Objective:This study aimed to investigate the medicinal properties of SZS before and
after processing and provide novel insights into its potential for treating insomnia.Methods:This study employed the network pharmacology platform to gather information on the
chemical composition of SZS, human targets, genes, molecular networks, and pathways associated
with insomnia treatment using SZS. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/
MS) was utilized to analyze the chemical profiles of crude SZS, parched SZS, and their combined
decoction. The effects of different SZS products on p-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia
mice were evaluated through pentobarbital-induced sleep tests, behavioral analyses, examination
of brain tissue-related mRNA levels, and measurement of plasma neurotransmitters, aiming
to explore the sedative and hypnotic effects of various SZS products.Results:SZS was found to contain a total of 47 genes, including 22 target genes associated with
insomnia. These genes may contribute to the sedative and hypnotic effects through 9 related pathways
and 69 biological processes. The active components of SZS remained consistent before and
after processing. Jujuboside B was found in higher concentrations in crude SZS, while jujuboside
A was more abundant in parched SZS. Additionally, SZS exhibited reduced locomotor activity in
mice, enhanced the hypnotic effect of pentobarbital sodium, and decreased the levels of acetylcholinesterase,
α-1B adrenergic receptor, and solute carrier family 6 member 4 mRNA in the cortex
and hippocampus of mice. The levels of acetylcholine, choline acetyltransferase, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic
acid, and glutamate in plasma increased, with the hypnotic effect being proportional to
the dosage of the drug.Conclusion:SZS demonstrates sedative and hypnotic effects, potentially mediated by its influence
on neurotransmitter levels and related receptors within the central nervous system. There was
a slight variation in regulatory capabilities before and after SZS processing, with the combined decoction
of crude and parched SZS exhibiting a more pronounced effect, particularly at higher
dosages.conclusion:SZS demonstrates sedative and hypnotic effects, potentially mediated by its influence on neurotransmitter levels and related receptors within the central nervous system. There was a slight variation in regulatory capabilities before and after SZS processing, with the combined decoction of crude and parched SZS exhibiting a more pronounced effect, particularly at higher dosages.