Network Pharmacology and Data Mining Approach Reveal the Medication Rule of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome/Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Abstract

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterized by periodic mental and somatic symptoms such as irritability, depression, and breast pain during the luteal phase. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is the most severe form of PMS. In recent years, the incidence of PMS/PMDD has been increasing year after year. However, due to the complex symptoms and ambiguous classification of PMS/PMDD, the limitations of present treatments, such as their poor efficacy rate, have become increasingly apparent. With its unique benefits such as syndrome differentiation and high cure rate, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has sparked new diagnosing and treating of PMS/PMDD. This study uses data mining methods, and statistical analysis revealed that Xiaoyao San and Chaihu Shugan San were the commonly used TCM to treat PMS/PMDD. A detailed investigation of regularly used single herbs revealed that most TCM is used as cold herbs that penetrate the liver meridian, with predominant bitter, sweet, and pungent flavors. The network pharmacology method analyzes the interactions between diseases, targets, and herbs. Meanwhile, the deep action targets and molecular mechanisms of 10 commonly used herbs for the treatment of PMS/PMDD are studied, revealing that it involves several ingredients, many targets, and different pathways. This interaction provides insight into the mechanism of action of TCM in the synergistic treatment of PMS/PMDD. It is now clear that we can begin treating PMS/PMDD with TCM using the target and mechanism revealed by the abovementioned findings in the future. This serves as an essential reference for future research and clinical application of TCM in the treatment of PMS/PMDD.

Analysis of prescription medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine for bradyarrhythmia treatment based on data mining

“…Sun et al [27] revealed the mechanisms of TCM in the treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia based on data mining and systematic pharmacology. Qu et al [28] revealed the medication rule of TCM in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder through network pharmacology and data mining approach.…”

Editorial: Neural circuits and neuroendocrine mechanisms of major depressive disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Toward precise targets for translational medicine and drug development

“…Therefore, further research into the neural circuits and neural endocrine mechanisms of MDD and PMDD as well as treatment moving toward translational medicine and drug development are keys to solving the above problems. Meta-analysis and animal experimental evidence have shown the high potential of complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of PMDD and MDD ( 21 , 22 ). Unlike single-target chemical drugs, Chinese medicine therapy can regulate specific neural circuits and neuroendocrine functions with multiple targets and pathways to treat these diseases, avoiding the side effects of chemotherapy and representing a promising therapeutic direction.…”