Abstract:Objective To investigate the potential mechanism of galangal on depression based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods The active ingredients and targets of galangal, and target genes of depression were searched from TCMSP and GeneCards databases, respectively. Protein interactions and PPI network diagram were obtained and constructed by STRING database and Cytoscape 3.9.1 software, respectively. The core targets of galangal for depression were screened, and their potential pathways were analyzed using GO function and KEGG enrichment analyses. Results Thirteen active ingredients and 169 potential targets including JUN, MAPK1, AKT1, RELA, ESR1, IL6, MAPK14, MAPK8, and RXRA were screened for depression treatment. GO analysis revealed 654 biological processes, 85 cellular components and 147 molecular functions. KEGG analysis uncovered 171 signaling pathways. Molecular docking results showed a strong binding ability between main core targets and ingredients. Conclusion Ggalangal may treat depression through multiple targets and pathways.