The multifaceted therapeutic potential of Huangbai liniment: Modulation of IL, TGF-β and Nrf2 pathways in inflammation downregulation and diabetic wound healing

Huangbai liniment, derived from Phellodendron amurense, is widely recognized for its diverse therapeutic properties, such as reducing inflammation, combating oxidative stress, and promoting wound healing. This review consolidates scientific findings from authoritative databases, including PubMed, Springer Link, Wiley Online Library, Web of Science, the Chinese Electronic Periodical Services Database of Taiwan, Europe PMC, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The therapeutic potential of Huangbai liniment was explored, particularly its role in modulating key cellular pathways, including IL, Nrf2, and TGF-β, which contribute to inflammation regulation and diabetic wound healing. The bioactive constituents of Phellodendron amurense, including alkaloids such as berberine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine, exhibit significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory activities. Additionally, other active compounds, including lignans, phenolics, and limonoids, contribute to its broad-spectrum efficacy against conditions such as cancer, bacterial and viral infections, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic disorders. This review also highlights the available clinical trials. Given the increasing global interest in herbal medicine, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), further research is necessary to validate its therapeutic potential and facilitate its integration into modern pharmaceutical applications. This review underscores the significance of Huangbai liniment as a promising candidate for drug development, bridging traditional applications with scientific validation for future therapeutic innovations.