Network pharmacological evaluation of active ingredients and potential targets of San Huang Decoction in the treatment of breast cancer

Objective Using the method of network pharmacology, the possible targets and related signaling pathways of San Huang Decoction against breast cancer were explored. Methods The active ingredients of San Huang Decoction were screened in Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). All targets of San Huang Decoction and breast cancer were obtained through five databases, and R software was used to obtain their common targets. Then, Cytoscape software was used to construct the active ingredient-target network map. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was obtained with the help of the STRING database, and key targets were screened out through network topology analysis. Common targets were subjected to gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis using R software. Results A total of 39 active ingredients were screened from San Huang Decoction, of which 20 belonged to Huangqi, 16 belonged to Dahuang, and 3 belonged to Jianghuang. After taking the intersection of all the targets of San Huang Decoction and breast cancer, a total of 185 potential targets of San Huang Decoction against breast cancer were obtained. PPI network analysis screened out 16 targets that may be the key targets of San Huang Decoction against breast cancer. The enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG suggested that the common targets were involved in various biological processes and functions through PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway, including oxidation stress, transcription-related functions, and nuclear receptor functions. Conclusion This study predicted the potential targets and signaling pathways of San Huang Decoction against breast cancer, and provided scientific guidance for the further study on the anti-breast cancer mechanism of San Huang Decoction.