Introduction: Hyperlipidemia is linked to multiple cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine formulations show potential for managing this condition, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of the Fangji-Astragalus (FJ-HQ) on hyperlipidemia and explores its key components and molecular pathways. Methods: Network pharmacology was applied to identify active ingredients in FJ-HQ and drugdisease co-targets. Transcriptomic analysis and HPLC-MS/MS were integrated to screen core components and associated targets. In vivo and in vitro experiments evaluated the effects of FJHQ in hyperlipidemic rat models and cell models. Results: A total of 23 active ingredients and 109 drug disease co-targets were identified, with enrichment in inflammatory and signaling pathways, notably the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and p53 pathways. Transcriptomic profiling revealed seven differentially expressed targets. Integrated chemical and serum analysis identified calycosin as the core component and highlighted CAMTA2 and RXRA as downstream targets. In hyperlipidemic rats, FJ-HQ lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1. FJ-HQ also modulated the expression of P53, AKT1, and IL6, as well as mRNA levels within the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In cell models, serum containing FJ-HQ inhibited lipid droplet formation. Discussion: These findings demonstrate that FJ-HQ alleviates hyperlipidemia by modulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and p53 pathways, reducing lipid levels, and suppressing lipid droplet formation, with calycosin as a pivotal active component. Conclusion: In summary, our study confirms the therapeutic effects of FJ-HQ on hyperlipidemia and identifies calycosin as a crucial component. Furthermore, we have experimentally validated the influence of FJ-HQ on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. These findings highlight the potential of FJ-HQ as an effective lipid-lowering agent and provide preclinical evidence for future treatments of hyperlipidemia.
Wu et al. (Mon,) studied this question.