Anti-Atherosclerotic Potential of Coriandrum sativum Linn. via Network Pharmacology and In Silico Analysis

Abstract

Background: Atherosclerosis is a complex vascular disorder characterized by lipid dysregulation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. Coriandrum sativum Linn., known as Dhanyaka in Ayurveda, has been traditionally used for its cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Among its phytoconstituents, caffeic acid has been reported to possess antioxidant and lipid-modulating activities, suggesting possible therapeutic relevance in atherosclerosis. Objectives: To investigate the anti-atherosclerotic potential of phytoconstituents of Dhanyaka using a systems biology approach integrating network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methodology: Phytoconstituents of Dhanyaka were retrieved from IMPPAT and Dr. Duke’s phytochemical databases. Drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties were evaluated using SwissADME. Potential protein targets of the identified bioactive were predicted through BindingDB and UniProt. Atherosclerosis-related genes were collected from GeneCards, and overlapping targets were identified. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed using STRING, followed by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Network visualisation was conducted using Cytoscape, and molecular docking was performed to evaluate ligand–protein binding interactions. Results: A total of 36 overlapping targets associated with both Dhanyaka phytoconstituents and atherosclerosis were identified. Network analysis revealed key targets, including FABP1, FFAR1, and PPARA, involved in lipid metabolism and inflammatory regulation. KEGG enrichment highlighted significant pathways such as PPAR signalling, cholinergic synapse, and nitrogen metabolism. Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinity of caffeic acid with FABP1, FFAR1, and PPARA, indicating stable ligand–protein interactions within their active sites. Discussion: The findings suggest that caffeic acid from Dhanyaka exerts anti-atherosclerotic effects through multi-target modulation of lipid metabolic pathways, inflammatory mediators, and endothelial regulatory mechanisms. Conclusion: Dhanyaka act as a promising multi-target phytotherapeutic candidate for the management of atherosclerosis, warranting further experimental and clinical validation.