Chemical profiling of Lycium shawii via RP-HPLC-QTOF-MS and MS/MS: unveiling its in-vivo wound-healing potential...

Lycium shawii Roem. & Schult., traditionally used across arid regions for treating various ailments, was investigated for its wound-healing potential using integrated metabolomic, computational, and in- vivo approaches. Methanolic extract profiling via RP-HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS identified 62 metabolites, including terpenes, fatty acids, and phenolics. Six key compounds were selected for molecular docking and in silico pharmacokinetic/toxicity analysis, showing strong predicted activity and drug-likeness. In vivo evaluation using a rat excision wound model revealed that treatment with a 2 % extract cream significantly enhanced wound closure (88.63 % by day 14), re-epithelialization, collagen deposition, and VEGF expression compared to controls. The findings suggest that L. shawii promotes wound healing through angiogenesis and tissue regeneration mechanisms. This study supports its traditional use and highlights its pharmaceutical potential.