Antichilblain Components in Eggplant Based on Network Pharmacology and Biological Evaluation

Abstract

Eggplant, the fruit of Solanum melongena L. (Solanaceae), is applied externally to relieve the symptoms of chilblains in the folk in East Asia. However, the mechanisms and biological ingredients are not clear. A network pharmacology approach was used to shed light on the mechanisms of eggplant against chilblains, which illustrated that anti-inflammation and antioxidation are mainly involved in the curative effects. Bioassay-guided assays led to the isolation of 44 ingredients (1–44), including two new natural compounds (1–2) and 42 known compounds. Thirteen compounds (3–15) were first reported from the Solanum genus. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of all isolates were evaluated, and the results showed that 11 compounds have anti-inflammatory activity and 27 have antioxidant activity. Fatty acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, saponins, and lignans from eggplant have certain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These results provide a scientific basis for eggplant to treat chilblains.

New Cytotoxic γ-Lactam Alkaloids from the Mangrove-Derived Fungus Talaromyces hainanensis sp. nov. Guided by Molecular Networking Strategy

“…Molecular docking studies with the five potential target proteins showed a high binding affinity, indicating their crucial roles in inhibiting the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cell of compound 1 . It is worth mentioning that although the current study already showed great promise, − the background information such as protein interaction networks, target information, and molecular pathways still remains to be updated, becoming more comprehensive and accurate. The network pharmacological approach to study the potential molecules not only explores the therapeutic potential of secondary metabolites but also aids in better understanding their potential adverse effects.…”