Multi-Target Anti-Obesity Mechanisms of Pedalium murex Mucilage: A Cheminformatics and Network Pharmacology Study

Abstract

Obesity is a global epidemic challenge with significant comorbidity-associated health risks, psychological implications, and economic burden. The inefficiency and side effects of current therapeutics highlight the necessity for safer alternative therapeutics and multi-target therapeutic strategies. Pedalium murex L., a plant used in culinary and medicinal practices across many cultures globally, has shown potential anti-obesity effects. This study used cheminformatics and network pharmacology to identify anti-obesity bioactive compounds in P. murex mucilage and understand their mechanism of action. Three key antiobesity compounds in P. murex mucilage, viz. 3-Oxo-12,18-ursadien-28-oic acid, Epifisetinidol-(4β→8)-catechin, and Moschamine were recognized and analysed for their anti-obesity properties and obesity pathway modulations. These compounds were shown to target 300 potential human targets, including PPARG, FASN, and UCP-1, which are key regulators of adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and thermogenesis. Network pharmacology revealed their involvement in lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response, highlighting their polypharmacological mode of action. This study provides evidence that P. murex mucilage bioactives have multi-target anti-obesity effects through the modulation of metabolic and inflammatory pathways, suggesting its potential as natural anti-obesity therapeutics.