Network pharmacology-based prediction for therapeutic mechanism of FuYueKang Lotion on acute eczema

Abstract

Objective: Fuyuekang Lotion (FYKL) is an improved traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription widely used to treat acute eczema (AE). However, the mechanism of action remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic mechanism of FYKL in AE.Methods: We revealed the underlying mechanism by utilizing a network pharmacology approach, molecular docking studies, and in vitro verification. The active compounds in FYKL were identified, and their targets were predicted. These targets were subsequently mapped to a component-target interaction network, with their therapeutic mechanisms predicted through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Molecular docking was used to verify protein-binding efficacy. Potential key targets of FYKL against AE were further confirmed via reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).Results: The study identified 59 potential active compounds of FYKL, with quercetin, luteolin, and gallic acid suggested as critical active ingredients. Our findings suggest that these ingredients could exert their effects mainly by modulating the inflammatory immune response and promoting epidermal repair. FYKL was found to be a multi-target, multi-component drug that could potentially regulate the inflammatory immune response in AE through numerous pathways.Conclusions: The findings from this study provide a scientific basis for further research into the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of FYKL in treating AE, underscoring the potential of TCM in modern therapeutics.