To Explore the Potential Mechanism of Yiqing Capsule in the Treatment of COVID-19 Based on Network Pharmacology

Abstract

Objective: To select the ingredients and targets of Yiqing capsule in treating COVID-19 based on network pharmacology, then to explore the potential mechanism of Yiqing capsule in treating COVID-19. Methods: We screened the ingredients and targets of Yiqing capsule on Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and target genes for COVID-19 in GeneCards database, constructed drug-ingredient-target network through software Cytoscape 3.7.2, and constructed protein protein interaction network (PPI) network through STRING database. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of key gene targets of Yiqing capsule are used to treat COVID-19 through software R5.3.2. Results: We got 42 ingredients, 42 potential therapeutic targets, 1643 GO items and 970 pathways in our study. The main pathway including IL-17 signaling pathway, Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis), Influenza A, and TNF signaling pathway. Conclusion: Yiqing capsule plays a role in treating COVID-19 through multiple ingredients, multiple targets and multiple pathways.