Exploring the therapeutic efficacy and pharmacological mechanism of Guizhi Fuling Pill on ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis and network pharmacology analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #drugs-chinese-herbal #ischemic-stroke #medicine-chinese-traditional #molecular-docking-simulation

Exploring the therapeutic efficacy and pharmacological mechanism of Guizhi Fuling Pill on ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis and network pharmacology analysis

Wang et al., 2024 | Metab Brain Dis | Meta Analysis

Citation

Wang Jing, Li Xinmin, ... Zhang Yasu. Exploring the therapeutic efficacy and pharmacological mechanism of Guizhi Fuling Pill on ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis and network pharmacology analysis. Metab Brain Dis. 2024-Aug;39(6):1157-1174. doi:10.1007/s11011-024-01383-y

Abstract

The role of Guizhi Fuling Pill (GZFL) in the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS) is still controversial, and its pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. To evaluate the efficacy and potential pharmacological mechanisms of GZFL on IS, a comprehensive method integrating meta-analysis, network pharmacology, and molecular docking was employed. Eight electronic databases were searched from inception to November 2023. Review Manager 5.4.1 software was used for meta-analysis. Active compounds and targets of GZFL were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database, Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Encyclopaedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Relevant targets of IS were obtained from the DisGeNet, Genecards, and DrugBank databases. GO biological function analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed in the Metascape database. AutoDock Tools and PyMOL software were employed for Molecular docking. The intervention group significantly increased the total effective rate and decreased the NIHSS score. Administration of GZFL also improved the whole blood viscosity (low and high shear rates) and levels of fibrinogen, TNF-α, and IL-6. The key active compounds included quercetin, kaempferol, catechin, and beta-sitosterol, and the core target proteins included SRC, MAPK1, TP53, JUN, RELA, AKT1, and TNF. GO analysis mainly involved inflammation response, cellular response to lipids, and regulation of ion transport. The core pathways were lipid and atherosclerosis, cAMP, calcium, IL-17, and MAPK signaling pathways. Key active compounds showed good affinity with the core targets. The underlying mechanisms of GZFL in IS treatment are primarily related to its anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerosis, and neuroprotective effects.

Key Findings

The underlying mechanisms of GZFL in IS treatment are primarily related to its anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerosis, and neuroprotective effects.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Ischemic Stroke
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Network Pharmacology

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: quercetin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09