This study utilized network pharmacology methods to explore the main active components and intervention targets of Coptis chinensis in influencing myocardial fibrosis, to clarify its mechanism of action. The main active components and their target genes were retrieved from the TCMSP network pharmacology database and the Swisstargetprediction platform. Target genes associated with myocardial fibrosis were identified via the Genecards and OMIM databases. Cytoscape 3.10 software was employed to construct a network diagram connecting traditional Chinese medicine, active components, and gene targets. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was generated in the String database to calculate target degree values. Analysis using the Metascape database was conducted on Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses on the targets. A total of 14 major active components and 130 drug-related targets were identified from Coptis chinensis. Targets associated with myocardial fibrosis were obtained from the Genecards database (16,227) and the OMIM database (68). After target intersection, 130 potential therapeutic targets were identified, with key genes including TNF, AKT1, SRC, EGFR, and PTGS2. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that Coptis exerts therapeutic effects on myocardial fibrosis through biological processes including positive regulation of cell migration, cell motility and locomotion, cellular response to nitrogen compounds, and regulation of the MAPK cascade, as well as pathways such as the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Coptis holds promise in treating myocardial fibrosis by functioning via a multi-target and multi-pathway regulatory network that impacts cardiac metabolism.

Xinyuan Li, Chunlai Zeng. Exploring the Mechanism of Coptis Chinensis in Improving Myocardial Fibrosis Based on Network Pharmacology. Frontiers in Medical Science Research (2025), Vol. 7, Issue 6: 154-160. https://doi.org/10.25236/FMSR.2025.070618.

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