Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Secondary Metabolites from Pogostemon cablin (Aceh Patchouli Oil) as Anti-Breast Cancer Agents: A Network Pharmacology, ADMET, and Molecular Docking Approach

Breast cancer remains a major global health challenge with increasing incidence and mortality. Limitations of long-term therapies have driven the search for safer and more effective anticancer agents. Aceh patchouli oil (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) is rich in bioactive compounds, such as terpenoids and sesquiterpenes, with potential anticancer activity; however, its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study employed an in silico approach integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and ADMET evaluation to assess the multitarget potential of patchouli oil compounds against breast cancer. A total of 714 common targets between patchouli oil compounds and breast cancer–related proteins were identified, with AKT1 and EGFR identified as key targets involved in the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, Ras, and estrogen signaling pathways. Docking results indicated that several bioactive compounds could interact with AKT1 and EGFR, including one compound showing a stronger binding affinity toward EGFR than the control compound. ADMET evaluation revealed generally favorable drug-likeness profiles. These findings support the potential of Aceh patchouli oil as a multitarget anti-breast cancer candidate and warrant further in vitro and in vivo validation.