Data mining-based investigation of the compatibility principles of Astragali Radix-containing in cardiovascular formulas

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health challenge. As a key herb for replenishing qi, Astragali Radix (Huangqi) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions for treating cardiovascular conditions. This study systematically investigated the compatibility of formulas containing Astragali Radix (Huangqi) for CVDs as documented in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2025 edition). This research aimed to provide evidence-based theoretical support for the standardized and rational clinical application of Huangqi in managing CVDs. A structured database was established to systematically document key details of each formula, including the formula’s composition, therapeutic effect, properties, flavors, and meridian tropism. The frequency analysis provided a quantitative assessment of the prevalence of specific herbs, facilitated their classification into distinct therapeutic categories, and summarized their properties along with their associated meridian affinities. The Apriori algorithm was employed for association rule mining to elucidate the principles governing compatibility. To identify herb pairs and core combinations that are statistically significant, minimum support and confidence thresholds were established at 12% and 85%, respectively, following parameter optimization and a review of pertinent literature. A total of 35 cardiovascular formulas containing Astragali Radix were analyzed, encompassing a total of 135 Chinese herbal medicines. The frequency analysis revealed that the most commonly co-prescribed herbs included Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen), Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong), and Codonopsis Radix (Dangshen), with the exception of Astragali Radix. The classification based on therapeutic effect showed that the primary categories comprised qi-tonifying, interior heat-clearing, blood-tonifying, blood-circulating, and stasis-transforming herbs. The predominant propertieswere "warm" and "cold," whereas the primary flavors used in the CVDs formulas includedincluded "sweet," "bitter," and "pungent." The analysis of meridian tropism demonstrated that the main focus of the herbs was on the liver, spleen, and heart meridians. The combination of " Astragali Radix-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma" exhibited the highest levels of support at 45.14% and confidence at 87.5%. The combination " Astragali Radix-Crataegi Fructus (Shanzha)" showed a significant association strength, with support and confidence values recorded at 22.86% and 87.5%, respectively. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of compositional characteristics, frequency distribution, and compatibility principles of Astragali Radix- containing formulas for CVDs. The core herb combinations identified, particularly" Astragali Radix- Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma" and " Astragali Radix-Crataegi Fructus," offer important evidence-based references that can inform rational formula design and clinical applications in the management of cardiovascular disease.