A network pharmacology approach to explore the mechanism of action of Yiqi Fumai lyophilized injection in the treatment of novel coronavirus disease

Background: Shengmai decoction, which has been included in the diagnosis and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is effective in the early treatment of patients with severe COVID-19. Yiqi Fumai lyophilized injection (YQFM) is a modern Chinese medicine preparation of the Shengmai decoction. The mechanism of its intervention at the molecular level in the severe stage of COVID-19 remains unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the mechanism of YQFM in the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: The corresponding target genes of the main active ingredients in YQFM and COVID-19 were obtained by using multiple databases and literature retrieval. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed, and enrichment analysis of the target was performed using Cytoscape 3.8.1. Lastly, the docking of all the identified compounds with angiotensin-converting enzyme II was confirmed by applying molecular docking technology. Results: YQFM has anti-inflammatory effects on RAW267.4 macrophages. The main active compounds of YQFM are all effective anti-inflammatory agents, and these active compounds also show beneficial physiological functions, such as anti-oxidation, anti-bacterial, and anticancer activities. Gene Ontology analysis showed enrichment in the following pathways: lipopolysaccharides, interleukins, NF-kappa B, interleukin-2 and others, revealing that YQFM may play a role in the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19 through these pathways. Conclusion: YQFM has multicomponent and multitarget characteristics, and it could reduce lung injury by inhibiting inflammatory reactions, promoting antiviral activities, and regulating immunity, among other functions, to treat patients with severe COVID-19.