Background:It has been shown that Kudzu root has significant pharmacological effects
such as improving microcirculation, dilating coronary arteries, and increasing cerebral and coronary
blood flow, but its material basis and mechanism of action are not clear.Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of Kudzu root in the
prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemia (CI) through network pharmacology combined with
animal experiments.Methods:The components of kudzu root were screened by using the Chemistry Database, Chinese
Academy of Science. Linpinski's five rules were used to perform pharmacophore-like analysis to
obtain the active ingredients of Kudzu root. The Swiss Target Prediction Service database was
used to predict the potential protein targets of kudzu root components associated with CI. An active
ingredient-target network was constructed by using Cytoscape 3.6.0. A rat model of middle cerebral
artery occlusion (MCAO) was established, then the main targets and signaling pathways predicted
were verified by observing the area of cerebral infarction and Western blot experiments.Results:In total, 84 major active compounds and 34 targets included gerberoside, belonging to the
isoflavone class, gallic acid, amino acid class, 4-Methylphenol, phenolic class, and quercetin, and
flavonoid class (Flavonoids). The targets covered were proteins related to excitatory amino acids
and calcium overload, including Excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (SLC1A2), Glutamate receptor
ionotropic, kainate 1 (GRIK1), Glutamate receptor ionotropic, NMDA 1 (GRIN1), Glutamate
receptor 2(GRIA2), Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), Neuronal nitric
oxide synthase(nNOS). Glutamatergic energy is prominent, and calcium transport across the membrane
is central to the network and occupies an important position.Conclusion:Kudzu root can significantly reduce neurological damage in rats with CI, and also
significantly reduce the rate of cerebral infarction. It is worth noting that kudzu root can prevent
and treat CI by reducing excitatory amino acid toxicity and improving calcium overload.