Network pharmacology-based approach uncovers the JAK/STAT signaling mechanism underlying extract treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease. (Lour.) Merr is a common folk remedy used in Hainan, China, to dispel the wind and dampness associated with RA.

Methods: The active components of were extracted using network pharmacology. The potential targets of active components were used to determine activated pathways, and the effects of extracts were verified in RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS-RA).

Results: We identified 27 active components using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF)-mass spectrometry (MS). Among the major target genes with high connectivity, and are known to play key roles in RA development. High-affinity interactions were identified between active compounds in extract and Janus kinase JAK 2, which are key components of the JAK-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway. In HFLS-RA cells, extract treatment reduced the mRNA levels of and . extract treatment also significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK 2 and STAT3, regulating cell proliferation.

Conclusions: Based on these results, we confirmed that has potential for application as a therapeutic and preventive food and acts through the modulation and suppression of JAK-STAT pathway activation to control the inflammatory response in RA.