Advances in Yupingfeng San Research: Multi-Target Mechanisms and Clinical Evidence

Shiyu Gao,1 Yanfang Wang,2 Xiaoya Li,1 Lin Zheng,1 Zhaoshuang Zhan,1 Jiafeng Wang1 1College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, 250355, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jiafeng Wang, Email wjfeng2000@126.com Zhaoshuang Zhan, Email zzshuang2000@126.comAbstract: This review systematically summarizes the chemical composition, mechanisms of action, and recent progress in research and clinical applications of Yupingfeng San (YPFS) in various diseases. Research indicates that YPFS contains abundant active constituents-such as flavonoids, coumarins, and terpenoids, and demonstrates diverse biological activities,including immune modulation, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. Recent pharmacological and network pharmacology studies have elucidated that YPFS regulates key signaling pathways - such as PI3K-Akt, NF-κB, TLR4/MyD88, and JAK-STAT - through multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms. These effects contribute to its therapeutic role in allergic rhinitis (AR), asthma, atopic dermatitis (AD), liver cancer, lung cancer, and other conditions. Although limited clinical trials and meta-analyses suggest that YPFS, when combined with conventional therapies, can improve treatment efficacy, relieve symptoms, and demonstrate good safety and tolerability, current research is constrained by low evidence quality and the absence of standardized quality control measures. Future research should prioritize large-scale, multi-center clinical trials and integrate multi-omics approaches to identify the main active components and mechanisms of action. The infographic illustrates the composition and effects of Yupingfeng san. At the top, three plants are shown: Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz and Saposhnikovia divaricata, which contribute to its composition. A central box labeled ’Yupingfeng san’ connects to ’Chemical component’ and ’Network pharmacology’. The chemical component is depicted with a molecular structure. Network pharmacology is linked to signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt, NF-kappa B, TLR4/MyD88 and JAK-STAT. Below, a ’Multi-target mechanism’ is shown, highlighting antiviral, antibacterial, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to immune regulation. On the right, treatments for allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, skin diseases, antitumor and antiviral and antibacterial effects are listed, with corresponding illustrations of affected individuals.Infographic on Yupingfeng san’s composition, mechanisms and treatments for various diseases.Keywords: Yupingfeng San, component identification, mechanism of action, clinical application, immune regulation, multiple targets