Identification of the Tagetes erecta Linn. Extract’s potentials against influenza A based on bioinformatics analysis and experimental study

Abstract

Background: Tagetes erecta Linn. (TE) is used to treat cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the active compounds and targets of the TE extract in influenza A infections. Method: Active compounds and targets of the TE extract were identified using network pharmacology. Pathway and target studies were conducted using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) gene difference, and molecular docking analyses. In vitro validation of the TE extract was performed using antiviral and plaque reduction assays. Results: From 6 compounds, 95 active targets, 887 influenza-associated target genes, and 14 intersecting core targets were identified. A compound–target network was constructed and two compounds (lutein and beta-carotene) were identified. Protein–protein interaction and GEO analysis revealed interleukin (IL)-6 as a hub gene. In vitro experimental results revealed that the TE extract exerted therapeutic rather than protective effects. Conclusions: Overall, we identified the two main active compounds in the TE extract, lutein and beta-carotene, and IL-6 as an important target associated with influenza. Moreover, our findings confirmed the activity of the TE extract against the influenza A virus.