Multidimensional therapeutic advantages of Smilax glabra (Tufuling)-containing formulae in gout: an integrated Systematic Review and network pharmacology-based prediction - Summary - MDSpire
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Multidimensional therapeutic advantages of Smilax glabra (Tufuling)-containing formulae in gout: an integrated Systematic Review and network pharmacology-based prediction
To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Tufuling-containing TCM formulae for gout patients with dampness-heat accumulation and to generate mechanistic hypotheses using network pharmacology.
Approach:
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving Tufuling interventions for gout, utilizing databases such as PubMed and Embase.
Network Pharmacology: Identified active compounds, target genes, and key pathways involved in gout treatment, followed by molecular docking to generate mechanistic hypotheses.
Key Findings:
56 RCTs with 4,605 participants were included.
Tufuling-containing formulae showed reductions in VAS scores, serum uric acid levels, CRP levels, and ESR compared to WM monotherapy.
Lower incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events was reported (73 vs. 161 cases).
Network pharmacology predicted multiple active compounds and identified core targets such as PTGS2, IL1B, PPARG, and TP53.
KEGG analysis revealed 228 pathways enriched in metabolism, lipid and atherosclerosis, PI3K–Akt, TNF, and IL-17 signaling.
Interpretation:
Tufuling-containing formulae may improve symptoms of acute gout with dampness-heat accumulation, though evidence certainty is low to moderate.
Limitations:
Incomplete reporting of adverse events.
Short treatment durations and limited follow-up data.
Need for further rigorous RCTs and experimental studies to validate findings.
Conclusion:
Further studies are necessary to confirm the long-term efficacy and mechanisms of Tufuling-based interventions for gout treatment.
