Aqsa Shahzadi, Usman Ali Ashfaq*, Mohsin Khurshid*, Muhammad Atif Nisar, Asad Syed and Ali H. Bahkali Pages 295 - 309 ( 15 )
<p> Background: Urolithiasis is a prevalent condition with significant morbidity and economic implications. The economic burden associated with urolithiasis primarily stems from medical expenses. Previous literature suggests that herbal plants, including <i>Cucurbita pepo</i>, have lithotriptic capabilities. <i>C. pepo</i> is an annual, herbaceous, widely grown, and monoecious vegetative plant known for its antioxidants, fibers, and fatty acids. Recent studies on <i>C. pepo</i> seeds have shown therapeutic potential in reducing bladder stones and urodynamic illnesses, like kidney stones. However, the precise molecular and pharmacological mechanisms are unclear. <p> Objective: In this research, we employed network pharmacology and molecular docking to examine the active compounds and biological mechanisms of <i>Cucurbita pepo</i> against kidney stones. <p> Methods: Active constituents were obtained from previous studies and the IMPPAT database, with their targets predicted using Swiss target prediction. Kidney stone-associated genes were collected from DisGeNET and GeneCards. The active constituent-target-pathway network was constructed using Cytoscape, and the target protein-protein interaction network was generated using the STRING database. Gene enrichment analysis of <i>C. pepo</i> core targets was conducted using DAVID. Molecular docking was performed to identify potential kidney stone-fighting agents. <p> Results: The findings revealed that <i>Cucurbita pepo</i> contains 18 active components and has 192 potential gene targets, including AR, EGFR, ESR1, AKT1, MAPK3, SRC, and MTOR. Network analysis demonstrated that <i>C. pepo</i> seeds may prevent kidney stones by influencing disease-related signaling pathways. Molecular docking indicated that key kidney stone targets (mTOR, EGFR, AR, and ESR1) effectively bind with active constituents of <i>C. pepo</i>. <p> Conclusion: These findings provide insight into the anti-kidney stone effects of <i>Cucurbita pepo</i> at a molecular level. In conclusion, this study contributes to understanding the potential of <i>Cucurbita pepo</i> in combating kidney stones and lays the foundation for further research.</p>
Cucurbita pepo, lithotriptic, urolithiasis, herbal medicine, signaling pathways, gene targets.