Oxalis corniculata L. Ethanol Extract Promotes Fracture Healing: Integrated Omics and Experimental Validation

Abstract

Oxalis corniculata L. is a well-known herb valued for its dual edible and medicinal properties, with its acidic compounds endowing food with a distinct flavor and enhancing its value. This study identified the active compounds in its ethanol extract (OCEE) and clarified the molecular mechanisms underlying its fracture-healing effects. UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS was used for comprehensive chemical profiling of OCEE, and network pharmacology was applied to explore therapeutic targets and signaling pathways related to fracture treatment. Molecular docking (MD), molecular dynamics simulations (MDS), and in vitro cell assays further validated the core mechanisms. A total of 549 compounds were identified in OCEE, with naringenin-7-O-glucuronide, chrysophanol-8-O-glucoside, and 2-oxo-3-phenylpropanoic acid as key potential active components. These compounds targeted GAPDH, TNF, TP53, and other core proteins, which are involved in nitrogen metabolism, IL-17 signaling, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways critical for fracture healing. MD and MDS confirmed strong binding affinities between key compounds and core targets, and qPCR results revealed that OCEE significantly upregulated the expression of TNFα, MMP9, and ESR1 while downregulating TP53 expression in vitro. These findings clarify the material basis and molecular pathways of OCEE in promoting fracture healing and provide experimental evidence for its application as a functional food and natural agent for bone health and fracture recovery.