Chinese Ecliptae herba (Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.) extract and its component wedelolactone enhances osteoblastogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via targeting METTL3-mediated m6A RNA methylation

Specnuezhenide and ecliptasaponin A from Ligustrum lucidum Ait and Ecliptae Herba improved premature ovarian failure by targeting the ESR1

This study was designed to investigate the role of Ligustrum lucidum Ait and Ecliptae Herba on premature ovarian failure (POF) and the underlying mechanisms. In the POF mouse model constructed using cyclophosphamide (CTX), Ligustrum lucidum Ait and Ecliptae Herba increased ovarian index and estradiol (E2) levels and curtailed motility and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Ligustrum lucidum Ait and Ecliptae Herba alleviated ovarian pathological damage in POF mice and promoted the expression of ovarian CD31 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA). Through high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and network pharmacology, Specnuezhenide and ecliptasaponin A were identified as the key components of Ligustrum lucidum Ait and Ecliptae Herba in anti-POF action. The important target associated with these components is Estrogen Receptor (ESR) 1. Molecular docking and in vitro experiments showed that Specnuezhenide and ecliptasaponin A can both bind to the ESR protein; knocking down ESR1 inhibited the anti-apoptotic effect of Specnuezhenide and ecliptasaponin A on CTX-induced POF cells. In conclusion, the key components of Ligustrum lucidum Ait and Ecliptae Herba that alleviate POF are Specnuezhenide and ecliptasaponin A, which improve the condition by upregulating ESR1.

Regulation of Skeletogenic Pathways by m6A RNA Modification: A Comprehensive Review

In the complex process of skeletal development, the significance of m6A RNA methylation-a predominant form of RNA modification-has not been fully explored. This review discuss how m6A RNA methylation plays an important, though not yet fully understood, role in regulating skeletal formation. It examines how m6A influences key signaling pathways essential for skeletal development and homeostasis, suggesting various possible interactions between m6A methylation and these critical pathways. While the exact mechanisms for many of these interactions remain to be elucidated, m6A RNA methylation is anticipated to be a key emerging regulator in skeletal structure development across vertebrates. Highlighting the need for further research, this overview provides an in-depth look at the potential regulatory interactions of m6A RNA methylation within skeletal system. Uniquely, this review is the most comprehensive compilation of evidence linking components of m6A RNA methylation to signaling pathways involved in skeletogenesis.

Wedelolactone activates the PI3K/AKT/NRF2 and SLC7A11/GPX4 signalling pathways to alleviate oxidative stress and ferroptosis and improve sepsis-induced liver injury

INTRODUCTION

Sepsis-induced liver injury (SILI) is a severe complication of sepsis. Wedelolactone (WEL) can be used to treat liver diseases. However, its therapeutic mechanisms and efficacy in SILI remain unclear. To investigate the therapeutic effects of WEL on SILI and its potential mechanisms of action through in vitro and in vivo experiments.

METHODS

A SILI model based on lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and AML12 cells were treated with different concentrations of WEL, LY294002 and ML385. The SILI model was established by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP). C57BL/6 mice were administered WEL and biphenyl diester for seven consecutive days, and CLP was then performed 1 h later. Blood and liver tissue were collected 24 h later for subsequent analysis. HE staining, liver function index, oxidative stress index, JC-1 staining, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence staining, Western blot, and inflammatory cytokines were used to detect oxidative stress and ferroptosis-related markers.

RESULTS

The in vivo experiments showed that WEL treatment reduced the pathological damage of the liver and decreased ALT and AST, MMP and ROS (the product of iron and lipid peroxidation) and inflammatory factors. WEL also decreased hepatocyte viability in vitro. Inhibition of NRF2 can lead to exacerbation of SILI. The expressions of P-PI3K and P-AKT were up-regulated while HO-1, GPX4, NRF2, and SLC7A11 were down-regulated in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Ferroptosis and oxidative stress are pivotal in SILI. WEL mitigates SILI by inhibiting ferroptosis and oxidative stress, primarily through the PI3K/AKT/NRF2 and SLC7A11/GPX4 signalling pathways, thus suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy.

FTO Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Human BMSCs via Demethylation of TGFB2 m6A Modifications

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the role of m6A modification in the osteogenic differentiation of human BMSCs (hBMSCs) and the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS & METHODS

In this research, we analyzed the m6A modification and its impact on mRNA expression and osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. FTO was knocked down in hBMSCs using shRNAs, and the effect on osteogenic differentiation was evaluated. m6A-seq was performed to identify key m6A-methylation mRNAs during osteogenic differentiation. TGFB2 was knocked down to validate its role in FTO-regulated m6A-methylation-mediated osteogenesis.

RESULTS

We found downregulated global m6A modification in osteogenically differentiating hBMSCs. m6A eraser FTO expression was upregulated during the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. FTO knockdown inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Downregulation of mRNA m6A modification was prominent in osteogenically differentiating hBMSCs. mRNA m6A modifications in osteogenically differentiating hBMSCs were mainly attributed to MAPK, focal adhesion, and TGFβ signaling. Finally, we revealed that FTO demethylates m6A abundance of TGFB2, promoting the TGFB2 expression in hBMSCs. Knockdown of TGFB2 inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that upregulated m6A eraser FTO downregulates m6A modifications promoting TGFB2 expression in hBMSCs that trigger osteogenic differentiation, suggesting activation of FTO or TGFB2 as a strategy to promote hBMSC-based bone defect repair.

Review of the role and potential clinical value of m6A methylation modifications in the biological process of osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS), an aggressive bone tumor, is a substantial threat to the quality of life and survival of affected individuals. Despite recent improvements in OS therapies, the considerable variability and chemotherapy resistance of this cancer necessitate continuous research to discover new treatment targets and biomarkers. Recent epigenetic advances highlight the crucial role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation in cancer. In OS, m6A methylation has been demonstrated to be a pivotal component in the pathogenesis. This review introduces new findings regarding the association between m6A methylation regulators and OS, and summarizes the potential clinical applications of OS and m6A methylation regulators, including the role of m6A methylation in OS proliferation, growth, apoptosis, and cell migration, invasion, and metastasis; relationship between m6A methylation and OS chemotherapy resistance; and relationship between m6A methylation and OS prognosis. Our review had certain limitations. The interaction between m6A methylation regulators and other oncogenic factors, such as lncRNAs and ncRNAs, is not fully understood. We hope that these potential methods will be translated into clinical applications and effective treatment.

Kouqiangjie formula alleviates diabetic periodontitis by regulating alveolar bone homeostasis via miR-29a-3p-mediated Dkk-1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetic periodontitis (DP) is a commonly co-occurring complication in diabetes patients characterized by advanced gum disease and bone resorption. Conventional treatment modalities often fail to adequately address the underlying biological disruptions caused by diabetes. The use of traditional medicinal formulas Kouqiangjie Formula (KQJF) potentially offers novel therapeutic approaches for DP, but its detailed regulatory mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate the impacts of KQJF on osteoblastic activity and inflammatory responses in a rat model and in vitro pre-osteoblast cultures under conditions mimicking DP, focusing on the involvement of the miR-29a-3p-Dkk-1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using network pharmacological analysis, micro-CT, histological staining, and an array of molecular biology methodologies including Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence, we investigated the systemic and cellular responses to KQJF treatment. Both in vivo (rat model) and in vitro (MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts) models subjected to high glucose and lipopolysaccharide (HG + LPS) stress were used to simulate DP conditions.

RESULTS

Network pharmacological analyses, incorporating protein-protein interactions and pathway enrichment, disclosed that KQJF interacts with pathways crucial for inflammation and bone metabolism. Experimentally, KQJF significantly preserved alveolar bone architecture, reduced osteoclast activity, and dampened inflammatory cytokine production in DP rats. In pre-osteoblasts, KQJF enhanced cell viability, promoted cell cycle progression, and decreased apoptosis. At the molecular level, KQJF treatment upregulated miR-29a-3p and downregulated Dkk-1, thereby activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The interventional studies with miR-29a-3p antagonists and Dkk-1 knockdown further confirmed the regulatory role of the miR-29a-3p/Dkk-1 axis in mediating the effects of KQJF.

CONCLUSION

KQJF mitigates the deleterious effects of DP by enhancing osteoblastic activity and reducing inflammatory responses, predominantly through the modulation of the miR-29a-3p-Dkk-1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These discoveries underscore the therapeutic promise of KQJF in managing bone and inflammatory complications of DP, offering insights into its mechanism, and supporting its use in clinical settings.

Epigenetic Mechanisms in Osteoporosis: Exploring the Power of m6A RNA Modification

Osteoporosis, recognised as a metabolic disorder, has emerged as a significant burden on global health. Although available treatments have made considerable advancements, they remain inadequately addressed. In recent years, the role of epigenetic mechanisms in skeletal disorders has garnered substantial attention, particularly concerning m6A RNA modification. m6A is the most prevalent dynamic and reversible modification in eukaryotes, mediating various metabolic processes of mRNAs, including splicing, structural conversion, translation, translocation and degradation and serves as a crucial component of epigenetic modification. Research has increasingly validated that m6A plays a vital role in the proliferation, differentiation, migration, invasion,and repair of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), osteoblasts and osteoclasts, all of which impact the whole process of osteoporosis pathogenesis. Continuous efforts have been made to target m6A regulators and natural products derived from traditional medicine, which exhibit multiple biological activities such as anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, have emerged as a valuable resources for m6A drug discovery. This paper elaborates on m6A methylation and its regulatory role in osteoporosis, emphasising its implications for diagnosis and treatment, thereby providing theoretical references.

Wedelolactone Attenuates Liver Fibrosis and Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation by Suppressing the Hippo Pathway

Liver fibrosis is a commonly observed pathological phenomenon that occurs during the progression of various types of chronic liver diseases. The Hippo pathway is closely associated with the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Previous studies have shown that wedelolactone (WED) has a significant antihepatic fibrosis effect, whereas the target and mechanism underlying WED remain elusive. In this study, we found that WED significantly alleviated liver fibrosis and injury by inhibiting the expression of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and tafazzin (TAZ). In an in vitro model, WED suppressed the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) induced by transforming growth factor (TGF-β1), as well as the mRNA and protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), YAP, and TAZ. The allosteric regulation of YAP by WED was confirmed using MD and cellular thermal shift assay. Moreover, specific knockdown or inhibition of YAP did not enhance the suppressive effect of WED on HSC activation or protein expression associated with fibrosis. These findings demonstrated that the administration of WED effectively alleviated liver fibrosis by suppressing the Hippo/YAP/TAZ pathways. In addition, YAP activity may be regulated by WED via allosteric regulation.

Single-cell sequencing reveals that specnuezhenide protects against osteoporosis via activation of METTL3 in LEPR+ BMSCs

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis (OP) has garnered significant attention due to its substantial morbidity and mortality rates, imposing considerable health burdens on societies worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying osteoporosis pathogenesis remain largely elusive, and the available therapeutic interventions are limited. Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative strategies in the treatment of osteoporosis.

PURPOSE

The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying osteoporosis pathogenesis using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), thereby proposing novel therapeutic agents.

METHODS

The mice osteoporosis model was established through bilateral ovariectomy. Micro-computed tomography (μCT) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were employed to assess the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. scRNA-seq was utilized to identify and analyze distinct molecular mechanisms and sub-clusters. Gradient dilution analysis was used to obtain specific sub-clusters, which were further validated by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis. Molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were applied for screening potential agents in the TCMSPs database. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and alizarin red S (ARS) staining were performed to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Osteogenic organoids analysis was employed to assess the proliferation and sphere-forming ability of BMSCs. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis were conducted to investigate signaling pathways. Wound healing assay and tube formation analysis were employed to evaluate the angiogenesis of endothelial cells.

RESULTS

The scRNA-seq analysis revealed the crucial role of LEPR+ BMSCs in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, which was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining of the epiphysis. Subsequently, the LEPR+ BMSCs were obtained by gradient dilution analysis and identified by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Accordingly, specnuezhenide (Spe) was screened and identified as a potential compound targeting METTL3 from the TCMSPs database. Spe promoted bone formation as evidenced by μ-CT, and H&E analysis. Additionally, Spe enhanced the osteogenic capacity of LEPR+ BMSCs through ALP and ARS assay. Notably, METTL3 pharmacological inhibitors S-Adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) attenuated the aforementioned osteo-protective effects of Spe. Particularly, Spe enhanced the LEPR+ BMSCs-dependent angiogenesis through the secretion of SLIT3, which was abolished by SAH in LEPR+ BMSCs.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these findings suggest that Spe could enhance the osteogenic potential of LEPR+ BMSCs and promote LEPR+ BMSCs-dependent angiogenesis by activating METTL3 in LEPR+ BMSCs, indicating its potential as an ideal therapeutic agent for clinical treatment of osteoporosis.

Review on effects and mechanisms of plant-derived natural products against breast cancer bone metastasis

Bone metastasis is the prevalent form of metastasis in breast cancer, resulting in severe pain, pathological fractures, nerve compression, hypercalcemia, and other complications that significantly impair patients' quality of life. The infiltration and colonization of breast cancer (BC) cells in bone tissue disrupt the delicate balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts within the bone microenvironment, initiating a vicious cycle of bone metastasis. Once bone metastasis occurs, conventional medical therapy with bone-modifying agents is commonly used to alleviate bone-related complications and improve patients' quality of life. However, the utilization of bone-modifying agents may cause severe drug-related adverse effects. Plant-derived natural products such as terpenoids, alkaloids, coumarins, and phenols have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic pharmacological properties with minimal side effects. Certain natural products that exhibit both anti-breast cancer and anti-bone metastasis effects are potential therapeutic agents for breast cancer bone metastasis (BCBM). This article reviewed the effects of plant-derived natural products against BCBM and their mechanisms to provide a reference for the research and development of drugs related to BCBM.

Betaine alleviates spermatogenic cells apoptosis of oligoasthenozoospermia rat model by up-regulating methyltransferases and affecting DNA methylation

BACKGROUND

Oligoasthenozoospermia is the most common type of semen abnormality in male infertile patients. Betaine (BET) has been proved to have pharmacological effects on improving semen quality. BET also belongs to endogenous physiological active substances in the testis. However, the physiological function of BET in rat testis and its pharmacological mechanism against oligoasthenozoospermia remain unclear.

PURPOSE

This research aims to prove the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of BET on oligoasthenozoospermia rat model induced by Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides (TWGs).

METHODS

The oligoasthenozoospermia rat model was established by a continuous gavage of TWGs (60 mg/kg) for 28 days. Negative control group, oligoasthenozoospermia group, positive drug group (levocarnitine, 300 mg/kg), and 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg BET groups were created for exploring the therapeutic effect of BET on the oligoasthenozoospermia rat model. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by HE and TUNEL staining. Immunofluorescence assay of DNMT3A, PIWIL1, PRMT5, SETDB1, BHMT2, and METTL3, methylation capture sequencing, Pi-RNA sequencing, and molecular docking were used to elucidate potential pharmacological mechanisms.

RESULTS

It is proved that BET can significantly restore testicular pathological damage induced by TWGs, which also can significantly reverse the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. The spermatogenic cell protein expression levels of DNMT3A, PIWIL1, PRMT5, SETDB1, BHMT2, and METTL3 significantly decreased in oligoasthenozoospermia group. 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg BET groups can significantly increase expression level of the above-mentioned proteins. Methylation capture sequencing showed that BET can significantly increase the 5mC methylation level of Spata, Spag, and Specc spermatogenesis-related genes. Pi-RNA sequencing proved that the above-mentioned genes produce a large number of Pi-RNA under BET intervention. Pi-RNA can form complexes with PIWI proteins to participate in DNA methylation of target genes. Molecular docking indicated that BET may not directly act as substrate for methyltransferase and instead participates in DNA methylation by promoting the methionine cycle and increasing S-adenosylmethionine synthesis.

CONCLUSION

BET has a significant therapeutic effect on oligoasthenozoospermia rat model induced by TWPs. The mechanism mainly involves that BET can increase the methylation level of Spata, Specc, and Spag target genes through the PIWI/Pi-RNA pathway and up-regulation of methyltransferases (including DNA methyltransferases and histone methyltransferases).

Mingjing granule inhibits the subretinal fibrovascular membrane of two-stage laser-induced neovascular age-related macular degeneration in rats

Objective

The study aims to investigate the protective effect of Mingjing granule (MG) in a fibrovascular membrane rat model of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and explore the underlying mechanism.

Methods

The nAMD fibrovascular membrane model was established by two-stage laser photocoagulation. BN rats were randomly divided into four groups: the model group was gavaged with distilled water, the anti-VEGF group was given an intravitreous injection of ranibizumab, the MG + anti-VEGF group was gavaged with MG combined with an intravitreous injection of ranibizumab, and the normal group not modeled only fed conventionally. Lesions were evaluated by color fundus photograph, optical coherence tomography, fundus fluorescein angiography, and retinal pigment epithelial-choroid-sclera flat mount. The changes in the retinal structure were observed by histopathology. The expression of inflammatory cell markers F4/80, Iba-1, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP); the fibrosis-related factors collagen-1, fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β); and the complement system-related factors C3a and C3aR in the retina were detected by immunofluorescence or qRT-PCR.

Results

The current study revealed that MG + anti-VEGF administration more significantly reduced the thickness of fibrovascular lesions, suppressed vascular leakage (exudation area and mean density value), inhibited the area of fibrovascular lesions, and restrained the formation of the fibrovascular membrane than the anti-VEGF agent alone in the two-stage laser-induced rat model. The fluorescence intensities of F4/80, Iba-1, collagen-1, fibronectin, TGF-β, and C3aR showed more significant inhibition in MG + anti-VEGF-treated rats than the anti-VEGF agent alone. The mRNA expression levels of F4/80, Iba-1, GFAP, collagen-1, fibronectin, α-SMA, TGF-β, and C3a showed lower levels in rats treated with MG + anti-VEGF than the anti-VEGF agent alone.

Conclusion

Combining MG with anti-VEGF treatment inhibits the growth of the fibrovascular membrane more effectively than using anti-VEGF treatment alone. The mechanism underlying this effect may involve limiting inflammatory cell aggregation, controlling complement system activation, and decreasing the expression of the fibrotic protein.

Discovery and validation of COX2 as a target of flavonoids in Apocyni Veneti Folium: Implications for the treatment of liver injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Apocyni Veneti Folium (AVF), a popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is known for its effects in soothing the liver and nerves and eliminating heat and water. It is relevant from an ethnopharmacological perspective. Pharmacological research has confirmed its benefits on antihypertension, antihyperlipidemia, antidepression, liver protection, immune system boosting, antiaging, and diabetic vascular lesions. Previous studies have shown that flavonoids, the active ingredients, have a hepatoprotective effect. However, the exact mechanism has not been clarified.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to identify the active flavonoids in AVF and their corresponding targets for liver injury. Multiple methods were introduced to confirm the targets.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

AVF compounds were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Then, network pharmacology was utilized to screen potential hepatoprotection targets of the compounds. An enzyme activity assay was performed to determine the effect of the compounds on the targets. Biolayer interferometry (BLI) was applied to confirm the direct interaction between the compounds and the targets.

RESULTS

A total of 71 compounds were identified by LC-MS and 19 compounds and 112 shared targets were screened using network pharmacology. These common targets were primarily involved in the TNF signaling pathway, cancer pathways, hepatitis B, drug responses, and negative regulation of the apoptotic process. Flavonoids were the primary pharmacological substance basis of AVF. The cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) protein was one of the direct targets of flavonoids in AVF. The enzyme activity assay and BLI-based intermolecular interactions demonstrated that the compounds astragalin, isoquercitrin, and hyperoside exhibited stronger inhibition of enzyme activity and a higher affinity with COX2 compared to epigallocatechin, quercetin, and catechin.

CONCLUSIONS

COX2 was preliminarily identified as a target of flavonoids, and the mechanism of the hepatoprotective effect of AVF might be linked to flavonoids inhibiting the activity of COX2. The findings can establish the foundation for future research on the traditional hepatoprotective effect of AVF on the liver and for clinical studies on liver disorders.

Recent advances of m6A methylation in skeletal system disease

Skeletal system disease (SSD) is defined as a class of chronic disorders of skeletal system with poor prognosis and causes heavy economic burden. m6A, methylation at the N6 position of adenosine in RNA, is a reversible and dynamic modification in posttranscriptional mRNA. Evidences suggest that m6A modifications play a crucial role in regulating biological processes of all kinds of diseases, such as malignancy. Recently studies have revealed that as the most abundant epigentic modification, m6A is involved in the progression of SSD. However, the function of m6A modification in SSD is not fully illustrated. Therefore, make clear the relationship between m6A modification and SSD pathogenesis might provide novel sights for prevention and targeted treatment of SSD. This article will summarize the recent advances of m6A regulation in the biological processes of SSD, including osteoporosis, osteosarcoma, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and discuss the potential clinical value, research challenge and future prospect of m6A modification in SSD.

Network pharmacology-based strategy for predicting therapy targets of Ecliptae Herba on breast cancer

Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy affecting women globally, characterized by significant morbidity and mortality rates. Ecliptae Herba is a traditional herbal medicine commonly used in clinical practice, has recently been found to possess antitumor properties. In order to explore the underlying material basis and molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti-breast cancer effects of Ecliptae Herba, we used network pharmacology and experimental verification. UPLC-MS/MS was utilized to identify compounds present in Ecliptae Herba. The active components of Ecliptae Herba and its breast cancer targets were screened using public databases. Hub genes were identified using the STRING and Metascape database. The R software was utilized for visual analysis of GO and KEGG pathways. The affinity of the hub targets for the active ingredients was assessed by molecular docking analysis, which was verified by experimental assessment. A total of 178 targets were obtained from the 10 active components of Ecliptae Herba, while 3431 targets associated with breast cancer were screened. There were 144 intersecting targets between the components and the disease. Targets with a higher degree, namely EGFR and TGFB1, were identified through the hub subnetwork of PPI. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that Ecliptae Herba plays an important role in multiple cancer therapeutic mechanisms. Moreover, molecular docking results showed that the core components had good binding affinity with key targets. Finally, it was confirmed that TGF-β1 might be a potential crucial target of Ecliptae Herba in the treatment of breast cancer by cytological experiments, and the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway might be an important pathway for Ecliptae Herba to exert its therapeutic effects. This study elucidated the active ingredients, key targets, and molecular mechanisms of Ecliptae Herba in the treatment of breast cancer, providing a scientific foundation and therapeutic mechanism for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer with Traditional Chinese medicine.