Research on the experience of National Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine Professor Lu ZhiZheng in treating chronic atrophic gastritis based on data mining technology.

Background: The purpose of this research is to summarize the academic expertise of Professor Lu Zhizheng in the treatment of Chronic Atrophic Gastritis, and to explain his clinical reasoning and common prescriptions in the treatment of CAG.

Methods: Professor Lu's outpatient cases of CAG from January 2008 to December 2021 were selected, and the PageRank algorithm was applied on the FangNet platform to analyze the usage frequencies of herbs, their four natures and five flavors according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, core herbs, and herb clustering patterns, with the goal of summarizing the distinguishing features of Professor Lu's academic and clinical approach to CAG. A total of 170 patients from 252 consultations were included in this study. The prescriptions involved a total of 239 herbs, which occurred a cumulative 4339 times. The herb natures were mainly warm, neutral, and slightly cold, and the herb flavors were predominantly sweet, bitter, and pungent. The channel tropism of the selected herbs primarily targeted the spleen, stomach, and lung meridians. Herb rank analysis showed that 34 herbs, including Gancao, Taizishen, Banxia, Huanglian, Shengjiang, Baizhu, Yiyiren, Maiya, Cangzhu, and Kuxingren, were the driver herbs used by Professor Lu for the treatment of CAG.

Results: Herb-herb co-occurrence/exclusivity analysis revealed 10 sets of frequently used herb pairs; herb cluster analysis yielded 10 herb clusters. These results reflected the emphasis Professor Lu placed on protecting Qi and Yin while clearing damp-heat. Professor Lu Zhizheng utilized dialectics reinforced with flexible thinking in the treatment of CAG, and emphasized that identifying the pathogenesis and addressing the syndrome should be prioritized.

Conclusions: The characteristic treatment strategy aimed to replenish Qi and nourish Yin, clear away damp-heat, and treat CAG patients comprehensively under the guidance of established principles.