Network pharmacology analysis and clinical efficacy of the traditional Chinese medicine Bu-Shen-Jian-Pi. Part 1: Biogenic components and identification of targets and signaling pathways in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients

Background: There is evidence that Bu-Shen-Jian-Pi (BSJP), a traditional Chinese medicine, has curative effects in patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and potentially fatal hypoxic condition. Objective: To identify biogenic components in BSJP extracts having potential pharmacological efficacy in ALS. Materials and methods: Biogenic components in BSJP and their potential pharmacological targets and signaling pathways in ALS were identified and assessed using network pharmacology/hub node analysis. Results: Network pharmacology analysis identified icariin, naringenin, kaempferol, quercetin, and formononetin as core components in BSJP with potential activity involving mitochondrial protection in patients with ALS. Conclusion: Network pharmacology analysis proved to be a successful screening tool for obtaining information from scientific databases on the pharmacology of biogenic components in BSJP showing potential therapeutic activity in ALS.