Objective:

2

To predict the chemical compositions and drug targets and to systematically dissect the pharmacological mechanism of Erxian Decoction (二仙汤

EXD) as a treatment for premature ovarian failure (POF) using a systems pharmacology approach.

Methods:

2

The compounds present in EXD were obtained from three databases. The active ingredient was identified by analyzing the values of oral bioavailability (OB)

drug-likeness (DL)

and Lipinski's rule (LR). The active ingredients were further searched in research articles

drug targets in the DrugBank database

and the C-T and T-P networks

as well as by pathway analysis using the Cytoscape platform.

Results:

2

A total of 728 compounds were identified in EXD. Of these

59 were identified as active compounds that conformed to the criteria with OB≥30% and DL≥0.18. By further searches in the literature

126 related targets were identified that could interact with the active compounds. Additionally

it was found that the beneficial effects of EXD in POF are probably exerted via regulation of the immune system

modulation of estrogen levels

and anti-oxidative activities

and that it may act in a synergistic or cooperative manner with other therapeutic agents.

Conclusions:

2

The systems pharmacology approach is a comprehensive system that was used to elucidate the pharmacological mechanism of EXD as a treatment for POF. The results of this study will also facilitate the application of traditional medicine in modern treatment strategies.