biostudies-literatureUnknown12Luo X<h4>Introduction</h4>Previous studies have demonstrated the significant efficacy of <i>Ardisia japonica</i> (Thunb.) Blume (Zijinniu) and <i>Lespedeza cuneata</i> G. Don (Tiesaozhou) in alleviating cough and reducing phlegm. This study employed network pharmacology and bioinformatics approaches to identify key genes associated with Zijinniu and Tiesaozhou in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), offering insights into potential therapeutic strategies.<h4>Methods</h4>Data on COPD, along with the active ingredients and target genes of Zijinniu and Tiesaozhou, were utilized. By integrating the results of differential expression analysis and the target genes of these two plants, candidate genes were identified. Key genes were then confirmed through gene expression analysis in the GSE12Frontiers in medicine1527632https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12090870biostudies-literature&lt;i&gt;Ardisia japonica&lt;/i&gt; (Thunb.) Blume and &lt;i&gt;Lespedeza cuneata&lt;/i&gt; G. Don may treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by targeting HK2 and PTAFR.PMC12090870Jiang YYang YGe ZHTan TLuo XLi BLuo SZhou XWang KLfalse&lt;i&gt;Ardisia japonica&lt;/i&gt; (Thunb.) Blume and &lt;i&gt;Lespedeza cuneata&lt;/i&gt; G. Don may treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by targeting HK2 and PTAFR.<h4>Introduction</h4>Previous studies have demonstrated the significant efficacy of <i>Ardisia japonica</i> (Thunb.) Blume (Zijinniu) and <i>Lespedeza cuneata</i> G. Don (Tiesaozhou) in alleviating cough and reducing phlegm. This study employed network pharmacology and bioinformatics approaches to identify key genes associated with Zijinniu and Tiesaozhou in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), offering insights into potential therapeutic strategies.<h4>Methods</h4>Data on COPD, along with the active ingredients and target genes of Zijinniu and Tiesaozhou, were utilized. By integrating the results of differential expression analysis and the target genes of these two plants, candidate genes were identified. Key genes were then confirmed through gene expression analysis in the GSE122025-01-01T00:00:00Z20252026-06-01T14:56:17.147Z2026-04-08T13:31:11.38ZS-EPMC120908704039523310.3389/fmed.2025.1527632