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    Article

    Identifying Molecular Mechanisms of Cinnamomum cassia in the Treatment of Osteoporosis Based on Network Pharmacology and Validations

    Xianwen Sun1, Jun Fei3★★ Corresponding author

    1. 1Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, CHINA.
    2. 2The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, CHINA.
    3. 3Department of Orthopedics, Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine of Zhejiang, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, CHINA.

    CORRESPONDENCE

    Jun Fei

    Department of Orthopedics, Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine of Zhejiang, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, CHINA.

    jamfee67@163.com

    Received: 25-07-2024; Accepted: 16-12-2024.

    Volume 21, Issue 4 · pp. 1368–1389 · PUBLISHED 2025 · DOI: 10.1177/09731296241312458

    View on Pharmacogn. Mag. original site ↗

    ABSTRACT

    Background: Osteoporosis is a common condition among the elderly, characterized by reduced bone density and an increased susceptibility to fractures. The efficacy of Cinnamomum cassia in treating osteoporosis is recognized, though its precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Objectives: To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of C. cassia using network pharmacology, molecular docking technology (MDT), and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS). Materials and Methods: Bioinformatics databases identified active compounds and disease targets. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. MDT and MDS validated the binding affinity between C. cassia’s active compounds and key targets. Results: Ten active compounds of C. cassia were identified, modulating the PPAR, HIF-1, AMPK, and cAMP signaling pathways. Key genes include PPARG, PTGS2, PPARA, BDNF, and RXRA. Molecular docking and simulations confirmed high binding affinity between active compounds and targets, supporting their role in regulating bone metabolism. Conclusion: This study highlights the multi-target mechanisms of C. cassia in treating osteoporosis, emphasizing its therapeutic potential through pathway-based modulation of key genes. These findings provide a basis for further research in modernizing traditional Chinese medicine for osteoporosis management.

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      Sun, X., & Fei, J. (2025). Identifying Molecular Mechanisms of Cinnamomum cassia in the Treatment of Osteoporosis Based on Network Pharmacology and Validations. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 21(4), 1368–1389. https://doi.org/10.1177/09731296241312458