Transcriptome analysis and connectivity mapping of Cissampelos pareira L. provides molecular links of ESR1 modulation to viral inhibition

Abstract Bioactive fractions or compounds obtained from medicinal plants have been used for the treatment of multiple diseases. This effect could be due to common pathways underlying these conditions that are targeted by such medicines. In this study, we explored the molecular basis of action of one such herbal formulation Cissampelos pareira, used for the treatment of female hormone disorders and fever. Genome-wide expression studies on MCF7 cell lines treated with Cipa extract were carried out using Affymetrix arrays. Transcriptome analysis revealed a downregulation of signatures of estrogen response governed by estrogen receptor α (ERα). Molecular docking analysis identified 38 constituent molecules in Cipa that potentially bind (ΔG