Survey on the herbal combinations in traditional Vietnamese medicine formulas for obesity treatment based on literature

Abstract

Objectives

Today, obesity is a significant public health concern. Traditional medicine, known for its minimal side effects and positive outcomes, is increasingly being utilized as an alternative intervention in clinical practice. This study seeks to examine Vietnamese literature to identify herbs that can aid in reducing obesity and to interpret the association rules among these herbs.

Methods

Four hundred thirty-six formulas were collected from 43 documents suited to inclusion criteria. Using Microsoft Excel 2016, we continuously interpreted the characteristics of 320 herbs extracted from 436 anti-obesity formulas. The Apriori algorithm, operated by R Studio version 4.3.3, investigated the association rules among core materials.

Results

Shan Zha (Fructus crataegi) is the most popular herb mentioned in 436 compounded medications. The predominant property and flavor were warm (33,02%) and sweet (52,7%), respectively. Eventually, we also found 18 association rules and screened out 7 potential anti-obesity herbs. Each rule consists of two or three components. Especially, the greatest prevalent associated law is a triple combination among Fu Ling (Poria cocos), Ban Xia (Rhizoma pinelliae), and Chen Pi (Pericarpium citri reticulatae).

Conclusions

This study documents traditional Vietnamese medicinal knowledge on herbs with anti-obesity properties. According to the traditional function, all of herbs can be divided into these classifications: Tonify Spleen-Qi, Move Qi and invigorate Blood, Resolve retention of food, Resolve Dampness and Promoting diuresis. Besides, the pharmacological functions of them are suppressing appetite, inhibition of fat absorption and elevation of fat metabolism rate.