Prediction of potential active ingredients and mechanism of Forsythia suspense leaf green tea extract in treating COPD mice based on UPLC-MS and network pharmacology.

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic respiratory disease and the third leading cause of death worldwide, with chronic inflammation as its primary pathogenesis. The dried leaves of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) have anti-inflammatory pharmacological activity and potential clinical promise for the treatment of COPD; however, its pharmacodynamic activity and mechanism of action remain to be clarified.

Results: In total, 82 compounds were identified from F. suspense leaf green tea extract (STW), mainly lignans, flavonoids, phenolic acids and phenylethanol glycosides, were identified in STW. STW alleviates enlargement of the alveolar sac and cavity, thickening of the alveolar wall and infiltration of inflammatory cells in COPD mice. In the model group, the contents of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-8, IL-1β and malondialdehyde were decreased, and the levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase were increased in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Network pharmacological analysis identified 19 active STW components and 81 potential targets for the treatment of COPD. The key components include quercetin, ferulic acid, phillygenin, rutin and phillyri, whereas the core targets included TNF, protein kinase B alpha, epidermal growth factor receptor and metalloproteinase-9. Mainly through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, calcium ions, nuclear factor-kappa B and other signaling pathways.

Conclusion: STW affects multiple pathways and targets in the treatment of COPD, and mainly plays a role in alleviating pulmonary inflammation. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.