Six 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, 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 four other pathways, with molecular docking showing good binding affinity 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.
Six 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, 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
Six 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, 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: TCM prescriptions for primary insomnia (104 prescriptions, 197 herbs).
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 active ingredients bind to hub targets with good affinity (molecular docking)
- ▸cAMP signaling pathway identified as a key node
- ▸Synergistic interaction with HIF-1, prolactin, chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways
- ▸Result: Potential regulation of insomnia through these pathways
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸TCM prescriptions for primary insomnia (104 prescriptions, 197 herbs)
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
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.
What signaling pathway is proposed as key for these herb pairs?▼
The cAMP signaling pathway is proposed as a key node, working synergistically with HIF-1, prolactin, chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.
How many prescriptions were analyzed in this study?▼
A total of 104 TCM prescriptions for primary insomnia were analyzed, containing 197 different herbs.
What methods were used to identify the hub herb pairs and mechanisms?▼
The study used association rule mining for hub herb pairs, network pharmacology for mechanism analysis, and molecular docking to simulate binding between active ingredients and hub targets.
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