Exploring chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Semiaquilegiae Radix via an integrated strategy combining UHPLC-Q-TOF–MS analysis, network pharmacology and molecular docking

Abstract Semiaquilegiae Radix demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory potential. However, comprehensive investigations into its anti-inflammatory effects remain sparse. This study seeks to systematically explore the chemical composition of Semiaquilegiae Radix and its underlying anti-inflammatory...

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Main Authors: Gengyi Shang, Xun Gao, Rong Guo, Ying Zhang, Chenfeng Zhang, Yun Shi, Kunming Qin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-07-01
Series:Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s44446-025-00012-8
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author Gengyi Shang
Xun Gao
Rong Guo
Ying Zhang
Chenfeng Zhang
Yun Shi
Kunming Qin
author_facet Gengyi Shang
Xun Gao
Rong Guo
Ying Zhang
Chenfeng Zhang
Yun Shi
Kunming Qin
author_sort Gengyi Shang
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Semiaquilegiae Radix demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory potential. However, comprehensive investigations into its anti-inflammatory effects remain sparse. This study seeks to systematically explore the chemical composition of Semiaquilegiae Radix and its underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms utilizing Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF–MS/MS), network pharmacology, and molecular docking techniques. Initially, the chemical constituents of Semiaquilegiae Radix were identified and characterized via UHPLC-Q-TOF–MS/MS. Subsequently, the relevant targets were predicted and screened through databases such as PharmMapper and SwissTargetPrediction, in conjunction with protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Next, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using the Metascape platform. Eventually, molecular docking was carried out via AutoDock Vina and visualized results with PyMOL. From Semiaquilegiae Radix, 19 active compounds were identified, 18 showing activity against inflammation-related targets. 510 drug targets were identified, 188 of which intersected with inflammation-related targets and PPI network analysis pinpointed six core potential targets. These overlapping targets are involved in several critical signaling pathways, including the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications and pathways related to lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. Molecular docking showed the primary seven active compounds can effectively bind to key targets. This study elucidates the chemical constituents of Semiaquilegiae Radix and highlights its multi-compound, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanisms of action against inflammation. This research method provides a robust theoretical foundation for further experimental validation and the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapies.
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series Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal
spelling doaj-art-1d8e36e48fd14fbab37eabb02d1de4472025-08-20T03:45:48ZengSpringerSaudi Pharmaceutical Journal1319-01642213-74752025-07-0133411710.1007/s44446-025-00012-8Exploring chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Semiaquilegiae Radix via an integrated strategy combining UHPLC-Q-TOF–MS analysis, network pharmacology and molecular dockingGengyi Shang0Xun Gao1Rong Guo2Ying Zhang3Chenfeng Zhang4Yun Shi5Kunming Qin6School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean UniversitySchool of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean UniversitySchool of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean UniversitySchool of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean UniversityJiangsu Key Laboratory on Innovation for Marine Medicine and Modern Chinese MedicineSchool of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean UniversitySchool of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean UniversityAbstract Semiaquilegiae Radix demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory potential. However, comprehensive investigations into its anti-inflammatory effects remain sparse. This study seeks to systematically explore the chemical composition of Semiaquilegiae Radix and its underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms utilizing Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF–MS/MS), network pharmacology, and molecular docking techniques. Initially, the chemical constituents of Semiaquilegiae Radix were identified and characterized via UHPLC-Q-TOF–MS/MS. Subsequently, the relevant targets were predicted and screened through databases such as PharmMapper and SwissTargetPrediction, in conjunction with protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Next, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using the Metascape platform. Eventually, molecular docking was carried out via AutoDock Vina and visualized results with PyMOL. From Semiaquilegiae Radix, 19 active compounds were identified, 18 showing activity against inflammation-related targets. 510 drug targets were identified, 188 of which intersected with inflammation-related targets and PPI network analysis pinpointed six core potential targets. These overlapping targets are involved in several critical signaling pathways, including the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications and pathways related to lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. Molecular docking showed the primary seven active compounds can effectively bind to key targets. This study elucidates the chemical constituents of Semiaquilegiae Radix and highlights its multi-compound, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanisms of action against inflammation. This research method provides a robust theoretical foundation for further experimental validation and the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapies.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44446-025-00012-8Semiaquilegiae RadixAnti-inflammatoryUHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MSNetwork pharmacologyMolecular docking
spellingShingle Gengyi Shang
Xun Gao
Rong Guo
Ying Zhang
Chenfeng Zhang
Yun Shi
Kunming Qin
Exploring chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Semiaquilegiae Radix via an integrated strategy combining UHPLC-Q-TOF–MS analysis, network pharmacology and molecular docking
Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal
Semiaquilegiae Radix
Anti-inflammatory
UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS
Network pharmacology
Molecular docking
title Exploring chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Semiaquilegiae Radix via an integrated strategy combining UHPLC-Q-TOF–MS analysis, network pharmacology and molecular docking
title_full Exploring chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Semiaquilegiae Radix via an integrated strategy combining UHPLC-Q-TOF–MS analysis, network pharmacology and molecular docking
title_fullStr Exploring chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Semiaquilegiae Radix via an integrated strategy combining UHPLC-Q-TOF–MS analysis, network pharmacology and molecular docking
title_full_unstemmed Exploring chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Semiaquilegiae Radix via an integrated strategy combining UHPLC-Q-TOF–MS analysis, network pharmacology and molecular docking
title_short Exploring chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Semiaquilegiae Radix via an integrated strategy combining UHPLC-Q-TOF–MS analysis, network pharmacology and molecular docking
title_sort exploring chemical constituents and anti inflammatory mechanisms of semiaquilegiae radix via an integrated strategy combining uhplc q tof ms analysis network pharmacology and molecular docking
topic Semiaquilegiae Radix
Anti-inflammatory
UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS
Network pharmacology
Molecular docking
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s44446-025-00012-8
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