Multi-Target Inhibition of Streptococcus pyogenes Skin Infections by Officinal Magnolia Bark Rhubarb Decoction: Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Insights

Streptococcus pyogenes infection still poses a great threat to humanity on a global scale. The emergence of antibiotic resistance endangers health care systems worldwide. Unlike single component antibiotics, traditional Chinese medicine exerts its effects through multiple pathways and targets, thereby reducing the chance of bacteria developing resistance. The main components in Officinal magnolia bark rhubarb Decoction, namely Officinal magnolia bark, Rhubarb and Immature Bitter Orange, have been proven to have antibacterial effects in previous studies. In this study, through network pharmacology and molecular docking, the interactions between its active components and the targets related to Streptococcus pyogenes skin infection were determined, and enrichment analysis was carried out. Molecular docking studies were conducted on 15 screened drug active components and 12 target proteins. Finally, in vitro experiments were used to prove that Officinal magnolia bark rhubarb Decoction can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus pyogenes and can treat Streptococcus pyogenes skin infections.