Data Mining-Based Analysis of Chinese Medicinal Herb Formulae in Metabolic associated fatty liver Disease Treatment

Introduction: Metabolism-associated lipid disorders (MAFLD) are the most common form of liver disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has obvious efficacy in the treatment of MAFLD, but its therapeutic mechanism is unclear. The dosage regimen and potential mechanism of action of TCM for the treatment of MAFLD can be investigated using data mining methods. Methods: The literature related to TCM for the treatment of MAFLD in China Knowledge Network (CNKI), WANFANG Data and PUBMED in the last ten years were searched. The the frequency of drug use and its efficacy, flavour, and attribution were counted, and an analysis of high-frequency drug associations, cluster analysis, and factor analysis were conducted, respectively. Results: The top 6 single herbs of frequency are Poria, Licorice, Atractylodes Macrocephala, Bupleurum, Alisma, and Dried Tangerine Peel; the top 3 in frequency are tonic drugs, diuretic and dampening drugs, and blood stasis-activating drugs. The correlation analysis produced 4 association rules for drug combinations, 30 association rules for the three-flavour group and 18 association rules for the four-flavour group, which are related to Sijunzi Decoction, Erchen Decoction, Chaihu Shugan Powder. Hierarchical cluster analysis divides TCM into 5 categories, which are related to Taohong Siwu Decoction, Gegen Qinlian Decoction, Sini Powder, etc. The 8 drug groups obtained from the factor analysis reflect the treatment methods of strengthening spleen and soothing liver, eliminating dampness, and eliminating phlegm. Conclusion: Chinese drugs with the effects of strengthening the spleen, soothing the liver, dissipating humidity, toning the blood and lowering lipids, play a major role in the treatment of MAFLD.