The active mechanism of the Sheng Yang San Huo decoction on diabetic peripheral neuropathy on network pharmacology

Objectives: To discuss the mechanism of Sheng Yang San Huo decoction on diabetic peripheral neuropathy using the network pharmacology method. Methods: The BATMAN-TCM database, TCM-ID database, Chinese Natural Product Chemical Composition Database, and TCMIP database were employed to screen the chemical active ingredients of each herb in Sheng Yang San Huo decoction based on the “Libinsky Drug Rules”. SwissTargetPrediction was used to screen effective action targets for each herb in the prescription. Additionally, Cytoscape 3.7.0 was utilized to construct a “drug-target” network. GeneCards, OMIM, and MaLaCards databases were utilized to gather targets related to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. VENNY 2.1 online platform was employed to match drug and disease targets, draw a Venn diagram, and construct a “drug-active compounds-common target” network using Cytoscape 3.7.0. gene ontology biological process analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis for the targets were conducted using the DAVID 6.8 database. Enrichment analysis results were visualized using the OmicShareTool online platform. Molecular docking was performed using CB-Dock2. Results: Following screening, a total of 217 active compounds and 132 potential targets were identified in Sheng Yang San Huo decoction. The effects are primarily enriched in pathways such as Lipid and Atherosclerosis, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, and the IL-17 signaling pathway. The binding energy of the key active ingredients to the core protein targets of DPN was favorable. Conclusion: The study reveals the characteristics of multiple targets and pathways of Sheng Yang San Huo decoction, providing new insights for the clinical application of this prescription.