Cataract is a common blinding eye disease [1], which has the highest rate of blinding in China. Epidemiological investigations and experimental studies have confirmed that long-term and chronic ultraviolet radiation is closely related to the occurrence of cataract [2],[3],[4],[5],[6]. There are many factors affecting the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, such as latitude, altitude, surface reflection, outdoor exposure time and occupation [7]. Tibet is a region with high altitude, low latitude and perennial snow cover [8]. Its ultraviolet radiation is very strong, so the incidence of cataract is significantly higher than that of other regions [9]. However, in recent years, due to changes in the environment [10], the prevalence of cataract and the rate of blindness outside Tibet are increasing year by year, which seriously affects the vision and life of patients [11],[12]. We know that some patients choose surgery and phacoemulsification is an important way to treat cataract [13],[14],[15]. Nevertheless, from the perspective of clinical practice, there are inevitably some postoperative complications after surgery [16]. Corneal edema is a common postoperative complication [17], and studies showed that postoperative adjustment by combining traditional Chinese medicine can improve the effect of cataract treatment [18].
Some plateau herbs have been found to be effective in treating cataract. The commonly prescribed for the treatment of cataract is Tibetan medicine - Shiwuwei Luodimingmu Wan, composed of Luodi, Gypsum Rubrum (Hanshuishi), Carum carvi (Zanghuixiang), Shihuihua, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch (Gancao), Chebulae Fructus (Hezi), Zhaxungao, Caryophylli Flos (Dingxiang), Jinqianbaihuashe, PhyllanthiFructus (Yuganzi), Tiexie, Hematite (Daizheshi), Carthami Flos (Honghua), Maohezi and Lvronghao. It has the function of clearing liver and improving eyesight. In the prescription, Luodi plays a major role in the treatment of cataract. Luodi hydrolyzed by proteolytic enzyme can dissolve and dissipate the denaturetic protein and make the crystal transparent; Zanghuixiang, Gancao, Hezi, Lvronghao have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects [19], so the crystal damaged by ultraviolet radiation can be repaired in time; Honghua can dilate blood vessels and improves circulation [20]; In addition, Jinqianbaihuashe provides protein and fat nutrition, which can promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, as well as disperse and open knots. The combination of various drugs can effectively improve eye circulation, provide crystal nutrition, effectively dissolve crystal denaturated protein, and restore crystal transparency. However, the molecular mechanism of Shiwuwei Luodimingmu Wan in treating cataract remains unclear. Network pharmacology is a comprehensive research method integrating chemical informatics, bioinformatics, network biology and traditional pharmacology [21], which can systematically and comprehensively reveal the bioactive components and the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, and reflect the relationship between multiple components and multiple targets of traditional Chinese medicine [22]. Therefore, we used the research method of network pharmacology to explore the mechanism of Shiwuwei Luodimingmu Wan in the treatment of cataract, and used molecular docking technology to simulate and predict the interaction of disease-related targets and related components.