Analytic hierarchy process(AHP)-entropy weight method(EWM) and network pharmacology were employed to identify the potential quality markers(Q-markers) of Gei Herba. According to the new concept of Q-markers in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), the AHP-EWM was applied to quantitatively identify the Q-markers of Gei Herba. The AHP was used for the weight analysis of primary indicators(factor layer), and the EWM for the analysis of literature and experimental data of secondary indicators(control layer). In addition, network pharmacology was employed to build the "component-target-disease-efficacy" network for Gei Herba, and the components showing strong associations with the Qi-replenishing, spleen-invigorating, blood-tonifying, Yin-nourishing, lung-moistening, and phlegm-resolving effects of Gei Herba were screened out. According to the results of AHP-EWM and network pharmacology, four components, i.e., ellagic acid, gallic acid, gemin G, and gemin C, were finally identified as potential Q-markers of Gei Herba. In this study, the AHP-EWM and network pharmacology were employed to screen the Q-markers of Gei Herba, which provided ideas for the quantitative evaluation and identification of Q-markers of TCM.
Keywords: Gei Herba; analytic hierarchy process-entropy weight method; network pharmacology; quality markers.