Exploring the pharmacological mechanism of Qishen Yiqi dropping pills in treating chronic heart failure based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Abstract

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a severe condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite standardized treatments, patients often face recurrent symptoms such as dyspnea, edema, and fatigue, which impair their quality of life and contribute to high mortality and hospital readmission rates. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers alternative therapies, and Qishen Yiqi Dropping Pills (QYDP) has emerged as a potential treatment for CHF. QYDP is composed of Danshen, Huangqi, Jiangxiang, and Sanqi and is known for its ability to promote circulation, enhance Qi, and support cardiac health. Although clinical studies have suggested that QYDP can alleviate CHF symptoms, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to explore the pharmacological targets of QYDP for CHF treatment. Four core genes were identified: AKT1, HIF1A, STAT3, and MYC. Molecular docking confirmed the interactions between these genes and active compounds in QYDP, such as kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin, tanshinone IIa, and cryptotanshinone. These findings suggest that QYDP may treat CHF through a multitarget mechanism, offering new insights into its therapeutic potential and providing a basis for further clinical research.