The Mechanistic Evaluation of Danggui Buxue Tang, an Ancient Chinese Herbal Decoction Containing Astragali Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix, by Network Pharmacology

Background/Objectives: Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), an herbal formula deriving from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is widely recognized for its therapeutic effectiveness in clinical practice. To uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic actions and identify potential therapeutic targets, we employ a novel network pharmacology approach. Methods: Active compounds were retrieved from the TCMSP database, and their corresponding protein targets were identified using existing databases, such as TCMSP, ETCM v2.0, Herb v2.0, and Swiss Target Prediction. These target genes were then functionally annotated via STRING, focusing on Gene Ontology categories (Biological Process, Cellular Component, and Molecular Function), KEGG pathways, and disease associations. A "targets–(pathways)–targets" network was constructed to connect DBT’s targets through the shared signaling pathways. The network was further divided into distinct modules with strong internal connectivity. Using a contribution scoring algorithm, the association of each module with various diseases was evaluated, highlighting those with significant relevance. Results: The key targets with the module having the highest relevance to common diseases within the DBT’s categories were proposed as promising therapeutic candidates. Conclusions: By integrating complex interactions among targets, pathways, and diseases, this approach provides a robust framework in elucidating the mechanisms of action of a herbal mixture and supports the scientific validation of its traditional uses.