Utilizing network pharmacology and other tools to examine active components and mechanism of action of Magnolia officinalis rheum rhabarbarum decoction in treating Streptococcus pyogenes skin infections

Infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and the growing threat of antibiotic resistance pose significant global health challenges. This study investigates the antibacterial properties of Magnolia officinalis Rheum rhabarbarum Decoction against Streptococcus pyogenes skin infections. By combining UHPLC-MS/MS, network pharmacology, and molecular docking techniques, we identified eight bioactive compounds in the formulation and explored their potential interactions with Streptococcus pyogenes-related targets. Our analysis revealed that compounds such as Sinensetin, Nobiletin, and (+)-Magnoflorine regulate immune pathways (IL-17, TNF), inhibit the production of inflammatory factors, and disrupt bacterial membranes and metabolic processes, achieving dual antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. In vitro experiments showed that the decoction exhibited a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 20 mg/mL against Streptococcus pyogenes, significantly reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-1α, IL-6, IL-36, and TNF-α. These results suggest that Magnolia officinalis Rheum rhabarbarum Decoction offers a promising multi-target strategy for treating drug-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes infections and may serve as a potential alternative to traditional antibiotics.