Investigating the material basis and molecular mechanisms of Oldenlandia diffusa in the treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a network pharmacology and experimental study

Background: (OD) demonstrating potential in cancer treatment. This study aimed to investigate the anti-PTC effects of OD and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The impact of OD on PTC cells was assessed using a variety of assays, including cell viability, colony formation, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, and transwell assays. Potential targets and downstream pathways were explored through network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses. Protein and gene expression levels were determined using western blotting assays. Results: OD demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on the biological functions of PTC cells. Through network analysis, 7 targets and 3 active compounds (stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, or poriferasterol) associated with OD's intervention in PTC were identified. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed a significant positive association with the central gene involved in OD's anti-PTC effects. OD and its active compounds also modulated the phosphorylation of proteins related to the PI3K-AKT pathways, underscoring its anti-PTC efficacy. Conclusions: OD and its active compounds suppress the biological functions of PTC by modulating the phosphorylation of proteins associated with the PI3K-AKT pathway. These findings suggest that OD may inhibit PTC progression by targeting the PI3K-AKT pathway, offering potential adjuvant therapeutic value for PTC.