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image of Mechanisms of Propolis Ethanol Extracts to Alleviate Sarcopenia based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

Abstract

Introduction

Sarcopenia (Sar) is an age-related loss of muscle mass and function. Propolis, a natural product with anti-inflammatory properties, may help prevent Sar, but its active components and mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods

Network pharmacology identified intersecting targets of propolis ethanol extract (PEE) and Sar. PPI and CTP networks highlighted key compounds and targets, verified by molecular docking. , apigenin (Ap), the predicted main compound, was tested on D-galactose-induced senescent C2C12 myoblasts cell viability and Western blotting.

Results

Twelve overlapping targets were identified between PEE and Sar, with TNFα and IL6 highlighted as hub targets. Network analysis determined Ap as the main active compound. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities of Ap with TNFα and IL6. experiments demonstrated that Ap significantly enhanced the viability and differentiation of senescent C2C12 cells, downregulated TNFα and IL6 expression, and inhibited JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation, indicating suppression of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.

Discussion

The findings suggest that PEE, primarily through Ap, alleviates Sar by targeting inflammatory pathways and suppressing JAK-STAT signaling, thereby promoting muscle regeneration. The integration of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and validation provides mechanistic insights supporting the therapeutic potential of PEE in Sar. Limitations include the absence of confirmation, which warrants further animal and clinical studies to validate these effects and explore translational applications.

Conclusion

This study identifies Ap as the key active compound in PEE that alleviates Sar by downregulating TNFα and IL6 and inhibiting the JAK-STAT pathway. The results provide a molecular basis for the use of propolis as a natural intervention for Sar and support its development as a functional food or therapeutic agent targeting age-related muscle degeneration.

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2025-08-28
2025-12-16

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Mechanisms of Propolis Ethanol Extracts to Alleviate Sarcopenia based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0113862073397434250731053716
/content/journals/cchts/10.2174/0113862073397434250731053716
/content/journals/cchts/10.2174/0113862073397434250731053716
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: PEE ; sarcopenia ; molecular docking ; anti-inflammatory effects ; network pharmacology ; JAK-STAT signaling pathway ; experimental validation

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