Combining GEO Database and the Method of Network Pharmacology to Explore the Molecular Mechanism of Epimedium in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: Epimedium, a traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the conventional experimental methods based on proteomics and genomics in previous researches are difficult to comprehensively describe the mechanism of Epimedium in the treatment of AD. In this study, with the help of computer software, combined with the GEO database and the method of network pharmacology, the relevant pharmacological networks and core target networks were established and performed visual analysis. Then we carried out the GO and KEGG enrichment analysis to make a relatively comprehensive elaboration on the mechanism of Epimedium in treating AD, and screened the key mechanisms and targets. The results indicated that Epimedium may act on the key targets such as PIK3CB and BCL-2, and participating in the regulation of PI3K-Akt and calcium signaling pathways in the treatment of AD. This study provided a theoretical basis for in-depth analysis of Epimedium, and laid the foundation for the development of related new drugs.