Research on characteristic manifestations of Xiaochaihu decoction based on association rules mining

• Main Authors: Li-Ying Zhu, Chun-Hua Jia, Eunhee Park
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2019-01-01
• Series: World Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Subjects: Association rules mining; characteristic manifestation; Xiaochaihu decoction
• Online Access: http://www.wjtcm.net/article.asp?issn=2311-8571;year=2019;volume=5;issue=1;spage=9;epage=17;aulast=Zhu

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the characteristic manifestations and contraindications of Xiaochaihu decoction (XD [It also stands for all the seven herbs in XD]) syndrome and to clarify the principle of using XD. Methods: By searching on the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 254 cases whose symptoms were relieved by XD and 48 cases who misused XD in ancient time were selected. Moreover, they are divided into two groups. Microsoft Excel 2016 was used as a storage tool. These two groups of cases were all treated with XD because of their similar manifestations, but therapeutic efficacies are reverse. The manifestations mislead doctors should be selected out to clarify the indications of using XD. Thus, the professional data mining software RapidMiner was used as a platform to do the frequent statistic and to create association rules between manifestations and herbs of both groups, respectively. After comparing the results of two groups, we can make a conclusion. Results: The characteristics of XD syndrome are alternative chills and fever, hypochondriac pain, and inflammatory swelling and pain (ear or breast). When any of these manifestations occur, XD can be used. Wiry pulse paired with alternative chills and fever, headache, thirst, or hypochondriac pain is also regarded as the indications of using XD. XD should not treat for fever paired with other manifestations, such as headache, delirium, or aversion to cold. In addition, the manifestations with high concurrence frequency do not mean the high correlation. Moreover, only according to the frequency, statistics cannot make correct conclusions. Conclusions: (1) XD is more fit for the excess syndrome such as excess fire in the liver or gallbladder meridians. (2) The medical records in which the XD is misused are also worth analyzing. (3) Association rules cannot be substituted with frequency statistics.