Investigating the neuroprotective mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum in glaucoma treatment through network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis

Ganoderma lucidum(GL), a medicinal fungus belonging to the polyporaceae family, has been extensively utilized in the treatment of glaucoma. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of GL in glaucoma therapy, network pharmacology methods were employed for screening its active compounds, potential targets, and associated signaling pathways. Molecular docking techniques were also applied to validate the binding affinities between key compounds and potential target proteins. The research findings unveiled that 120 compounds from GL and 796 target proteins are implicated in glaucoma treatment. PPI network analysis identified AKT1, TNF, IL6, TP53, SRC, EGFR, STAT3, CASP3, and BCL2 as pivotal targets. Furthermore, KEGG pathway enrichment screening yielded 190 signaling pathways. Molecular docking results demonstrated favorable binding capabilities between two potential key compounds in GL - Ganoderic acid B and Ganoderic acid A - with crucial targets such as AKT1,TNF,IL6,CASP3,and BCL2. The present study is pioneering in applying network pharmacology methods to unravel plausible mechanisms by which GL may exert its therapeutic effects on glaucoma. The outcomes suggest that active components of GL can act through multiple pathways on various targets to achieve neuroprotection for optic nerves affected by glaucoma. This provides a scientific basis for its clinical application.