Objective:

2

To identify specific Chinese medicines (CMs) that may benefit patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

and explore the action mechanism.

Methods:

2

Domestic and foreign literature on the treatment of GERD with CMs was searched and selected from China National Knowledge Infrastructure

China Science and Technology Journal Database

Wanfang Database

and PubMed from October 1

2011 to October 1

2021. Data from all eligible articles were extracted to establish the database of CMs for GERD. Apriori algorithm of data mining techniques was used to analyze the rules of herbs selection and core Chinese medicine formulas were identified. A system pharmacology approach was used to explore the action mechanism of these medicines.

Results:

2

A total of 278 prescriptions for GERD were analyzed

including 192 CMs. Results of Apriori algorithm indicated that

Evodiae Fructus

and

Coptidis Rhizoma

were the highest confidence combination. A total of 32 active ingredients and 66 targets were screened for the treatment of GERD. Enrichment analysis showed that the mechanisms of action mainly involved pathways in cancer

fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis

advanced glycation end product (AGE)

the receptor for AGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications

bladder cancer

and rheumatoid arthritis.

Conclusion:

2

Evodiae Fructus

and

Coptidis Rhizoma

are the core drugs in the treatment of GERD and the potential mechanism of action of these medicines includes potential target and pathways.