary targets for tinnitus, including 83 targets that intersected between GPD and tinnitus. The GPD treatment of tinnitus primarily targeted CTNNB1, TNF, ALB, EGFR, PPARγ, IL6, HIF-1α, VEGFA, CASP3, and IL1B, with most targets enriched in the HCMV signaling pathway, apoptosis signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. Molecular docking results demonstrated successful docking of the ingredients with the core targets, with stable structures. Conclusion Guipi Decoction treats tinnitus by protecting cochlear nerve cells, resisting oxidative stress, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects, thereby improving and alleviating tinnitus symptoms.

Guipi decoction; Network pharmacology; Tinnitus