Shashen Maidong Decoction’s Effects on Chronic Bronchitis: A Multi-Method Approach

Background: Shashen Maidong Decoction (SSMDD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula used for treating chronic bronchitis (CB). Objectives: This study aims to explore the mechanism of SSMDD against CB, focusing on its active components and their impact on Interleukin 6 (IL-6), a key inflammatory factor. Materials and Methods: Network pharmacology, a method that helps identify potential active components and their interactions in a biological network, was used to predict SSMDD’s effects. Molecular docking, a computational approach for predicting the binding affinity between small molecules and target proteins, was utilized to elucidate the mechanisms of action. Transcriptomic analysis, ELISA, and western blot assays were subsequently implemented for mechanism validation. Results: Network pharmacology analysis identified quercetin and kaempferol as key active components of SSMDD, with a high affinity for IL-6. Transcriptomic data confirmed the regulation of inflammation-related pathways by SSMDD, aligning with the predicted targets. In the ELISA determination, compared with the model group, the IL-6 levels in the samples treated with quercetin and kaempferol were reduced by 55% and 36%, respectively. The western blot results showed that the expression of IL-6 protein in these samples decreased by 33% and 25%, respectively. Conclusion: SSMDD exhibits anti-inflammatory activity against CB by targeting IL-6. This study provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which SSMDD exerts its therapeutic effects on CB. Moreover, these findings also suggest that SSMDD may offer insights for future treatments of other inflammatory diseases, potentially improving patient outcomes and developing novel therapeutic strategies. Future studies should explore the effects of additional targets and active compounds within SSMDD and evaluate its broader applications in inflammatory conditions.