@article{Wang2026, 
author = {Menglei Wang and Xiang Li and Meng Gao and Bingjie Zhu and Tiezhu Wei and Wenhua Huang and Xiaohui Fan and Jie Liao},
title = {Single-cell analysis reveals synergistic therapeutic mechanisms of Shenqi Fuzheng formula against acute myocardial infarction},
year = {2026},
journal = {Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines},
volume = {24},
number = {10},
pages = {1191-1204},
keywords = {Shenqi Fuzheng formula, Efficacy enhancement, Synergistic mechanism, Acute myocardial infarction, Chemical composition, Single-cell RNA sequencing},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.1016/S1875-5364(26)61214-9},
doi = {10.1016/S1875-5364(26)61214-9},
abstract = {The Shenqi Fuzheng (SQ) formula, made from Codonopsis Radix (Dangshen, DS) and Astragali Radix (Huangqi, HQ), has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and exhibits cardio-protective effects against acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the molecular basis of DS-HQ synergy remains unclear. Here, we combined RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to explore their synergistic mechanisms. Transcriptomic analyses showed that SQ influenced the AMI network more effectively than either herb alone. ScRNA-seq analysis revealed that these synergistic effects involve both direct and indirect pro-angiogenic pathways. The combination treatment enhanced pro-angiogenic responses in microvascular endothelial subpopulations and promoted angiogenesis in the border zone. It also enhanced the anti-inflammatory role of a specific reparative macrophage subset and stimulated vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) secretion from these cells, supporting the VEGFA-VEGFR signaling between macrophages and microvascular endothelial cells. This coordinated regulation provides a plausible mechanistic explanation for the reduced infarct size and improved cardiac outcomes seen in vivo, highlighting the therapeutic value of TCM.}
}