RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the substance basis and mechanism of Xiaochaihu decoction in treatment of sepsis, and to provide reference for clinical application and R&D of the decoction. METHODS: Based on TCM integrative pharmacology platform (TCMIP), chemical component analysis of Xiaochaihu decoction, disease target prediction, gene function and pathway enrichment analysis were all performed. The multi-dimensional network relationship of “TCM-chemical components-core targets-key pathways” was established, and the mechanism of Xiaochaihu decoction in treatment of sepsis was investigated. RESULTS: A total of 224 predicted chemical ingredients of Xiaochaihu decoction (including saikoside, ginsenoside, glycyrrhizin, etc.) interacted with 118 key targets about sepsis, including PF4, MYD88, TLR4, CD14, NOS3, etc. Its anti-sepsis mechanism involved nervous system, endocrine system, immune response and energy metabolism, etc. CONCLUSIONS: Based on “neuronal- endocrine-immune-metabolism”, Xiaochaihu decoction achieved its role in regulating sepsis by multi-level, multi-channel and multi-channel. This research may reveal the potential mechanism of Xiaochaihu decoction for sepsis, and the prescription provide theoretical basis for further experimental research of pharmacodynamic substance basis and mechanism of action.