Exploring the therapeutic potential of extractions of total flavonoids from Sarcandra Glabra in immune thrombocytopenia: A metabolomic and network pharmacology approach

Sarcandra Glabra is used in the treatment of Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) clinically. Extractions of Total Flavonoids from Sarcandra Glabra (ETFSG) can improve platelet count in vivo and in vitro. However, the underlying mechanisms of ETFSG on ITP remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms of ETFSG in the treatment of ITP via metabolomics and network pharmacology. Specifically, the number of differentiated megakaryocytes and platelet count in ITP model rats can be enhanced by the administration of ETFSG. Untargeted plasma metabolomics analysis revealed that ETFSG regulates the metabolic disorders of amino acids metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and citrate cycle metabolism pathways in the ITP animal model. Metabolomics-based network pharmacology analysis suggests that the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway may be involved in ETFSG's promotion of megakaryocyte differentiation. Western blot results indicate that ETFSG increases the expression of P-PI3K and P-AKT. In summary, these findings lay the groundwork for further exploration of the underlying mechanisms.