Study on the mechanism of no. 8 burn ointment in burn treatment based on network pharmacology and experimental verification

Abstract

Introduction: As a traditional Chinese compound formulation, No.8 burn ointment has demonstrated notable efficacy over half a century of clinical use, particularly in facilitating the healing of burn wounds. Methods: This study integrates clinical data, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, network pharmacology and experimental validation to elucidate the mechanisms by which No.8 burn ointment promotes burn wound healing and to identify its key active components. Results: The findings reveal that the ointment may accelerate wound repair by modulating the HIF-1 signaling pathway. The network pharmacology analysis has identified HIF-1α as a core target of the No.8 burn ointment’s action and has identified the key active molecules β-Elemonic acid and Rubiadin, which interact with the HIF-1α protein and influence the HIF-1 pathway. Conclusion: This research not only provides a theoretical foundation for the selection of targeted drugs in burn treatment and the optimization of traditional Chinese compounds but also provides new ideas for future research in related fields.