#16 Exploring the potential of curcumin and epigallocatechin in osteoarthritis by network pharmacological approach

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a non-communicable disorder of multiple etiologies/origins, estimated to affect

more than 500 million people worldwide which is 7% of the world population. while there are no

pharmacological interventions other than pain management, understanding the mechanism and intertwined

pathways is essential for developing a formulation addressing this multifactorial disorder.

We employed a combination of software and database explorations to determine the antioxidant and

anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin and green tea in this study. For data mining and network

the data was enriched using String v11.5, KEGG, and Gene Ontology (GO) to comprehend OA cellular

processes and phytoconstituent’s drug potential. The possible targets associated with bioactive

components of curcumin and green tea were segregated and corresponding genes associated with humans

were analyzed. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) associated with genes were analyzed and

possible connections of OA-associated genes with critical signaling pathways, like the Hypoxia inducible

factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway, Apelin signaling pathway, arginine proline metabolism,

and arachidonic pathway were discovered through network pharmacological studies. The network

pharmacological study found the curcumin and green tea bioactive components such as Demethoxycurcumin

and Epigallocatechin gallate targets the HIF-1 signaling pathway, Apelin signaling pathway,

arginine proline pathway simultaneously. Imbalance in the HIF-1 Signaling pathway leads to

OA development via destabilizing the balance of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in Synoviocytes.

Similarly, the arachidonic pathway is associated with nitric oxide formation and oxidative stress.

Curcumin and Green tea have synergistic potential action when used towards OA. In addition, the

bioactive components of these molecules will be tested as potential treatments for OA and related

illnesses.