MAPPING THE MULTI-TARGET ACTION OF TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA IN GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS USING COMPUTATIONAL PHARMACOLOGY

Abstract

Tinospora cordifolia (TC) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for its immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and gastrointestinal (GI) protective properties. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its GI benefits remain poorly understood. This study employed an integrated network pharmacology (NP) and molecular docking approach to systematically explore the bioactive compounds of TC and their potential targets in GI disorders. A total of 27 bioactive compounds were screened using ADME/Tox criteria, and their targets were predicted and enriched via GO and KEGG pathway analyses. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis identified key hub genes including AKT1, GAPDH, TNF, SRC, and EGFR. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities of berberine and jatrorrhizine with AKT1 (−9.9 kcal/mol) and other critical targets, indicating potential modulation of the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and inflammatory pathways. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for the GI protective effects of TC and highlight its bioactive alkaloids as promising candidates for functional food and nutraceutical development.