Supplements

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.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Medication Rules of Hub Herb Pairs for Insomnia and Mechanism of Action: Results of Data Mining, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking.

observational

Guo WL, Jiang HJ, Li YR, Yang JL, Chen YC · Chinese medical sciences journal = Chung-kuo i hsueh k'o hsueh tsa chih (2025)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Six hub herb pairs derived from 104 TCM prescriptions for insomnia
Outcome: Identification of hub herb pairs, predicted signaling pathways (cAMP, HIF-1, prolactin, chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation, PI3K-Akt), and binding affinity via molecular docking
Effect Size: N/A
Population: TCM prescriptions for primary insomnia (104 prescriptions, 197 herbs)

Result:

PubMed: 39789928DOI: 10.24920/004384

Mechanism Graph

Hub herb pairs active ingredients bind to hub targets with good affinity (molecular docking)
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cAMP signaling pathway identified as a key node
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Synergistic interaction with HIF-1, prolactin, chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways
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Result: Potential regulation of insomnia through these pathways

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.