Mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyu Tang in Myocardial Infarction Treatment Based on Network Pharmacology

Background: In recent years, with the rapid development of China’s economy, lifestyle changes, and the exacerbation of the aging population, cardiovascular disease has emerged as the leading cause of mortality in China. The incidence and mortality rates of myocardial infarction have been progressively increasing year by year. Xuefu Zhuyu Tang, a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula known for its efficacy in promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis, has shown notable effectiveness in alleviating clinical symptoms and enhancing the prognosis of myocardial infarction. Methods: Information on the active ingredients and targets of the Xuefu Zhuyu Tang drug group was acquired from the Traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database. Subsequently, we conducted data screening from GeneCards, OMIM, PharmaGkb, and DrugBank disease databases to identify common targets between drugs and diseases. A "drug component target" network was constructed using Cytoscape software, and potential target protein interaction networks were developed through the protein-protein interaction database (STRING). Core targets were identified using Cytoscape’s CytoNCA plugin, and Gene Ontology function and KEGG enrichment analyses of these targets were performed using R statistical software. Results: The drug group was composed of Peach kernel, safflower, Angelica sinensis, Rehmannia glutinosa, Achyranthis bidentata Radix, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Platycodon grandiflorum, Radix Paeoniae Rubra, Fructus Aurantii, Licorice, and Bupleurum chinense. From this group, we screened 10 effective ingredients and identified 29 core targets. The mechanism of action is associated with 130 significantly enriched pathways, encompassing cancer, lipid and atherosclerosis, diabetes complications AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, and interleukin-17 signaling pathway. Conclusion: This study explored into the primary active ingredients, targets, and pertinent pathways involved in Xuefu Zhuyu Tang’s efficacy in treating myocardial infarction. This study assessed the effect of Xuefu Zhuyu Tang on myocardial infarction from the perspective of network pharmacology, providing theoretical basis for subsequent studies on traditional Chinese medicine interventions for myocardial infarction treatment.