Astragalus membranaceus-atractylodes rhizoma for COVID-19

Big data was utilized to analyze the network of biological systems and multi-target drug signal nodes, and despite traditional Chinese medicine proving effective against COVID-19 since the 2019 outbreak, the complexity and challenging actions of network pharmacology are essential for in-depth analysis. Objective: To present an overview of the literature on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of COVID-19 based on network pharmacology. Methods: A succinct explanation of the data sources: Twenty items in all were found after browsing the English and Chinese data websites. Following screening, data synthesis techniques and the remaining eight publications were located. Results: This study contained eight publications, including network pharmacology investigations on the mechanisms of action of eight prescription TCM medications. Many prescription drugs and specialty treatments from traditional Chinese medicine, including astragalus membranaceus-atractylodes rhizoma, LHQW, TJQWG, ephedra and glycyrrhiza, Yinqiao powder, rhizoma polygonati, MXSGD, and HSBDF, have been utilized in the clinical treatment of COVID-19. Their primary modes of action entail several components working on many targets and pathways related to immune modulation, organ protection, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Conclusion: This study reviewed eight Chinese herbal formulas used for treating COVID-19 and found they all contain quercetin, a compound that may reduce lung damage, and target at least one of TNF, IL-2, or IL-6, potentially decreasing inflammation and boosting immunity. All these traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments were effective against COVID-19, offering valuable insights and inspiration for future drug research.