Multiple inferred targets via Yinqiao component molecules such as luteolin, quercetin, hesperetin, eriodictyol, naringenin

This entry describes a complex pharmacological profile consisting of multiple biological targets inferred for the primary bioactive flavonoids found in the traditional Chinese medicine formula Yinqiao San (YQS). These components, including luteolin, quercetin, hesperetin, eriodictyol, and naringenin, are known to interact with a diverse array of proteins rather than a single receptor (PubChem CID 5280343, 5280445). Key targets identified through network pharmacology include Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), Mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), and RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), which are central to the regulation of inflammation and immune responses (Li et al., 2020, Phytomedicine; UniProt P35916). These phytochemicals exert anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant effects by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) (Zhou et al., 2020, PubMed). The therapeutic utility of this multi-component approach is primarily observed in the treatment of acute respiratory infections, such as influenza and COVID-19, where the synergy of multiple compounds helps mitigate cytokine storms. Consequently, this entry represents a systems-biology view of drug action rather than a discrete molecular entity. The multi-target nature of these compounds also presents challenges, such as potential herb-drug interactions through the inhibition of Cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Other names

Yinqiao San target networkYQS flavonoid targetsProstaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2)RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1)Mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1)Interleukin-6 (IL-6)Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)

Synergistic inhibition of Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and modulation of the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine production.