Background::Shuangshen Pingfei San (SPS) is the derivative from the
classic formula Renshen Pingfei San in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Methods::In this study, Chou’s 5-steps rule was performed to explore the potential
active compound and mechanism of SPS on IPF. Compound–target network, target–
pathway network, herb–target network and the core gene target interaction network
were established and analyzed. A total of 296 compounds and 69 candidate therapeutic
targets of SPS in treating IPF were obtained. Network analysis revealed that the main
active compounds were flavonoids (such as apigenin, quercetin, naringenin, luteolin),
other clusters (such as ginsenoside Rh2, diosgenin, tanshinone IIa), which might also
play significant roles. SPS regulated multiple IPF relative genes, which affect fibrosis
(PTGS2, KDR, FGFR1, TGFB, VEGFA, MMP2/9) and inflammation (PPARG, TNF, IL13,
IL4, IL1B, etc.).
Conclusion::In conclusion, anti-pulmonary fibrosis effect of SPS might be related to the
regulation of inflammation and pro-fibrotic signaling pathways. These findings revealed
that the potential active compounds and mechanisms of SPS on IPF were a benefit to
further study.