Objective: To discuss the therapeutic mechanism of Paeoniae Radix Alba-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma herbal pair(PG) in treating osteoarthritis. Method: Firstly

all of chemical components of peonyand licorice were retrieved in The Dictionary of Chinese Herbal Medicine (second edition). Secondly

ADME parameters in the traditional Chinese medicine database system pharmacology (TCMSP) were applied in selecting active ingredients; then

human target protein corresponding to active ingredients were searched in PubChem and TCMSP databases

and osteoarthritis-related genes were searched in Gene database; target proteins and genes were introduced in the molecular network analysis platform

the core analysis method was used to build molecular networks and biological pathways for drugs and diseases

and compare the map analysis. Result: The common biological pathways involved by the drugs and diseases included cell immunity and cell factors

and the common high-connection elements they involved mainly included interleukin 1 (IL-1)

tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)

nuclear factor kappa B1 predominate (NF-κB1) and extracellular regulating protein kinase (ERK1/2). Conclusion: PG may have a curative effect on osteoarthritis by impacting IL-1

TNF-α

NF-κB1 and ERK1/2

regulating cytokine signaling pathways

inhibiting inflammation and adjusting immune regulating cartilage cells.