Unveiling Therapeutic Targets in COPD: A Synergistic Approach Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 04 | 02 | Page :
By

Roshini Singh,

Nandini Chaurasia,

Dhirendra Yadav,

Nikita Basant,

  1. ,Assistant professor, Department of Biotechnology, SR Institute of Management & Technology, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, Uttar Pradesh, India
  2. Student, Department of Biotechnology, SR Institute of Management & Technology, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, Uttar Pradesh, India
  3. Student, Department of Biotechnology, SR Institute of Management & Technology, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, Uttar Pradesh, India
  4. Associate professor, Centre of Excellence (AI & ML), Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Lucknow 226028 (India), Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

COPD is a chronic lung disease that affects a large number of people worldwide and is a cause of death. Despite existing medications, effective therapies with fewer side effects is still needed. The use of herbal medicine, especially Zataria multiflora, has proven to be useful because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The mechanisms involved in COPD with it, however, are still not fully understood. In this research, network pharmacology is combined with molecular docking to identify therapeutic targets of COPD using Z. multiflora. Active compounds of Z. multiflora were screened by Swiss Target Prediction and PubChem, and the genes related to COPD were retrieved from GeneCards. 177 overlapping genes were identified using Venn diagram. Determination of hub genes (AKT1, ESR1, EGFR, TNF, ALB, GAPDH) was done by CytoHubba. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis was done, and improvement in oxidative stress, inflammatory and metabolic pathways related to COPD was observed. The docking poses revealed high binding potential of caryophyllene (PubChem ID: 5281515) with the most important proteins of the hub proteins. This study offers insights to the molecular mechanisms of Z. multiflora in COPD and proposes bioactive compounds of this plant as therapeutic agents. The results indicate the potential of natural compounds as therapeutic agents in COPD, underscoring the need for additional experimental investigation.

Keywords: COPD, Zataria multiflora, network pharmacology, molecular docking, inflammation, Gene ontology, KEGG pathways

How to cite this article: Roshini Singh, Nandini Chaurasia, Dhirendra Yadav, Nikita Basant. Unveiling Therapeutic Targets in COPD: A Synergistic Approach Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. International Journal of Cell Biology and Cellular Functions. 2026; 04(02):-.
How to cite this URL: Roshini Singh, Nandini Chaurasia, Dhirendra Yadav, Nikita Basant. Unveiling Therapeutic Targets in COPD: A Synergistic Approach Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. International Journal of Cell Biology and Cellular Functions. 2026; 04(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijcbcf/article=2026/view=260929

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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 04
02
Received 18/07/2026
Accepted 14/09/2026
Published 25/09/2026
Publication Time 69 Days


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