Skip to content
2000
image of Mechanism of Mongolian Medicine Ӧlmei-7 on Cirrhotic Ascites Using Integrated Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology
file format pdf download PDF

Abstract

Introduction

Ölmei-7, a traditional Mongolian medicine used for edema since the 16th century, and has remained clinically relevant. Its mechanisms for treating cirrhotic ascites are underexplored. This study integrates metabolomics and network pharmacology to elucidate these mechanisms and validates its taste properties using electronic tongue analysis.

Methods

Taste was analyzed using an electronic tongue. Bioactive components were identified HILIC UHPLC-Q-TOF MS and databases (TCMSP, GeneCards). PPI networks were built with Cytoscape and STRING, followed by GO/KEGG analyses using OmicBeans. Molecular docking was performed with OpenBabel.

Results

Electronic tongue analysis confirmed Ölmei-7’s bitter and umami tastes, aligning with Mongolian medical theory. Network pharmacology predicted 997 potential targets, 130 of which overlapped with cirrhotic-ascites-related genes. GO analysis showed enrichment in 6200 biological processes, 513 cellular components, and 784 molecular functions. KEGG analysis identified 255 pathways, including TNF and IL-17 signaling. Molecular docking of five proteins (TNF, EGFR, MMP9, JUN, BCL2) with five compounds showed stable binding, with Rutin-MMP9 at -9.1 kcal•mol-1.

Discussion

Ölmei-7’s active components (, quercetin, luteolin) likely reduce ascites by inhibiting TNF-α-mediated inflammation and vascular permeability, protecting liver function BCL2, improving fibrosis MMP9/EGFR, and reducing oxidative stress JUN. These findings support its traditional use and elucidate its mechanisms.

Conclusion

Ölmei-7 alleviates cirrhotic ascites through anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antioxidative pathways, as revealed by metabolomics and network pharmacology. This study enhances understanding of its pharmacological basis and supports clinical applications.

© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Bentham Science Publishers.
This is an open access article published under CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode
Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/cchts/10.2174/0113862073392607251006171930
2025-10-31
2026-01-29

  • From This Site

    /content/journals/cchts/10.2174/0113862073392607251006171930
    dcterms_title,dcterms_subject,pub_keyword
    -contentType:Contributor -contentType:Concept -contentType:Institution
    10
    5
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

/deliver/fulltext/cchts/10.2174/0113862073392607251006171930/BMS-CCHTS-2025-93.html?itemId=/content/journals/cchts/10.2174/0113862073392607251006171930&mimeType=html&fmt=ahah

References

  1. Beyoğlu D. Simillion C. Storni F. De Gottardi A. Idle J.R. A metabolomic analysis of cirrhotic ascites. Molecules 2022 27 12 3935 10.3390/molecules27123935 35745058
    [Google Scholar]
  2. Gao Y. Chinese guidelines on the management of liver cirrhosis. J. Mod Med. Health. 2020 27 11 846 865
    [Google Scholar]
  3. Gao Y. Liu X. Gao Y. Duan M. Hou B. Chen Y. Pharmacological interventions for cirrhotic ascites: From challenges to emerging therapeutic horizons. Gut Liver 2024 18 6 934 948 10.5009/gnl240038 39205495
    [Google Scholar]
  4. Wei N. Liu C. Zhu H. Wang C. Zhou Y. Xiao Z. Du L. Song Y. Hypoalbuminemia contributes to ascites formation via sodium and water retention: Evidence from clinical date and albumin deficient mice. Biochim. Biophys. Acta Mol. Basis Dis. 2024 1870 6 167275 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167275 38844112
    [Google Scholar]
  5. Gao F. Bai C. Lin S. Translated excerpts from BSG/BASL: Guidelines on the management of ascites in cirrhosis. J. Clin. Hepatol. 2021 37 302 303
    [Google Scholar]
  6. Kosuta I. Premkumar M. Reddy K.R. Review article: Evaluation and care of the critically ill patient with cirrhosis. Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. 2024 59 12 1489 1509 10.1111/apt.18016 38693712
    [Google Scholar]
  7. Ying Y. Li N. Wang S. Zhang H. Zuo Y. Tang Y. Qiao P. Quan Y. Li M. Yang B. Urea transporter inhibitor 25a reduces ascites in cirrhotic rats. Biomedicines 2023 11 2 607 10.3390/biomedicines11020607 36831143
    [Google Scholar]
  8. Will V. Rodrigues S.G. Berzigotti A. Current treatment options of refractory ascites in liver cirrhosis – A systematic review and meta-analysis. Dig. Liver Dis. 2022 54 8 1007 1014 10.1016/j.dld.2021.12.007 35016859
    [Google Scholar]
  9. Qing G. The therapeutic effect of integrated Mongolian and Western medicine in treating patients with cirrhotic ascites. World Latest Med. Inf. 2016 16 168 10.3969/j.issn.1671‑3141.2016.95.132
    [Google Scholar]
  10. Encyclopedia of Mongolian Studies. Hohhot Inner Mongolia People's Publishing House 2012 241
    [Google Scholar]
  11. Su D. Wu D. Bu H. Clinical study of Mongolian medicine “Eligen Hataqi 139” in the treatment of cirrhotic ascites. China Health. Stand. Manag. 2014 5 37 38 10.3969/J.ISSN.1674‑9316.2014.03.022
    [Google Scholar]
  12. Sa E. Clinical efficacy analysis and prospects of mongolian medicine in the treatment of liver cirrhosis with ascites. J. Clin. Med. Lit. 2018 5 180 182 10.16281/j.cnki.jocml.2018.19.101
    [Google Scholar]
  13. Bai W. Hu H. Observation on the efficacy of integrated Mongolian and Western medicine in treating 53 cases of cirrhotic ascites. J. Med. Pharm. Chin. Minor 1998 S1 21 22 10.16041/j.cnki.cn15‑1175.1998.s1.022
    [Google Scholar]
  14. Wu Y. Bao Y. Bao M. Observation on the efficacy of integrated Mongolian and Western medicine in treating 48 cases of cirrhotic ascites. J. Med. Pharm. Chin. Minor. 2008 11 33 10.16041/j.cnki.cn15‑1175.2008.11.017
    [Google Scholar]
  15. Hastuya B. Clinical experience with combined use of Mongolian medicine Bulaman-7 powder and diuretics. Chin J. Ethnomed Ethnopharm. 2013 19 10 30 10.16041/j.cnki.cn15‑1175.2013.10.023
    [Google Scholar]
  16. Huo S. Zhu J. Zhou Z. Preparation method of a Chinese medicine compound extract for hypoglycemic effect in type 2 diabetes. CN Patent 202410260829.9 2024
  17. Cao M. Zhang B. Yu Y. Discussion on the “fresh taste” of Chinese medicine and its attribute and application. Zhonghua Zhongyiyao Zazhi 2023 38 1477 1480
    [Google Scholar]
  18. Lin Y. Annotation of Inner Mongolia Mongolian Medicine Standards. Hohhot Inner Mongolia People's Publishing House 2007 152
    [Google Scholar]
  19. State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chinese Materia Medica – Mongolian Medicine. Shanghai Scientific and Technical Publishers, Shanghai 2004 pp. 7–8, 204, 182, 306, 202, 364, 385, 265, 116, 292, 207, 276, 416, 233, 293.
    [Google Scholar]
  20. Shen H. Anti-infective pharmacological effects of heat-clearing and detoxifying drugs. Chung Kuo Yao Hsueh Tsa Chih 1988 05 263 265
    [Google Scholar]
  21. Lin Y. Zeng X. Hu F. Chinese consensus on clinical diagnosis and therapy of liver cirrhosis. J. Clin. Hepatol. 2023 39 2057 2073
    [Google Scholar]
  22. Zhamusu Y. Clinical Notes of Tibetan Medicine Inner Mongolia People's Publishing House 2000 35 193
    [Google Scholar]
  23. Altan Arura in Comurlig. Inner Mongolia Science and Technology Press 2015 165
    [Google Scholar]
  24. A Danbizhalsen Altan Arura in Comurlig. Inner Mongolia Science and Technology Press 2013 29
    [Google Scholar]
  25. Z Zonghulai Dörben Tülhigür. Inner Mongolia Science and Technology Press 2015 55
    [Google Scholar]
  26. Zhalsen G. Yangdig. Inner Mongolia People's Publishing House 2014
    [Google Scholar]
  27. B Namujila Rasiyanii Sain Humh-a. Inner Mongolia Science and Technology Press 2016 91
    [Google Scholar]
  28. Danjinzhamsu J. Üzegsediin Bayashulan. Inner Mongolia Science and Technology Press 2015 209
    [Google Scholar]
  29. Lin Y. Inner Mongolia Mongolian Medicine Preparation Standard. Hohhot Inner Mongolia People's Publishing House 2007
    [Google Scholar]
  30. Selected Compilation of Mongolian Medical Prescriptions. Inner Mongolia Science and Technology Press 2015 301
    [Google Scholar]
  31. Tumenbatu, Mongolian Medical Formulary. Inner Mongolia People's Publishing House 2018 450
    [Google Scholar]
  32. Golden Collection of Mongolian Prescriptions. Inner Mongolia People's Publishing House 2018 122
    [Google Scholar]
  33. Zhang X.M. Xiao J.H. Wang Y. Tang Y.P. Yue S.J. Research progress in chemical constituents and pigment extraction process of Carthami Flos. Zhongguo Zhongyao Zazhi 2024 49 7 1725 1740 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20240105.201 38812185
    [Google Scholar]
  34. Kuang M. Ou Z. Huang Y. Optimization in extraction process of total flavonoids from Dianthi Herba by orthogonal test. Drug Eval. 2022 19 1362 1365 10.19939/j.cnki.1672‑2809.2022.22.05
    [Google Scholar]
  35. Shen J. Yang Y. Yi Y. Research progress on activity of active components from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis and their different extraction methods. China Food. Addit. 2024 35 318 326 10.19804/j.issn1006‑2513.2024.4.039
    [Google Scholar]
  36. Li Y. Jiao Y. Niu J. Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of flavonoids in safflower. Glob. Tradit. Chin. Med. 2024 17 137 143
    [Google Scholar]
  37. Zhang X. Ta N. Zhou X. Determination of luteolin in Mongolian medicinal herb Flos Scabiosae by reverse high performance liquid chromatography. J. Med. Pharm. Chin Minor 2022 28 28 29 10.16041/j.cnki.cn15‑1175.2022.07.014
    [Google Scholar]
  38. Cheng X. Li Y. Yuan M. Advances in chemical components and pharmacological effects of qumai (Dianthi Herba). Zhonghua Zhongyiyao Xuekan 2021 39 134 139 10.13193/j.issn.1673‑7717.2021.03.033
    [Google Scholar]
  39. Qi X. Jing M. Tian J. Research progress on chemical constituents, pharmacological effects and clinical application of Dianthus superbus. J. Liaoning Univ. Tradit. Chin. Med. 1 16
    [Google Scholar]
  40. Cai M. Zuo Y. Zhang Z. Chemical Components of Gardeniae Fructus (IV). Zhongguo Shiyan Fangjixue Zazhi 2014 20 88 91 10.13422/j.cnki.syfjx.2014220088
    [Google Scholar]
  41. Di-Cola S. Lapenna L. Spigaroli M. Nardelli S. Merli M. Management of ascites in elderly patients with cirrhosis: Results of an Italian survey. Dig. Liver Dis. 2025 S1590-8658(25)00737-6 10.1016/j.dld.2025.04.023 40320342
    [Google Scholar]
  42. Lai J.C.T. Dai J. Liang L.Y. Wong G.L.H. Wong V.W.S. Yip T.C.F. Pharmacological treatment of ascites: Challenges and controversies. Pharmaceuticals 2025 18 3 339 10.3390/ph18030339 40143117
    [Google Scholar]
  43. Pompili E. Zaccherini G. Piano S. Toniutto P. Lombardo A. Gioia S. Iannone G. De Venuto C. Tonon M. Gagliardi R. Baldassarre M. Tedesco G. Bedogni G. Domenicali M. Di Marco V. Nardelli S. Calvaruso V. Bitetto D. Angeli P. Caraceni P. Real-world experience with long-term albumin in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. JHEP Rep. Innov. Hepatol. 2024 6 12 101221 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101221 39640220
    [Google Scholar]
  44. Caraceni P. O’Brien A. Gines P. Long-term albumin treatment in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. J. Hepatol. 2022 76 6 1306 1317 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.03.005 35589252
    [Google Scholar]
  45. Caraceni P. Riggio O. Angeli P. Long-term albumin administration in decompensated cirrhosis (ANSWER): An open-label randomised trial. Lancet 2018 391 10138 2417 2429 10.1016/S0140‑6736(18)30840‑7 29861076
    [Google Scholar]
  46. Cai J. Zheng Y. Zhong W. Investigation of Quercetin’s effects on microcirculation and liver lesions in cirrhotic rats via the Bcl-2/CytC regulatory network. Prog. Mod. Biomed. 2023 23 818 823 10.13241/j.cnki.pmb.2023.05.004
    [Google Scholar]
  47. Xu Z. Zhang W. Wu W. Effects of quercetin on the TLR4/CXCL9/PREX-2 pathway and liver function in cirrhotic rats. Zhong Yao Cai 2021 44 1966 1970 10.13863/j.issn1001‑4454.2021.08.035
    [Google Scholar]
  48. Casas-Grajales S. Vázquez-Flores L.F. Ramos-Tovar E. Hernández-Aquino E. Flores-Beltrán R.E. Cerda-García-Rojas C.M. Camacho J. Shibayama M. Tsutsumi V. Muriel P. Quercetin reverses experimental cirrhosis by immunomodulation of the proinflammatory and profibrotic processes. Fundam. Clin. Pharmacol. 2017 31 6 610 624 10.1111/fcp.12315 28802065
    [Google Scholar]
  49. Hu Z. Tong L. Geng Y. Overview of Pharmacological Activities and Formulations of Luteolin. Clin. J. Chin Med. 2022 14 141 145
    [Google Scholar]
  50. Ho O.T. Ho H.T.N. Nguyen V.H. Ha H.M. Thi M.H.H. Co-encapsulation of astaxanthin and kaempferol nanoparticles: Synthesis, properties, and potential synergistic therapeutic effects on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. RSC Advances 2023 50 35127 35136
    [Google Scholar]
  51. Yang S. Song J. Yang S. Advances in pharmacological activities and novel dosage forms of rutin. Chin J. Mod Appl. Pharm. 2022 39 1360 1370
    [Google Scholar]
  52. Li W. Hou Y. Wang Y. Liu R. Zhang H. Luo Y. Shizao decoction for treating cirrhotic ascites: A network-based target analysis integrating pharmacokinetics and metabolomics. Front. Pharmacol. 2024 15 1298818 10.3389/fphar.2024.1298818 38323084
    [Google Scholar]
  53. Liu X. Scoparone ameliorates hepatic inflammation and autophagy in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis via modulation of the ROS/P38/Nrf2 axis and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in macrophages. Biomed. Pharmacother. 2020 125 109895 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.109895 32000066
    [Google Scholar]
  54. Ma K. Study on the therapeutic effect and mechanism of 3-acetyl-6,7-dimethoxycoumarin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Huazhong University of Science and Technology 2023 10.27157/d.cnki.ghzku.2023.003644
    [Google Scholar]
  55. Lv J. Intervention effects and molecular targets of 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin, an active substance in Artemisia capillaris, on acute liver injury. Guangxi Medical University 2021
    [Google Scholar]
  56. Pei L. Bai S. Impact of Entecavir with Comprehensive Nursing on Liver Function, CRP, TNF-α, and TGF-β_1 in Cirrhotic Ascites Patients. Mod Med. Health. Res. 2020 4 90 92
    [Google Scholar]
  57. Burger K. Jung F. Baumann A. Brandt A. Staltner R. Sánchez V. Bergheim I. TNFα is a key trigger of inflammation in diet-induced non-obese MASLD in mice. Redox Biol. 2023 66 102870 102870 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102870 37683301
    [Google Scholar]
  58. Liu X. Hou Y. Zheng Z. Clinical correlation and significance of TNF-α and sICAM-1 levels in ascites of cirrhosis patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. MedInnov. China 2017 14 48 51 10.3969/j.issn.1674‑4985.2017.08.012
    [Google Scholar]
  59. Yun J. Song J.S. Yoo J.J. Kweon S. Choi Y.Y. Lim D. Kuk J.C. Kim H.J. Park S.K. Microbial and immune landscape of malignant ascites: Insights from gut, bladder, and ascitic fluid analyses. Cancers 2025 17 8 1280 10.3390/cancers17081280 40282458
    [Google Scholar]
  60. Kang X. Li R. Li X. Xu X. EGFR mutations and abnormal trafficking in cancers. Mol. Biol. Rep. 2024 51 1 924 924 10.1007/s11033‑024‑09865‑z 39167290
    [Google Scholar]
  61. Sun Z. Study on the mechanism of Bupleurum in treating cirrhosis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Shanxi Medical University 2023
    [Google Scholar]
  62. Sun X. Dong W. Yu B. Evaluating vascular endothelial growth factor and type IV collagenase in ascitic fluid. J. Clin. Intern. Med. 2004 03 180 182 10.3969/j.issn.1001‑9057.2004.03.013
    [Google Scholar]
  63. Fan Y. Han M. Significance of Measuring MMP-2 and MMP-9 Levels in Ascites, Heilongjiang. Med. J. (Ft Sam Houst, Tex) 2009 33 730 732 10.3969/j.issn.1004‑5775.2009.10.004
    [Google Scholar]
  64. Wu Y. Targeting cellular apoptosis inhibitor protein reduces CCl_4-induced liver fibrosis by increasing neutrophil-derived MMP9 expression. Southern Medical University 2022 10.27003/d.cnki.gojyu.2022.000278
    [Google Scholar]
  65. Wesener C.M. Weiler E.M.S. Bissinger M. CRKL Augments YAP Signaling through Binding and JNK/JUN Pathway Activation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024 25 8549 8549 10.3390/ijms25158549 39126118
    [Google Scholar]
  66. Feng L. Network pharmacology analysis of Li Suling’s academic thoughts and medication patterns in diagnosing and treating hepatitis B cirrhosis ascite. Henan University of Chinese Medicine 2022 10.27119/d.cnki.ghezc.2022.000191
    [Google Scholar]
  67. Borah GJ Pande G Malakar S Kumar SR Yadav RR Mohindra S Midodrine and weekly albumin therapy in patients with cirrhosis and diuretic intractable or recurrent ascites: A case-control study. Cureus 2025 17 1 e76988 10.7759/cureus.76988 39912014
    [Google Scholar]
/content/journals/cchts/10.2174/0113862073392607251006171930
Loading
Mechanism of Mongolian Medicine Ӧlmei-7 on Cirrhotic Ascites Using Integrated Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0113862073392607251006171930
/content/journals/cchts/10.2174/0113862073392607251006171930
/content/journals/cchts/10.2174/0113862073392607251006171930
Loading

Data & Media loading...


  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: metabolomics ; cirrhotic ascites ; edema ; molecular docking ; Mongolian medicine ; Ölmei-7 ; electronic tongue

Most Cited Most Cited RSS feed

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error
Please enter a valid_number test