Quantitative and bioinformatics integrated strategy to investigate the pharmacological mechanism of Ermiao Wan against eczema

Abstract BackgroundErmiao Wan (EMW) is used to treat eczema in China. However, its underlying pharmacological mechanisms against eczema remain unclear. MethodsIn this study, the components of EMW were quantitatively analyzed using HPLC. The role of the components, targets, and signaling pathways were predicted by network pharmacology. Moreover, molecular docking was used to verify the binding forces of the components with the target proteins. ResultsThe results showed that the established HPLC method is simple and reliable, and can be used for the simultaneous determination of seven components in EMW. Moreover, 57 primary causal targets of EMW against eczema were identified. Among them, 10 hub targets were identified, including EGFR, AKT1, STAT3, MMP9, ICAM1, MAPK8, JUN, MAPK1, and VCAM1. The potential signaling pathways involved in the effect of EMW against eczema were identified, including ErbB, estrogen, and Epstein-Barr virus infection. Furthermore, palmatine, chlorogenic acid, and jatrorrhizine from EMW were shown to bind to the identified targets. Accordingly, EGFR, AKT1, and PTGS2 had good binding forces with EMW components. ConclusionOur study revealed a possible pharmacological mechanism of EMW in treating eczema. This simple and effective method can help increase our understanding of the mechanisms of Chinese herbal formulations and further promote their research and development.