Evaluation of Ophiocephalus striatus, Citrus sinensis (Fructus), and Curcuma domestica (Rhizoma) for Hypoalbuminemia Used Network Pharmacology

Abstract

Hypoalbuminemia is a clinical condition defined by serum albumin levels below 3.5 g/dL and is associated with poor health outcomes. Natural products such as snakehead fish (Ophiocephalus striatus), Citrus sinensis (fructus), and Curcuma domestica(rhizoma) have traditionally been used to improve albumin levels; however, their molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms of active compounds from these sources in the context of hypoalbuminemia using a network pharmacology approach. Active compounds were identified through the Knapsack database and literature, with molecular structures obtained from PubChem. ADMET and drug-likeness properties were evaluated using SwissADME. Target prediction was performed using SwissTargetPrediction and GeneCards, and overlapping targets were identified with Venny 2.1.0. Protein–protein interaction networks were constructed using STRING-DB and visualized with Cytoscape, followed by GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. A total of 17 compounds from O. striatus, 7 from C. sinensis, and 7 from C. domestica were identified, of which 17, 4, and 7 compounds, respectively, met Lipinski’s criteria. Intersection analysis revealed 41, 74, and 45 hypoalbuminemia-related targets. Enrichment analysis indicated involvement in pathways such as the renin–angiotensin system, colorectal cancer signaling, and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, which are implicated in hepatic albumin regulation.