Integration of serum metabolomics and network pharmacology reveals the immunoenhancing mechanisms of Qishenbuqi capsules.

Introduction: Qishenbuqi capsule (QSBQC), a listed Chinese patent prescription, comprises of 4 herbs. Clinically, it has been shown to improve immune functions.

Methods: Subjects with Qi deficiency and non-Qi deficiency were recruited, who then took QSBQC for 4 weeks. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores and the levels of white blood cells, CD3⁺ T cells (CD3⁺), CD4⁺ T cells (CD3⁺CD4⁺), CD8⁺ T cells (CD3⁺CD8⁺), and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ were determined. Serum metabolomics was used to explore the metabolic mechanisms of QSBQC on improving immunity. Meanwhile, the potential active ingredients, targets, and pathways of QSBQC on enhancing immunity were screened by network pharmacology.

Results: QSBQC significantly improved TCM syndrome scores and increased the number of CD8⁺ T cells of both Qi deficiency and non-Qi deficiency subjects. Serum metabolomics revealed that QSBQC regulated 18 differential metabolites and 8 metabolic pathways of Qi deficiency, and 12 differential metabolites and 7 metabolic pathways of non-Qi deficiency subjects. The "herbs-compounds-pathways" diagram showed that PQ-2, cimifugin, and divaricatol were the main active components. Pathways in cancer and arginine and proline metabolism could be the most important pathways.

Conclusion: Our research revealed the immunoenhancing mechanisms of QSBQC and improved the combination of TCM theory and modern western medicine theory.