Discovery of Core Herbal Ingredients for Allergic Rhinitis: Based on Data Mining and Network Pharmacology

Background and Objective: The complexity and specificity of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has limited its wide application, despite presenting outstanding contributions to allergic rhinitis (AR). This study aimed to identify the core CHM and its active components, hoping to promote the accurate treatment of AR and the wide application of CHM. Materials and Methods: A rigorous scientific and logical research thought was designed by authors. Then, a series of public databases and bioinformatic tools were employed to conduct the present analysis according to the user guidelines. The data statistics involved in the relevant public databases and tools were automatically completed by their system background. Notably, p<0.05 indicated significant differences. Results: This study retrieved 76 eligible studies and excavated 74 effective prescriptions, which focused on discussing the efficacy of CHM on AR. Based on the 74 effective prescriptions, this study mined 153 herbs and constructed the formula-herb-ingredient-AR target network. Eventually, this study identified 10 core herbs and the valuable active ingredients of CHM for AR, including spathulenol, caryophyllene oxide and dibutyl phthalate. Additionally, this study confirmed the molecular mechanism of the active ingredients on AR, that is, the three active ingredients could concurrently regulate the calcium signaling pathway by targeting HTR2A, CHRM2, CHRM3 and NOS3, which in turn modulated AR. Conclusion: This study identified the core herbal ingredients, including spathulenol, caryophyllene oxide and dibutyl phthalate for AR and discussed the molecular mechanism of them modulating the calcium signaling pathway. This finding marked the place of CHM in AR pharmacotherapy.