Exploring the mechanism of Cinnamomi Cortex against morphine addiction using network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses

Cinnamomi Cortex is a commonly used herb with a variety of pharmacological effects. We investigated the molecular mechanisms by which Cinnamomi Cortex antagonises morphine addiction (MA) using network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques in a morphine-dependent rat withdrawal model. The antagonistic effect of Cinnamomi Cortex was observed by inducing withdrawal symptoms in morphine-dependent rats through a dose-escalation method. Network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were further employed to analyze the substance basis and mechanism of Cinnamomi Cortex in antagonizing MA. Cinnamomi Cortex was screened to contain 10 active ingredients, 127 active targets and 1724 MA-related targets. Among them, 52 targets overlapped between Cinnamomi Cortex and MA and 13 core targets were identified by metric analysis. Cinnamomi Cortex had a significant inhibitory effect on withdrawal symptoms in MA rats, with the most pronounced effect at a moderate dose. The active ingredients of Cinnamomi Cortex (including oleic acid) can act on multiple targets related to MA and regulate multiple pathways to treat MA. The present study reveals the material basis and mechanism of cinnamon's action on MA, and provides insights and references for subsequent experiments exploring the potential therapeutic approach of Cinnamomi Cortex on MA.