Unraveling the mechanisms of matrine in esophageal cancer treatment: insights from network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and molecular biology experiments

Matrine, a natural compound from traditional Chinese medicine, demonstrates anti-esophageal cancer (EC) efficacy via multi-target mechanisms. In this study, integrated network pharmacology and WGCNA identified MGLL, EPHX2, and CES2 as key targets for matrine. Clinical nomograms indicated their prognostic value, and bioinformatics analysis confirmed their downregulation in EC, correlating with tumor stage, survival, and immune infiltration. Molecular docking confirmed stable binding between matrine and these targets. In vitro experiments showed matrine upregulates their expressions, concurrently inhibiting EC cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. In conclusion, matrine treats EC through dual actions-direct antitumor effects and immunomodulation-highlighting its therapeutic potential.