Chronic gastritis (CG) is a chronic inflammatory lesion of the gastric mucosa caused by various factors, such as Helicobacter pylori infection, autoimmunity, and duodenal fluid reflux 1. Typical symptoms of CG include nonspecific dyspepsia, such as epigastric pain, abdominal distension, postprandial fullness, and early satiety. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, belching, acid reflux, and nausea. Concomitant symptoms of marked erosions and prolonged small amounts of bleeding may include pallor, dizziness, and weakness, which could be due to iron deficiency anaemia. Patients with autoimmune gastritis may present with pernicious anaemia and neurological symptoms, such as glossitis, mild jaundice, numbness of the limbs, and weakness 2. In recent years, the prevalence of CG has been increasing steadily. At least 80% of the population experiences gastric upset, making CG the most common disease. In China, the prevalence of CG is as high as 30%, and it is associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, which increases with age. In fact, the prevalence of CG can be as high as 60–70% in people aged 70–80 years. Additionally, the prevalence of CG is also increasing among young and middle-aged groups 3,4.
In clinical treatment, drugs are primarily used to treat CG by inhibiting gastric acid secretion, protecting the gastric mucosa, and providing antimicrobial effects. Drugs that inhibit gastric acid are classified into two main categories: proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists. However, long-term use of proton pump inhibitors may lead to a series of serious side effects: (1) Patients with allergic reactions after long-term use of these drugs may further suffer from severe diseases such as acute interstitial nephritis and chronic kidney disease 5,6. (2) It may also lead to hypomagnesemia caused by reduced absorption of magnesium in the small intestine 7,8. (3) In the elderly, prolonged use probably also increases the risk of dementia 9,10. (4) It may also lead to changes in the intestinal microbiome and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth 11. The main side effects of H2 receptor antagonists are nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, and increased heart rate 12. Almagate Suspension as a Gastric Mucosal Protectant is facing non-negligible side effects, including liver inflammation, nephritis, decreased acidity, impotence, osteoporotic fractures, and hyperglycaemia 13. Commonly used antimicrobial drugs include amoxicillin and clarithromycin. However, it is important to note that these drugs have the potential to trigger Mycobacterium vaginalis infections, which requires attention 14. In conclusion, there are potential risks associated with the clinical treatment of CG that must be considered. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a reliable treatment option for CG due to its clinical efficacy, low toxicity, and minimal side effects.
Radix pseudostellariae (RP) is a tuberous root from the genus Staphylococcus and is commonly used in TCM 15. Clinically, RP is often combined with Chinese medicines such as Rhizoma Dioscoreae and Poria cocos to treat CG and loss of appetite 16,17. In the market, the proprietary Chinese medicine's of RP include Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets and Compound Taizishen Granules, which are widely used in the treatment of CG 18,19. Modern studies have shown that RP contains a variety of chemical components with various pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties 20. RP can effectively inhibit the propagation of H. pylori, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of CG 21. RP polysaccharide can promote the proliferation of T cells and effectively remove Helicobacter pylori, thus inhibiting CG 22.
In summary, numerous clinical and basic studies have demonstrated the exact efficacy of RP in treating CG. However, the mechanism of action and active substance basis of RP for CG have not been clarified. Therefore, the current study utilised network pharmacology approach to examine the potential interactions between the active ingredients of RP and the potential targets of CG. Additionally, the affinity of the active compounds in RP with potential targets was further explored by molecular docking techniques. (Fig. 1) illustrates our workflow. These studies aim to provide theoretical support for the development of more effective drugs by gaining a clearer understanding of the mechanism of RP in the treatment of CG.