Exploring the potential targets and possible mechanisms of Shenqi Fuzheng Injection in the treatment of cancer-associated muscle wasting based on network pharmacology

Cancer-associated muscle wasting (CAMW) is a debilitating condition observed in cancer patients, characterized by progressive skeletal muscle loss driven by tumor-secreted inflammatory cytokines, metabolic reprogramming, and enhanced apoptotic signaling, severely affecting the quality of life of patients. Shenqi Fuzheng Injection (SFI) is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation made from Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen) and Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) in specific proportions, which has the effects of replenishing qi, strengthening the body, alleviating the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, relieving fatigue, and enhancing immune function. This study aims to explore the potential mechanisms of SFI in cancer-associated muscle wasting—a clinically significant form of sarcopenia frequently observed in cancer patients—through network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. The key components in Shenqi Fuzheng Injection were found to have strong binding affinity with Caspase-3, Caspase-8, TNF, and TP53. Cell experiments further verified the effects of Shenqi Fuzheng Injection in alleviating mitochondrial damage in myoblasts and reducing apoptosis. Comprehensive analysis indicates that Shenqi Fuzheng Injection may target Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 to reduce apoptosis, thereby achieving therapeutic effects on cancer-associated muscle wasting. This study is exploratory and hypothesis-generating in nature; further in vivo validation is required to confirm these computational predictions.