UPLC-MS/mS-based metabolite profiling and wound healing mechanisms of Careya arborea roxb. Explored through in silico and in vivo approaches

Careya arborea Roxb., traditionally valued for its wound-healing properties, was investigated for its phytochemical and therapeutic potential in burn management. Bark extract obtained via supercritical fluid extraction was rich in bioactive compounds, with UPLC-MS/MS identifying elevan phytoconstituents. Network pharmacology and KEGG pathway analysis revealed 151 wound-healing targets across 15 key pathways, including TNF, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and EGFR signalling. Molecular docking and dynamics confirmed strong, stable interactions of major compounds (A7, A8) with EGFR and TNF-α. ADMET predictions indicated favourable drug-likeness and bioavailability. In vivo, topical application of the extract on rat burn wounds accelerated healing (98.53% contraction by Day 25), outperforming silver sulfadiazine (96.48%). Histopathology confirmed enhanced fibroblast activity, angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and epidermal regeneration. Overall, C. arborea Roxb. demonstrated multi-targeted mechanisms supporting tissue repair, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic for burn wound treatment.