Integration with experimental validation

The integration of network pharmacology with empirical validation enhances understanding of the mechanistic foundations underlying the therapeutic efficacy of herbal medicines in the management of asthma. For BYD, network pharmacology identified key bioactive compounds, such as quercetin and kaempferol, that target pivotal molecules, including IL-6 and EGFR, thereby modulating the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. In vivo studies using ovalbumin-induced asthma models demonstrated BYD’s efficacy in reducing airway inflammation, Th2 cytokine levels (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) and airway remodelling, supported by histological and protein expression analyses. Molecular docking analyses validated significant binding affinities between the active constituents of BYD and targets associated with asthma [4]. Similarly, Pinellia ternata mechanism was elucidated using network pharmacology, revealing hub targets involved in T-cell receptor and JAK-STAT pathways. Experimental validation demonstrated PT’s ability to suppress Th2 immune responses and downregulate asthma-associated genes, such as MMP2 and IL-4, in animal models, with reduced cytokine levels confirmed by ELISA. These examples exemplify how computational predictions guided targeted experimental assays, collectively validating the multi-target, multi-pathway therapeutic effects of these herbal formulations in asthma management [8]