Multi-Target Therapeutic Potential of Vacha (Acorus calamus) in Dementia: "A Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Study"

Abstract

Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory impairment, and reduced functional abilities. Vacha (Acorus calamus), a well-known medicinal plant in Ayurveda, has traditionally been used as a Medhya Rasayana for enhancing memory and cognitive functions. The present study employed network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches to investigate the multi-target therapeutic potential of Vacha in dementia. Bioactive phytoconstituents of Acorus calamus were identified and screened for their pharmacokinetic properties. Potential protein targets associated with dementia were obtained from relevant biomedical databases, followed by construction of compound-target and protein-protein interaction networks. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Molecular docking studies were conducted to evaluate the binding affinity of major phytoconstituents with key dementia-related targets. The study revealed that Vacha acts through multiple bioactive compounds targeting several proteins involved in neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter regulation, and neuronal survival pathways. Molecular docking demonstrated strong interactions between selected phytoconstituents and important dementia-associated targets, supporting the neuroprotective potential of the plant.