Anti-vitiligo Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Baqia Danshen Liniment: Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Animal Model Insights

Background Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by depigmentation and has proven difficult to treat. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers potential therapeutic alternatives. Compound Baqian Danshen Liniment (CBDL) is a multicomponent herbal formula used in TCM. This study aimed to investigate its mechanism of action in treating vitiligo using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments. Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore the interactions between CBDL components and vitiligo-related biological pathways, confirm the binding of active compounds to key protein targets, assess the therapeutic efficacy of CBDL using an animal model, and measure serum levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in treated mice. Materials and Methods Network pharmacology was utilized to explore the interactions between CBDL components and vitiligo-related biological pathways. Molecular docking was then employed to confirm the binding of active compounds to key protein targets. To assess the therapeutic efficacy of CBDL, animal experiments involving a vitiligo mouse model were conducted. Finally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure serum levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the treated mice. Results CBDL exerted therapeutic effects on vitiligo by modulating key pathways such as immune response regulation [tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling], melanogenesis (tyrosinase activation), and oxidative stress [nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway], targeting specific proteins like tyrosinase to promote melanocyte activity and pigmentation. Molecular docking revealed that the active components of CBDL, particularly luteolin, showed strong binding affinity to the core targets, including tyrosinase. CBDL treatment significantly promoted melanocyte proliferation, and luteolin demonstrated potent tyrosinase activation. In animal models, vitiligo-affected skin showed substantial improvement, with white plaques receding and hair follicles regenerating. ELISA results indicated that CBDL reduced inflammatory cytokines [TNF-α and interleukin (IL)-6] and oxidative stress markers [acetylcholinesterase (AChE), malondialdehyde (MDA), and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)] while enhancing tyrosinase levels in serum. Conclusion CBDL exerts therapeutic effects on vitiligo through multitarget interactions and promotes melanocyte activity, likely due to the activation of tyrosinase by its active compounds. These findings suggest that CBDL could be a promising alternative treatment for vitiligo, offering insights into the potential of TCM in managing this condition.