Hub herb pairs (Radix Astragali-Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng, Rhizoma Chuanxiong-Radix Glycyrrhizae, Seman Platycladi-Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae-Radix Glycyrrhizae, Radix Polygalae-Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, and Radix Astragali-Semen Ziziphi Spinosae) may treat insomnia via the cAMP signaling pathway synergistically with HIF-1, prolactin, chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.
This study analyzed 104 TCM prescriptions for insomnia using data mining, network pharmacology, and molecular docking. Six hub herb pairs were identified, and network pharmacology suggested they may act through the cAMP signaling pathway in synergy with other pathways. Molecular docking indicated good binding between active ingredients and hub targets.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Hub herb pairs (Radix Astragali-Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng, Rhizoma Chuanxiong-Radix Glycyrrhizae, Seman Platycladi-Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae-Radix Glycyrrhizae, Radix Polygalae-Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, and Radix Astragali-Semen Ziziphi Spinosae) may treat insomnia via the cAMP signaling pathway synergistically with HIF-1, prolactin, chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 32/100 (low).
The Claim
Hub herb pairs (Radix Astragali-Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng, Rhizoma Chuanxiong-Radix Glycyrrhizae, Seman Platycladi-Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae-Radix Glycyrrhizae, Radix Polygalae-Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, and Radix Astragali-Semen Ziziphi Spinosae) may treat insomnia via the cAMP signaling pathway synergistically with HIF-1, prolactin, chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Prescriptions for primary insomnia from traditional Chinese medicine databases.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Medication Rules of Hub Herb Pairs for Insomnia and Mechanism of Action: Results of Data Mining, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking. (Chinese medical sciences journal = Chung-kuo i hsueh k'o hsueh tsa chih, 2025) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Hub herb pairs activate the cAMP signaling pathway
- ▸cAMP pathway synergizes with HIF-1, prolactin, PI3K-Akt, and chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation pathways
- ▸Active ingredients from herb pairs bind to hub targets with good affinity
- ▸Result: Potential modulation of insomnia-related biological processes
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Prescriptions for primary insomnia from traditional Chinese medicine databases
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸The study is based on computational predictions (network pharmacology and molecular docking) without in vivo or clinical validation
- ▸The analysis is limited to 104 prescriptions, which may not represent all TCM approaches to insomnia
- ▸The specific active compounds and their concentrations in the herb pairs were not quantified
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the six hub herb pairs identified for insomnia?▼
The six hub herb pairs are Radix Astragali-Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng, Rhizoma Chuanxiong-Radix Glycyrrhizae, Seman Platycladi-Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae-Radix Glycyrrhizae, Radix Polygalae-Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, and Radix Astragali-Semen Ziziphi Spinosae.
Which signaling pathway is considered key in this study?▼
The cAMP signaling pathway is considered a key node, acting synergistically with HIF-1, prolactin, PI3K-Akt, and chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation pathways.
What methods were used in this research?▼
The study used data mining of 104 TCM prescriptions, association rule algorithms to identify hub herb pairs, network pharmacology to analyze mechanisms, and molecular docking to predict binding affinities.
What are the most frequently used herbs for insomnia according to this paper?▼
The most frequently used herbs include Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng, and Poria cum Radix Pini.
References
- 1.Guo WL, Jiang HJ, Li YR, Yang JL, Chen YC. “Medication Rules of Hub Herb Pairs for Insomnia and Mechanism of Action: Results of Data Mining, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking..” Chinese medical sciences journal = Chung-kuo i hsueh k'o hsueh tsa chih, 2025. PMID: 39789928 DOI: 10.24920/004384