Mechanisms of Lycium barbarum Treatment in Sepsis‐Induced Myocardial Injury: A Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation Study

ABSTRACT

Lycium barbarum (LB) has long been recognized for its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐aging properties, with recent evidence suggesting protective effects against myocardial injury. However, its role in sepsis‐induced myocardial injury (SIMI) remains unclear. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanisms and active components of LB against SIMI using network pharmacology combined with experimental validation. Chemical profiling identified the main constituents of LB aqueous extract, and 45 active compounds along with 320 potential targets were predicted. Among these, 49 targets overlapped between LB and SIMI, primarily involved in apoptosis and inflammation. Molecular docking further validated the strong binding affinity of key compounds to these targets. Both in vitro (LPS‐stimulated HL‐1 cardiomyocytes) and in vivo (cecal ligation and puncture‐induced septic mice) experiments demonstrated that LB suppressed the expression and secretion of core inflammatory and apoptotic proteins, inhibited the MAPK signaling pathway in mouse myocardial tissue, and ultimately reduced myocardial injury. These findings suggest that LB holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for SIMI.