OBJECTIVE  To explore the potential mechanism of anti-HeLa cell of triterpenoids from Inonotus obliquus by network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vivo verification experiments.

METHODS  Based on literature research and database, the main active components of triterpenoids from Inonotus obliquus were screened, and the active components and HeLa cell intersection targets were found. PPI network was constructed, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were carried out, and molecular docking was verified. HeLa cell nude mice model was established, and Inonotus obliquus triterpenoids were administered by gavage. The indexes were detected and detected by Western blotting after euthanizing nude mice.

RESULTS After screening, 274 associated targets of 15 qualified active components were obtained. Intersecting with 2 046 HeLa cell-related targets, 104 potential anti-HeLa cell targets of Inonotus obliquus triterpenoids were obtained. Through the "drug-component-target-disease" network analysis, PIK3CA, MAPK3, MDM2, AR and CCND1 might be potential targets for anti-HeLa cell of triterpenoids purified from Inonotus obliquus. The results of KEGG enrichment analysis showed that multiple signal pathways such as PI3K/Akt signal pathway, Ras signal pathway and MAPK signal pathway might be the potential anti-HeLa cell pathway of triterpenoids in Inonotus obliquus. The results of molecular docking showed that the core components and key targets had strong potential binding ability. The in vivo test results showed that Inonotus obliquus triterpenoids could inhibit tumor growth, regulate immune function, promote tumor apoptosis and inhibit PI3K and AKT phosphorylation in model mice.

CONCLUSION  Based on the methods of network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vivo verification, it is proved that the triterpenoids of Inonotus obliquus play the role of anti-HeLa cell through multi-components and multi-targets, which lays a foundation for further research and development of Inonotus obliquus and the discussion of its anti-tumor mechanism.