Abstract

This study aims to explore the potential mechanisms of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of Parkinson's disease with a particular focus on its role in neurotransmitter regulation. Firstly, using network pharmacology methods, we screened potential active ingredients from Astragalus membranaceus based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database criteria, with oral bioavailability≥40 % and drug-likeness≥0.1. Subsequently, potential protein targets of these active ingredients were predicted using databases such as SwissTargetPrediction and Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals. Targets related to Parkinson's disease and dopamine metabolism were obtained from GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases. We then constructed networks of active ingredients and targets, further filtering out targets associated with Parkinson's disease. Lastly, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins database and key genes in the network were quantified using the MCODE application. Functional enrichment analysis was performed using Gene Ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Finally, molecular docking was employed to validate target genes. Our findings identified the muscarinic cholinergic receptor 2 gene as one of the potential targets of Astragalus membranaceus in treating Parkinson's disease. Further bioinformatics analysis revealed the modulatory effect of Astragalus membranaceus on the acetylcholine receptor signaling pathway, providing new theoretical insights into its neuroprotective effect. This study, employing a comprehensive approach of network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis, elucidated the potential mechanisms of Astragalus membranaceus in Parkinson's disease treatment, emphasizing the significant role of neurotransmitter regulation.