Exploring the material basis and mechanism of Moringa oleifera in alleviating slow transit constipation based on network pharmacology and animal models

Moringa oleifera have laxative effects, but their active compositions and mechanisms are not very clear thus far. To this end, we systematically explored the active components and mechanism of M. oleifera leaves in relieving constipation by using the slow transit constipation (STC) mouse model and network pharmacology. The results of animal experiments showed that M. oleifera aqueous extract (MOA) had good laxative activity, and its 70% alcohol soluble part (ASP) also showed significant laxative activity (P < 0.01). Network pharmacological prediction results suggested that L-phenylalanine (Phe) was the key compound of ASP, and it might relieve constipation through tachykinin receptor 1 (TACR1) and three kinds of adrenergic receptors, including α_1A (ADRA1A), α_2A (ADRA2A), and α_2B (ADRA2B). Further animal experiment results showed that Phe significantly promoted gastrointestinal motility. Phe may relieve STC by enhancing the release of substance P (SP) and upregulating the mRNA expression of TACR1 in the ileum. Importantly, Phe may also promote intestinal movement by downregulating the mRNA expression of ADRA2A and ADRA2B and upregulating the mRNA expression of Calm and the mRNA and protein expression of myosin light chain 9 in the ileum, thereby activating the G protein-coupled receptor-myosin light chain signaling pathway. These results lay a foundation for the application of M. oleifera and Phe in constipation.