Objective To analyze the formulation patterns of health foods containing Sangshen (Mori Fructus) and investigate their potential mechanisms using data mining, network pharmacology, and molecular docking techniques. Methods Information on Mori Fructus-related health foods up to September 13, 2025, was collected from the Special Food Information Query Platform of the State Administration for Market Regulation and Yaozhi.com. Formulation patterns were analyzed using frequency statistics, cluster analysis, and association rule analysis. Active ingredients of Mori Fructus were retrieved from databases such as the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Potential targets were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction, while disease targets related to primary health functions were retrieved from databases like GeneCards database. Target gene names were standardized using the UniProt database. Potential targets were screened using Venny and STRING databases. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was then performed, and core targets were screened based on degree values. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted using the DAVID database. Finally, molecular docking was employed to validate the binding affinity between core targets and key components. Results A total of 243 Mori Fructus-containing health foods meeting the inclusion criteria were included, involving 177 traditional Chinese medicine ingredients, primarily heat-clearing drugs and tonifying deficiency drugs. The medicinal properties were mainly warm and neutral; the medicinal flavor was predominantly sweet; the meridians entered the lung, heart, and liver channels. The most common dosage form was capsules. The top two health functions were helping to enhance immunity and helping to alleviate physical fatigue. For immunity enhancement, 453 potential targets and 10 core targets were identified. For alleviating physical fatigue, 166 potential targets and 10 core targets were identified. Mori Fructus exerts its effects on enhancing immunity and alleviating physical fatigue through signaling pathways such as the TNF signaling pathway and the lipid and atherosclerosis pathway. Molecular docking results indicated that the key components of Mori Fructus could spontaneously and stably bind to the core targets. Conclusion This study, utilizing data mining, network pharmacology, and molecular docking, analyzed information related to Mori Fructus-containing health foods and preliminarily revealed the potential targets and mechanistic pathways associated with the main health functions of Mori Fructus, providing a theoretical basis for the subsequent development of Mori Fructus-based products.

Mori Fructus  /  data mining  /  network pharmacology  /  health food  /  formulation pattern  /  immunity enhancement  /  alleviation of physical fatigue