Active Compounds and Potential Actions of Anti-aging Remedy in Mild Cognitive Impairment Based on Network Pharmacology

Abstract

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may occurs during the aging process and often progress to dementia. This study investigates an anti-aging remedy (AAR) from Thai traditional medicine, which is known for promoting lifespan, by exploring its interactions with biological systems using network pharmacology. Natural compounds related to AAR were retrieved from databases (NPASS, Duke’s, and literatures) and assessed for bioactivity based on pharmacokinetic properties and other criteria. Protein targets linked to MCI were identified using SwissTargetPrediction and DisGeNET databases, and the network was constructed with Cytoscape software and its plugins (MCODE, BinGo, JEPETTO). A total of 178 bioactive compounds and 105 MCI-related protein targets were identified. The top 10 protein targets in the AAR network include GRB2, SRC, TP53, MAPK1, ESR1, PRKCA, STAT3, PIK3R1, FYN, and AKT1, which play important roles in cell processes associated with aging-related cognitive dysfunction. KEGG pathway analysis revealed 37 significant pathways, such as neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, long-term potentiation, long-term depression and neurotrophin signaling pathways, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in biological processes in cognitive impairment. Gene ontology (GO) analysis identified five modules related to cellular functions potentially contributing to MCI, including metabolic process, and multicellular organismal process. This study enhances the understanding of AAR's protective effects on cognitive function and could inform improvements in the quality and efficacy of AAR treatments for age-related cognitive decline.