Objective:

To evaluate the potential of five traditional herbs in targeting immune processes involved in obesity-related Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Approach:

• Herb Identification: Researchers identified Hedysarum multijugum Maxim, Radix Bupleuri, Prunella vulgaris, Fritillaria thunbergii Bulbus, and Angelicae sinensis Radix.
• Computational Analysis: Network pharmacology was used to analyze active compounds in these herbs and their association with efferocytosis.
• Molecular Docking: Quercetin was highlighted for its strong binding affinity to proteins involved in efferocytosis.
• Gene Database Evaluation: Nearly 7,000 obesity-associated HT targets were aligned with over 1,600 herb-related targets.

Key Findings:

• Efferocytosis is a key mechanism in the context of the identified herbs and obesity-associated HT.
• Quercetin interacts strongly with proteins MERTK, AXL, and PPARG.
• Prunella vulgaris and Hedysarum multijugum Maxim influence the thyroid hormone signaling pathway.
• Other herb combinations are linked to pathways related to inflammation and lipid metabolism.

Interpretation:

Limitations:

• The study relied on computational predictions.
• Experimental and clinical trials are necessary to validate the herbs’ therapeutic effects in humans.
• Safety concerns regarding quercetin were noted, particularly at high doses.

Conclusion:

Sources:

• Frontiers in Medicine