Keywords
Breast cancer
Herb pairs
Network pharmacology
Submitted : 2026-05-31
Accepted : 2026-06-15
Published : 2026-06-30
Abstract
The Seven Emotions constitute the original principle of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compatibility. Herb pairs, as the smallest unit of compatibility, connect single herbs and formulas, and their theory embodies the core of formula composition. Based on the medicinal properties of TCM, this paper sorts out herb pairs for breast cancer from the perspectives of mutual reinforcement and mutual assistance, and analyses their mechanisms via network pharmacology, so as to provide ideas for exploring the clinical value of herb pairs.
References
Liu C, Geng G, 2019, Discussion on Scorpion-Containing Formulas Based on Herb Pair Compatibility. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 60(18): 1563–1566.
Yan Q, Zhang K, Li Q, et al., 2018, Screening of Optimal Compatibility Ratio of Selfheal and Dandelion Against Breast Cancer and In Vivo Anti-Tumor Study. Chinese Pharmaceutical Journal, 53(10): 776–782.
Wang H, Xia L, Qi Y, 2023, Experience of Qi Yuanfu in Using Heat-Clearing and Detoxifying Herb Pairs to Treat Tumors. Shandong Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 42(04): 376–380.
Fallah Y, Brundage J, Allegakoen P, et al., 2017, MYC-Driven Pathways in Breast Cancer Subtypes. Biomolecules, 7(3): 53.
Yadav P, Yadav R, Jain S, et al., 2021, Caspase-3: A Primary Target for Natural and Synthetic Compounds for Cancer Therapy. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 98(1): 144–165.
Miao X, 2020, Preparation Technology of Effective Parts of Frankincense-Myrrh Pair and Its Protective Effect on Ischemic Stroke, thesis, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.
Zhang P, Ma J, Song W, et al., 2009, Protective Effect of Frankincense-Myrrh Pair at Different Compatibility Ratios on Anhydrous Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Mice. Journal of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, 26(01): 12–13.
Yao H, Sun T, Xu J, 2021, Mechanism of Frankincense-Myrrh Pair in Treating Breast Cancer Based on Data Mining and Network Pharmacology. Natural Product Research and Development, 33(12): 2107–2118.
Li Y, Ji F, Pan H, et al., 2017, Simultaneous Determination of p-Coumaric Acid and Ferulic Acid in Common Burreed Rhizome-Zedoary Turmeric Pair at Different Compatibility Ratios by HPLC. China Pharmacy, 28(27): 3859–3861.
Li Y, Shen A, Zhang Y, et al., 2016, Determination of Curcumol and Curdione in Common Burreed Rhizome-Zedoary Turmeric Pair at Different Compatibility Ratios by GC. Guangdong Chemical Industry, 43(17): 187–188 + 171.
Bartels S, Christgen M, Luft A, et al., 2018, Estrogen Receptor (ESR1) Mutation in Bone Metastases from Breast Cancer. Modern Pathology, 31(1): 56–61.
Zhang Q, Qi C, Huang Z, 2007, Prognosis of Rats with Ovarian Cancer of Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome and Its Correlation with Tumor Neovascularization. Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2007(06): 73–75.
Xu M, Zhu M, Deng Q, et al., 2015, Expression of Three Heat Shock Proteins in Breast Cancer and Their Relationship with Prognosis. Journal of Tropical Medicine, 15(10): 1316–1320 + 1343 + 1456.