Investigation of the pharmacological mechanisms of Denglao Qingguan decoction in inhibiting viral pneumonia through network pharmacology and in vitro laboratory validation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: Respiratory viral infection poses a serious threat to human health, underscoring the need for effective agents to prevent and treat these conditions. Objective: This study aimed to investigate Denglao Qingguan decoction (DLQGD), a traditional formula used in the management of respiratory infections, and to elucidate its efficacy and mechanisms against viral pneumonia. Methods: Network pharmacology was employed to investigate the potential mechanism of DLQGD against viral pneumonia. The components of DLQGD were analyzed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF MS). The antiviral effects of DLQGD against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were determined by cytopathic effect or MTT assays. The inhibitory effects of DLQGD on RSV or SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammatory response were determined by reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR. Results: ) of DLQGD against RSV, SARS-CoV-2, and H3N2 was 0.4824, 1.16, and 1.592 mg/mL. The selectivity index (SI) of DLQGD against RSV, SARS-CoV-2, and H3N2 was 15.82, 5.96, and 5.74, respectively. Furthermore, DLQGD significantly inhibit the viral titer of cell culture supernatants during SARS-CoV-2 infection. DLQGD markedly reduced the mRNA expression of IL6, TNF, CXCL8, and CXCL10 in Huh-7 cells infected by SARS-CoV-2. In addition, DLQGD decreased the mRNA expression of IL6, TNF, IL1B, CXCL8, CXCL10, and CCL5 in HEp-2 cells infected by RSV. DLQGD could downregulate the protein expression of phosphorylated Stat3, Akt, and Erk1/2. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings indicate that DLQGD exhibits antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities, suggesting that it could be developed into a therapeutic constituent for respiratory viral infections.
Source: Frontiers in Medicine
Authors: Biao Lei, Shun Wang, Xuanxuan Li, Fang Chen, Wencong Lu, Bin Liu, Xiannan Chen, Ruihan Chen, Zhanyu Cui, Ai Li, Xi Ren, Linzhong Yu, Qinhai Ma
Institutions: First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, TCM-Intigrated Cancer Center of Southern Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Province Women and Children Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Award: G528316219
OpenAlex ID: W7122851372