Active Targets and Potential Mechanisms of Erhuang Quzhi Formula in Treating NAFLD: Network Analysis and Experimental Assessment.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the main active components, potential targets of action, and pharmacological mechanisms of Erhuang Quzhi Formula (EHQZF) against NAFLD using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. The main active chemical components of EHQZF and the potential targets for treating NAFLD were extracted and analyzed. The PPI network diagram of "Traditional Chinese Medicine-Active Ingredients-Core Targets" was constructed and the GO, KEGG, and molecular docking analysis were carried out. Identification of components in traditional Chinese medicine compounds was conducted by LC-MS. NAFLD models were established and relevant pathologic indicators and Western blot were analyzed in vivo and ex vivo. Totally 8 herbs attributed to the liver meridian and 20 corresponding targets of NAFLD were obtained from EHQZF. Flavonoids and phenolic acids as the main components of EHQZF treated NAFLD through the MAPK/AKT signaling pathway. Pathway enrichment analysis focused on the MAPK/AKT signaling pathway and apoptosis signaling pathway. Molecular docking showed that Quercetin and Luteolin had stable binding structures with AKT1, STAT3, and other targets. Experiments showed that EHQZF reduced lipid accumulation, regulated changes in adipose tissue, inhibited the MAPK/AKT signaling pathway and exert multiple components, several targets, and multiple pathway interactions to treat NAFLD.