Elucidating the neuroinflammatory modulatory mechanisms of Maixuekang capsule via network pharmacology and proteomics
Basic science / pharmacology published in Dev Neurobiol (2026)
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting numerous people worldwide. The exact role of Maixuekang capsule in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/RI) remains elusive. The present study aimed to delve into the neuroprotective potential of Maixuekang in CI/RI rats. Utilizing the HREB database, leech ingredients were retrieved, while GeneCards, therapeutic target database (TTD), and DisGeNET databases were used to predict cerebral infarction targets. Search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes/proteins (STRING) database was adopted to identify overlapping genes, and Cytoscape 3.9.1 to analyze core targets. The gene ontology (GO)/ Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway were analyzed and neurological function was assessed via Longa scoring. The 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), Golgi, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and Nissl stains were adopted to observe cerebral infarction and pathological changes. The neuronal apoptosis, hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1A), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and inflammatory factors in rat were measured. Results suggested Maixuekang reduced the neurological function score and the cerebral infarction incidence in CI/RI rats. After taking Maixuekang, the number of dendritic spines of CI/RI rats increased, the neuronal damage degree in the ischemic cortical area reduced, and the neurons morphology improved. In addition, Maixuekang reduced the blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage and brain tissue water content by decreasing neuronal apoptosis rate, Bax expression, neutrophil infiltration, inflammatory factor levels, and increasing Bcl2 by decreasing HIF1A in CI/RI rat tissues. Collectively, Maixuekang could reduce neurological function, cerebral infarction rate, blood-brain barrier damage, neuroinflammation and downregulates HIF1A in tissues of CI/RI rats.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Network-pharmacology and proteomics elucidation of Maixuekang capsule (containing leech ingredient) neuroinflammatory modulatory mechanisms.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This study used network pharmacology databases—including HREB, GeneCards, TTD, DisGeNET, and STRING—to investigate the neuroprotective potential of Maixuekang capsule in rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The abstract notes that leech ingredients were retrieved from the HREB database as part of the analysis of the capsule's therapeutic targets. Results suggested that Maixuekang reduced neurological function scores, cerebral infarction, blood-brain barrier damage, and neuroinflammation in CI/RI rat tissues. The leech-ingredient connection makes this tangentially relevant to ASH's domain, though the study examines a multi-ingredient capsule rather than isolated leech secretions or live hirudotherapy. Additionally, the work is limited to an animal model and does not establish clinical efficacy.
Citation
Elucidating the neuroinflammatory modulatory mechanisms of Maixuekang capsule via network pharmacology and proteomics.
Han et al. · Developmental neurobiology, 2026
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