Integrating the Wei-Qi-Ying-Blood Theory with Modern Pathophysiology: A Multitarget Translational Framework for...

Despite the substantial global burden of dengue, clinical management remains largely supportive. Severe disease involves viral replication, dysregulated inflammation, endothelial injury, plasma leakage, thrombocytopenia, and coagulation abnormalities. In this review, we link the traditional Chinese medicine Wei-Qi-Ying-Blood theory with stage-specific dengue pathophysiology and biomarker-guided risk assessment. We also summarize representative formulas and bioactive compounds in terms of their potential antiviral, anti-inflammatory, endothelial-protective, and hematological effects. Computational studies predict relevant targets and pathways, while preclinical studies suggest effects on viral replication, inflammation, vascular integrity, and coagulation. Limited clinical studies have reported shorter fever duration, reduced hospital stay, and improved hematological recovery, although these findings require further validation. Several proposed mechanisms are extrapolated from non-dengue models. The proposed framework is therefore intended to generate hypotheses rather than serve as a validated treatment algorithm. Future studies should focus on standardized preparations, safety assessment, mechanistic validation, and adequately powered multicenter trials.