Exploring the molecular mechanism of Chinese herbal extracts used to improve skin wound healing.

Abstract

This study investigates the chemical composition and therapeutic mechanisms of Compound Pyocutaneous Liniments (CPL), a traditional Chinese medicine, in treating skin ulcers. Using UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS, 66 bioactive components were identified, including flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and anthraquinones. Acute oral toxicity tests demonstrated that CPL has high safety within the tested dose range. Skin irritation tests revealed that CPL does not cause skin irritation. In a rat skin ulcer model, CPL significantly accelerated wound healing, enhanced collagen deposition, and upregulated CD34, VEGF, and EGF expression. Serum and skin metabolomics revealed CPL's regulation of glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism. Network pharmacology predicted TNF, AKT1, and EGFR as core targets, with pathways such as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance and VEGF signaling implicated. Molecular docking validated strong interactions between CPL components (e.g., luteolin) and these targets. These findings demonstrate CPL's multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanisms, supporting its clinical application for skin ulcers.