## 1 Introduction  
Aging is an inevitable process in all organisms, marked by the progressive loss of tissue and cellular function [1]. While aging is a normal physiological phenomenon, it heightens the risk of diseases like cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and arthritis, posing a significant threat to elderly health [2]. Increasing evidence suggests that natural substances can delay aging, extend lifespan, and reduce age-related diseases, which is crucial for elderly health [3].  
Royal jelly (RJ) is composed of 60-70% water, 9-18% protein, 7-18% carbohydrates, 3-8% lipids, and a minor level of minerals and vitamins [4]. It is secreted by the hypophar-ryngeal and mandibular glands of worker bees to feed larvae. Worker bees consume RJ for only three days, whereas the queen bee consumes it for her entire life, contributing to her longer lifespan (3-5 years) compared to worker bees (1-3 months) [5]. Additionally, RJ has shown anti-aging effects in model organisms like fruit flies, nematodes, and rats [6]. Interestingly, queen bee acid (QBA, 10-Hydroxy-2(E)-decenoic acid) is a unique fatty acid. The structure of QBA was determined by [PERSON] et al. in 1959 using infrared spectroscopy [7]. It is a straight-chain fatty acid with 10 carbon atoms. The carboxyl and hydroxyl groups are at the ends of the carbon chain, and there is a double bond at the second carbon atom with hydrogen atoms in a cis configuration [7]. Common QBA extraction methods include solvent extraction, solution precipitation crystallization, HPLC, macroporous resin separation, and a novel method using freeze-dried royal jelly powder [8]. Research has shown that QBA prolongs lifespan and has therapeutic effects on age-related diseases [9]. Importantly, QBA promotes the differentiation of neural progenitor cells and increases the survival rate of existing neurons, a crucial factor in its benefits, which are promising methods for treating [PERSON]'s disease. It means that the therapeutic effect of [PERSON]'s disease by promoting the neurogenesis of neural progenitor cells may be achieved using QBA [10]. In addition, [PERSON] et al. found that anti-tumor activity by accumulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells and inducing apoptosis resulted from QBA [9]. Although some evidence indicated that QBA had an anti-aging function, its mechanism for pathways is still unclear.  
Network pharmacology is a cutting-edge science that integrates bioinformatics, computational chemistry, and systems biology. It acts like a \"molecular detective\", delving into the complex relationships between compounds and biological targets--such as proteins, genes, and metabolic pathways--to uncover the mysteries of drug actions. It can precisely predict potential drug targets and dissect biological effects, unlocking the secrets behind drug mechanisms [11].  
In this study, we embarked on a molecular journey to explore the anti-aging effects of QBA using the powerful tools of network pharmacology. We delved deep into its underlying molecular mechanisms, attempting to decode the mysterious ways in which it delays aging. Meanwhile, we employed molecular docking technology to accurately verify the binding of active components to their targets--like fitting a key into a lock--to further predict the therapeutic potential of QBA. This research not only sheds new light on the field of anti-aging but also offers fresh ideas and directions for future drug development.