Mechanism Investigation of Tagetes patula L. against Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis by Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology

The major objective of this study was to investigate the anti-chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) mechanism ofT. patulaby metabolomics and network pharmacology. The study demonstrated that the flavonoids and polysaccharides ofT. patulacould alleviate prostatitis by improving the level of DHT, reducing the secretion of PSA and TNF-α. Besides, both could enhance Na+/K+-ATPase activity, decrease the O2consumption, CO2production, heat production, energy expenditure of rats and promote respiratory exchange ratio of rats. Up to 28 potential biomarkers and 8 key metabolic pathways related to the treatment of CNP were elucidated by the metabolomics analysis, including phenylalanine metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism etc. Network pharmacology prediction also reflected the potential mechanism was associated with tryptophan metabolism and energy pathway. Generally, the potential anti-CNP mechanism of flavonoids and polysaccharides ofT. patulamight be through reducing the expression of inflammation factors, adjusting the level of hormone and regulating the amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism and glucose and lipid metabolism.Keywords:Tagetes patulaL.;chronic nonbacterial prostatitis;metabolomics;energy metabolism;network pharmacology