Network pharmacology combined with molecular docking and molecular dynamics to verify the therapeutic potential of mung beans (Vigna radiata) against prostate cancer

Background

Prostate cancer is the most common oncological disease in men and one of leading causes of death worldwide. Growing evidence has demonstrated the effectiveness of mung bean bioactive compounds in suppressing various cancer cells. However, their effects and underlying mechanisms on prostate cancer have not been verified. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutical effects and underlying mechanisms of mung bean compounds against prostate cancer.

Results

The results revealed that 56 proteins related to prostate cancer could be modulated by mung bean, including several vital proteins of SRC (Sarcoma), Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 8 (MAPK8), Heat shock protein 90 kDa alpha member A1 (HSP90AA1), and Harvey Rat sarcoma virus (HRAS). It was also found that the potential pathways associated with prostate cancer pathogenesis comprising pyrimidine metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, and prolactin signaling pathways. Of 19 mung bean compounds docked to four key proteins reveal three promising compound (dulcinoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, and chlorogenic acid) with lower binding affinity score of − 7.7, − 12.2, − 9.0, and − 6.5 kcal/mol against SRC, MAPK8, HSP90AA1, and HRAS, respectively in their site of action. Dynamic simulation results also showed values of − 36.52 ± 2.93, − 35.93 ± 1.67, and − 35.77 ± 1.17 kJ/mol for Dulcinoside-SRC, Dulcinoside-MAPK8, and P3G-HSP90AA1 complexes, respectively. The binding of the compound occur in stable and flexible with the proteins. Moreover, all mung bean compounds predicted to have good ADMET properties.

Conclusions

The study concluded that dulcinoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, and chlorogenic acid potentially exhibited anticancer activity against prostate cancer in silico. Nevertheless, further studies such as in vitro and in vivo are needed to optimize and prove the efficacy of the mung brand and its compounds against prostate cancer.

Graphical abstract