Integrated network pharmacology and experimental verification to explore the potential mechanism of San Ying decoction for treating triple-negative breast cancer

• SYF, a traditional Chinese medicine decoction, significantly inhibits TNBC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and suppresses tumor growth and lung metastasis in a xenograft mouse model. • Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified quercetin and luteolin as key active ingredients that bind to targets KDR1, PPARG, SOD1, and VCAM1, which are regulated by SYF. • The study provides a scientific basis for the clinical use of SYF in TNBC treatment, highlighting its potential as an adjunct therapy to reduce recurrence and metastasis. • The integrated approach combining network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation offers a robust methodology for exploring the mechanisms of complex TCM formulas.