Potential therapeutic targets of Aquilaria malaccensis leaf extract: A network pharmacology approach

Hashim, Yumi Zuhanis Has-Yun and Eissa, Manar and Abbas, Phirdaous and Samsudin, Nurhusna and Abd Warif, Nor Malia (2025) Potential therapeutic targets of Aquilaria malaccensis leaf extract: A network pharmacology approach. Asia-Pacific Journal of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, 33 (4). pp. 150-166. ISSN 0128-7451 E-ISSN 2672-7277

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Abstract

Agarwood has been extensively studied for its potential as an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent. However, there is no consensus on the mechanisms of action due to variations in empirical settings. Network pharmacology, which integrates big data and artificial intelligence, offers a systematic means to elucidate compound–gene–pathway interactions. This study employed network pharmacology to catalogue the molecular interactions of Aquilaria malaccensis aqueous leaf extract with an emphasis on anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. A total of 78 bioactive compounds were identified, of which seven key compounds—mangiferin, genkwanin, aquisiflavoside, luteolin, 3’-hydroxygenkwanin, sakuranetin, and velutin—were highlighted as potential modulators of inflammatory responses. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed 158 related pathways, with 138 significantly enriched. Among the top-ranked pathways, the atherosclerosis pathway and proteoglycans in cancer pathway were notably associated with inflammation and tumour progression. Furthermore, eight overlapping genes (AKT1, CCND1, CXCL12, EGFR, MMP9, NFKB1, TGFB1, TNF) were identified as potential therapeutic targets. Collectively, these findings illustrate how A. malaccensis compounds may modulate the molecular cross-talk between inflammation and cancer, providing a foundation for the development of nature-based therapies for inflammatory disorders and cancer.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	agarwood, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, network pharmacology
Subjects:	BPH Islamic Economics > BPH114 Consumption. Halal issues BPH Islamic Economics > BPH122 Consumption. Halal issues. Specific products. Food and drink Q Science > Q Science (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART)
Depositing User:	DR YUMI ZUHANIS HAS-YUN HASHIM
Date Deposited:	12 Dec 2025 16:07
Last Modified:	12 Dec 2025 16:07
Queue Number:	2025-12-Q625
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/125328

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