A Multi-target Mechanism Study of Paeoniflorin in the Treatment of Depression Based on Network Pharmacology

Jing Zhang; Keming Li; Xinjing Xie; Hailing Ding; Xuehui Wang; Yihui Li; Xing Gao; Jinlong Han

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11

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A Multi-target Mechanism Study of Paeoniflorin in the Treatment of Depression Based on Network Pharmacology

Jing Zhang, Keming Li, Xinjing Xie, Hailing Ding, Xuehui Wang, Yihui Li, Xing Gao^*, Jinlong Han^*

Published in International Journal of Chinese Medicine (Volume 8, Issue 2)

Received: 7 April 2025 Accepted: 16 April 2025 Published: 24 May 2025

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Abstract

Objective: To investigate the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of paeoniflorin in treating depression using network pharmacology. Methods: Targets of paeoniflorin were predicted via the Swiss Target Prediction database. Depression-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards database, and an intersection of "drug-disease" targets was constructed. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built using the STRING platform, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses (P < 0.05) via DAVID. Results: Twenty-four paeoniflorin targets and 5,443 depression-related targets were identified, yielding 15 intersection targets. The PPI network contained 11 nodes and 18 edges, with core targets including FGF2, HSP90AA1, and others. GO enrichment analysis revealed: biological processes (BP) involving wound healing, cell chemotaxis, and regulation of body fluid levels; cellular components (CC) enriched in cytoplasmic vesicle lumen and platelet alpha granule; molecular functions (MF) associated with heparin binding and glycosaminoglycan binding. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted significant enrichment in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, and Ras signaling pathway. Conclusion: Paeoniflorin exerts antidepressant effects through multitargets and multipathways, providing a theoretical basis for its therapeutic application in depression.

Published in	International Journal of Chinese Medicine (Volume 8, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11
Page(s)	15-20
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Paeoniflorin, Depression, Network Pharmacology, Enrichment Analysis, Mechanism Study

References

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[7]	Li Zehao, Wu Shuang, Liu Lin, et al. Study on Antidepressant Pharmacodynamic Substances Based on the Correlation between Substance and Efficacy [J]. Chinese Herbal Medicine, 2024, 55(24): 8353-8365.
[8]	Fu Chunyan, Chen Yu, Liu Yonghui, et al. Exploring the mechanism of lily in the treatment of depression based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology [J]. Journal of Shaoyang University (Natural Science Edition), 2024, 21(6): 105-116.
[9]	Liu Y, Li Bairui, Li Yongcai, et al. Jiawei Xiaoyao Pill Improves Depression-like Behavior in Rats through Neurotransmitter Regulation, Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant and Intestinal Microbiota Regulation [J]. Journal of Southern Medical University, 2025. 45(02): 347-358.
[10]	Tang M M, Lin W J, Zhang J T, et al. Exogenous FGF2 reverses depressive-like behaviors and restores the suppressed FGF2-ERK1/2 signaling and the impaired hippocampal neurogenesis induced by neuroinflammation [J]. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 2017, 66: 322-331.
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[15]	C T, Y W, H H. Unraveling the link between heavy metals, perfluoroalkyl substances and depression: Insights from epidemiological and bioinformatics strategies [J]. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 2024, 279.

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APA Style

Zhang, J., Li, K., Xie, X., Ding, H., Wang, X., et al. (2025). A Multi-target Mechanism Study of Paeoniflorin in the Treatment of Depression Based on Network Pharmacology. International Journal of Chinese Medicine, 8(2), 15-20. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11

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ACS Style

Zhang, J.; Li, K.; Xie, X.; Ding, H.; Wang, X., et al. A Multi-target Mechanism Study of Paeoniflorin in the Treatment of Depression Based on Network Pharmacology. Int. J. Chin. Med. 2025, 8(2), 15-20. doi: 10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11

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AMA Style

Zhang J, Li K, Xie X, Ding H, Wang X, et al. A Multi-target Mechanism Study of Paeoniflorin in the Treatment of Depression Based on Network Pharmacology. Int J Chin Med. 2025;8(2):15-20. doi: 10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11,
  author = {Jing Zhang and Keming Li and Xinjing Xie and Hailing Ding and Xuehui Wang and Yihui Li and Xing Gao and Jinlong Han},
  title = {A Multi-target Mechanism Study of Paeoniflorin in the Treatment of Depression Based on Network Pharmacology
},
  journal = {International Journal of Chinese Medicine},
  volume = {8},
  number = {2},
  pages = {15-20},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijcm.20240802.11},
  abstract = {Objective: To investigate the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of paeoniflorin in treating depression using network pharmacology. Methods: Targets of paeoniflorin were predicted via the Swiss Target Prediction database. Depression-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards database, and an intersection of "drug-disease" targets was constructed. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built using the STRING platform, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses (P < 0.05) via DAVID. Results: Twenty-four paeoniflorin targets and 5,443 depression-related targets were identified, yielding 15 intersection targets. The PPI network contained 11 nodes and 18 edges, with core targets including FGF2, HSP90AA1, and others. GO enrichment analysis revealed: biological processes (BP) involving wound healing, cell chemotaxis, and regulation of body fluid levels; cellular components (CC) enriched in cytoplasmic vesicle lumen and platelet alpha granule; molecular functions (MF) associated with heparin binding and glycosaminoglycan binding. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted significant enrichment in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, and Ras signaling pathway. Conclusion: Paeoniflorin exerts antidepressant effects through multitargets and multipathways, providing a theoretical basis for its therapeutic application in depression.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Multi-target Mechanism Study of Paeoniflorin in the Treatment of Depression Based on Network Pharmacology

AU  - Jing Zhang
AU  - Keming Li
AU  - Xinjing Xie
AU  - Hailing Ding
AU  - Xuehui Wang
AU  - Yihui Li
AU  - Xing Gao
AU  - Jinlong Han
Y1  - 2025/05/24
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11
T2  - International Journal of Chinese Medicine
JF  - International Journal of Chinese Medicine
JO  - International Journal of Chinese Medicine
SP  - 15
EP  - 20
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-9473
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11
AB  - Objective: To investigate the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of paeoniflorin in treating depression using network pharmacology. Methods: Targets of paeoniflorin were predicted via the Swiss Target Prediction database. Depression-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards database, and an intersection of "drug-disease" targets was constructed. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built using the STRING platform, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses (P < 0.05) via DAVID. Results: Twenty-four paeoniflorin targets and 5,443 depression-related targets were identified, yielding 15 intersection targets. The PPI network contained 11 nodes and 18 edges, with core targets including FGF2, HSP90AA1, and others. GO enrichment analysis revealed: biological processes (BP) involving wound healing, cell chemotaxis, and regulation of body fluid levels; cellular components (CC) enriched in cytoplasmic vesicle lumen and platelet alpha granule; molecular functions (MF) associated with heparin binding and glycosaminoglycan binding. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted significant enrichment in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, and Ras signaling pathway. Conclusion: Paeoniflorin exerts antidepressant effects through multitargets and multipathways, providing a theoretical basis for its therapeutic application in depression.

VL  - 8
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Jing Zhang

Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Mental Health Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China Department of Medicine, Qilu Institute of Technology, Jinan City, China

Contact Email
Keming Li

Department of Medicine, Qilu Institute of Technology, Jinan City, ChinaDepartment of Medicine, Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan City, China
Xinjing Xie

Shandong Jie's Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction Co., Ltd, Shunwangcheng Traditional Chinese Medicine Market, Heze City, China
Hailing Ding

Department of Medicine, Qilu Institute of Technology, Jinan City, China
Xuehui Wang

Department of Medicine, Qilu Institute of Technology, Jinan City, China
Yihui Li

Department of Medicine, Qilu Institute of Technology, Jinan City, China
Xing Gao

Department of Medicine, Qilu Institute of Technology, Jinan City, China

Contact Email
Jinlong Han

Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan City, China

Contact Email

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Zhang, J., Li, K., Xie, X., Ding, H., Wang, X., et al. (2025). A Multi-target Mechanism Study of Paeoniflorin in the Treatment of Depression Based on Network Pharmacology. International Journal of Chinese Medicine, 8(2), 15-20. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11

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ACS Style

Zhang, J.; Li, K.; Xie, X.; Ding, H.; Wang, X., et al. A Multi-target Mechanism Study of Paeoniflorin in the Treatment of Depression Based on Network Pharmacology. Int. J. Chin. Med. 2025, 8(2), 15-20. doi: 10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11

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AMA Style

Zhang J, Li K, Xie X, Ding H, Wang X, et al. A Multi-target Mechanism Study of Paeoniflorin in the Treatment of Depression Based on Network Pharmacology. Int J Chin Med. 2025;8(2):15-20. doi: 10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11,
  author = {Jing Zhang and Keming Li and Xinjing Xie and Hailing Ding and Xuehui Wang and Yihui Li and Xing Gao and Jinlong Han},
  title = {A Multi-target Mechanism Study of Paeoniflorin in the Treatment of Depression Based on Network Pharmacology
},
  journal = {International Journal of Chinese Medicine},
  volume = {8},
  number = {2},
  pages = {15-20},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijcm.20240802.11},
  abstract = {Objective: To investigate the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of paeoniflorin in treating depression using network pharmacology. Methods: Targets of paeoniflorin were predicted via the Swiss Target Prediction database. Depression-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards database, and an intersection of "drug-disease" targets was constructed. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built using the STRING platform, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses (P < 0.05) via DAVID. Results: Twenty-four paeoniflorin targets and 5,443 depression-related targets were identified, yielding 15 intersection targets. The PPI network contained 11 nodes and 18 edges, with core targets including FGF2, HSP90AA1, and others. GO enrichment analysis revealed: biological processes (BP) involving wound healing, cell chemotaxis, and regulation of body fluid levels; cellular components (CC) enriched in cytoplasmic vesicle lumen and platelet alpha granule; molecular functions (MF) associated with heparin binding and glycosaminoglycan binding. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted significant enrichment in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, and Ras signaling pathway. Conclusion: Paeoniflorin exerts antidepressant effects through multitargets and multipathways, providing a theoretical basis for its therapeutic application in depression.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Multi-target Mechanism Study of Paeoniflorin in the Treatment of Depression Based on Network Pharmacology

AU  - Jing Zhang
AU  - Keming Li
AU  - Xinjing Xie
AU  - Hailing Ding
AU  - Xuehui Wang
AU  - Yihui Li
AU  - Xing Gao
AU  - Jinlong Han
Y1  - 2025/05/24
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11
T2  - International Journal of Chinese Medicine
JF  - International Journal of Chinese Medicine
JO  - International Journal of Chinese Medicine
SP  - 15
EP  - 20
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-9473
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcm.20240802.11
AB  - Objective: To investigate the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of paeoniflorin in treating depression using network pharmacology. Methods: Targets of paeoniflorin were predicted via the Swiss Target Prediction database. Depression-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards database, and an intersection of "drug-disease" targets was constructed. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built using the STRING platform, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses (P < 0.05) via DAVID. Results: Twenty-four paeoniflorin targets and 5,443 depression-related targets were identified, yielding 15 intersection targets. The PPI network contained 11 nodes and 18 edges, with core targets including FGF2, HSP90AA1, and others. GO enrichment analysis revealed: biological processes (BP) involving wound healing, cell chemotaxis, and regulation of body fluid levels; cellular components (CC) enriched in cytoplasmic vesicle lumen and platelet alpha granule; molecular functions (MF) associated with heparin binding and glycosaminoglycan binding. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted significant enrichment in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, and Ras signaling pathway. Conclusion: Paeoniflorin exerts antidepressant effects through multitargets and multipathways, providing a theoretical basis for its therapeutic application in depression.

VL  - 8
IS  - 2
ER  -

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