Study on Anti-inflammatory Mechanism of Blueberry based on Network
Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology
Authors: Chen Shuangkou , He Bai , Xu Mingxin , Tan Xiaoqing , Guo Yinying , Jie Hang , Huang Jiansheng 
Published: May 2022

The Batman-TCM research platform based on network pharmacology was used to predict
the reverse targets of 11 active components of blueberry. The anti-inflammatory target genes of these
components were extracted by comparing them with the anti-inflammatory drug target genes in the
GeneCards database. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway, as well as protein interaction analysis of
these anti-inflammatory target genes, were carried out using the String database. The antiinflammatory
component-target-action pathway map of blueberry was constructed using the Cytoscape
software. The molecular docking between seven components and two targets was validated using the
Autodock-vina program. The results showed that 7 components had anti-inflammatory activity and
acted on 84 anti-inflammatory targets. KEGG and GO analysis showed that the main active components
of blueberry could inhibit inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors and
enhancing immunity. Network analysis revealed that the main anti-inflammatory targets of blueberry
active components were TNF, ESR1, AGTR1, and IGF1. Based on molecular docking analysis, the
main components of blueberry integrate with 2 important targets in inflammatory networks. Collectively,
we characterized the anti-inflammatory effect of blueberry by multi-component, multi-target, and
multi-pathway. The molecular mechanism of the multi-target effect of blueberry was preliminarily expounded,
thereby providing a scientific basis for exploring the material basis and mechanism of the anti-
inflammatory action of blueberry.

Background:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, have beneficial effects in the
treatment of inflammation but they often have undesired side effects. In contrast, various natural remedies,
with their unique natural, safe and effective ingredients, have achieved good effects in the treatment
of inflammation and become widely used for anti-inflammatory medication.

Objective:

To provide scientific basis for exploring the material basis and mechanism of antiinflammatory
action of blueberry.

Method:

The anti-inflammatory target genes of these components were extracted by comparing them
with the anti-inflammatory drug target genes in the GeneCards database. GO enrichment and KEGG
pathway, as well as protein interaction analysis of these anti-inflammatory target genes, were carried out
by using the String database. The anti-inflammatory component-target-action pathway map of blueberry
was constructed using the Cytoscape software. The molecular docking between seven components and
two targets was validated using the Autodock-vina program. The results showed that 7 components had
anti-inflammatory activity and acted on 84 anti-inflammatory targets.

Results:

7 components had anti-inflammatory activity and acted on 84 anti-inflammatory targets.
KEGG and GO analysis showed that the main active components of blueberry could inhibit inflammation
by inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors and enhancing immunity. Network analysis
revealed that the main anti-inflammatory targets of blueberry active components were TNF, ESR1,
AGTR1 and IGF1. Based on molecular docking analysis, the main components of blueberry integrate
with 2 important targets in inflammatory networks.

Conclusion:

The molecular mechanism of the multi-target effect of blueberry was preliminarily expounded,
thereby providing a scientific basis for exploring the material basis and mechanism of antiinflammatory
action of blueberry.