Investigating the mechanism of anti-hepatic fibrosis action of Chiyin Heji based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental validation

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To unravel the pharmacological mechanisms and validate the efficacy of Chiyin Heji (the CYP) in anti-hepatic fibrosis, we analysed its components using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS, screened drug targets through TCMSP, and identified disease targets using databases such as Genecard, OMIM, Drugbank and TTD. The intersection of these targets was analysed using GO and KEGG for PPI network analysis and target prediction. Molecular docking was simulated using AutoDock Vina. Design an in vitro cell experiment and verify using the CCK-8 assay, Transwell cell migration assay, qRT-PCR and Western blot. A comprehensive analysis led to the identification of 34 distinct chemical components in CYP. The PPI network identified 34 core targets linked to the PI3K/Akt, MAPK and IL-17 signalling pathways. Cell experiments show that the CYP can improve liver fibrosis by regulating the PTEN/PI3K/Akt/p70S6K signalling pathway, inhibiting the proliferation of HSCs, accelerating the degradation of collagen and alleviating inflammation.