Data mining of Chinese medicine for the treatment of angina pectoris in coronary heart disease

OBJECTIVE: To enhance the effectiveness of Chinese medicine in treating coronary heart disease, this study analyzes internal compound formulas from literature on Chinese medicine for coronary heart disease and angina pectoris published from 2013 to 2023, and explores the patterns of medication use. METHODS: We conducted a literature search for clinical trials on Chinese medicine for angina pectoris in coronary heart disease, using the China Knowledge Network, Wan Fang Database, and Wipo Journal, covering publications from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2023. Data from the retrieved literature were extracted and entered into an Excel spreadsheet. Frequency statistics for drugs, their properties, attributes, and efficacy were performed using SPSS 22.0 software, while data analysis was conducted with IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0. Association rule diagrams were generated using Cytoscape 3.8.0. RESULTS: A total of 1,327 articles and 1,465 prescriptions were analyzed, encompassing 324 different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) flavors. The total frequency of TCM usage was 14,875 times. Among the TCMs utilized, those with sweet and warm properties were predominant. The most commonly attributed meridians were the liver, heart, and spleen, and the primary therapeutic effect aimed at invigorating blood circulation and removing blood stasis. The most frequently prescribed Chinese medicines were Salvia miltiorrhiza and Rhizoma Ligustici (Ligusticum wallichii). CONCLUSION: In clinical practice for treating angina pectoris associated with coronary artery disease, TCMs with sweet and warm properties are predominantly used. Medicines are typically selected from those attributed to the liver, heart, and spleen meridians. The primary therapeutic focus is on activating blood circulation and eliminating blood stasis, with Salvia miltiorrhiza, Rhizoma Ligustici (Ligusticum wallichii), Astragalus membranaceus, and Radix Angelicae Sinensis being the most commonly chosen.