Licorice Extract Research Articles

Glycyrrhiza glabra and Saussurea costus extracts mitigate arsenic-induced nephrotoxicity via orchestrating Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-kB crosstalk and repressing the expression of HSPs genes, and apoptosis in broiler chickens

This research aimed to evaluate the role of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GGE) and Saussurea costus (Costus) extracts in alleviating arsenic (As2O3)-evoked nephrotoxicity in chickens. Seven groups (36 chicks/group) were treated daily for 42 days as follows: control group; GGE group, obtained GGE (500 mg/kg feed); Costus group was given Costus orally (300 mg/kg bodyweight); As group, received As2O3 (30 mg/kg diet); As + GGE; As + Costus; As + GGE + Costus. The administration of GGE and/or Costus in As-intoxicated birds significantly decreased (p < 0.001) creatinine level relative to As group. Additionally, both extracts markedly reduced (p < 0.001) the renal malondialdehyde content and enhanced the antioxidant enzymes performance, which function via Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Moreover, They downregulated the renal inflammatory cascade by suppressing the expression of TNF-α and NF-κB genes compared to As group. Furthermore, a significant decline in the levels of HSPs mRNA was recorded following treatment with GGE and/or Costus. Conclusively, GGE and Costus can be accounted as prospective antidotes in controlling As poisoning.

Transcriptomic Analysis of the Effect of Glabridin on Biofilm Formation in Staphylococcus Aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is among the major skin infection-causing pathogens in animals and humans. Its ability to form biofilms has become a foremost cause of bacterial infections and the extensive spread of drug resistance, which poses a great difficulty in clinical treatment. Glabridin (Glb), an extract of licorice with antibacterial and anti-infective properties, has a partially understood biofilm-inhibitory mechanism. This study investigated the inhibitory and antibiofilm activities of subinhibitory concentrations of Glb against S. aureus. The crystal violet assay revealed that Glb significantly suppressed biofilm expression. Scanning electron microscopy observations unveiled that Glb reduced S. aureus adhesion and accumulation by disrupting the spatial structure of the biofilm. In vitro extracellular DNA (eDNA) inhibition assays demonstrated that Glb inhibited biofilm formation by S. aureus by suppressing eDNA secretion. In total, 184 differentially expressed genes were obtained through transcriptomic (RNA-seq) sequencing, of which 81 and 103 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively. Glb regulated the transcript levels of biofilm-related genes through the phosphatase transfer system, two-component regulatory system, and nitrogen metabolism. The qPCR analysis was performed to confirm whether Glb interfered with the expression of regulatory genes involved in S. aureus biofilm formation (SarA, ArlR, FnbA, ClfA, icaD, and icaR) as well as the virulence gene Hla. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Glb has a significant inhibitory effect on biofilm activity and is expected to be a good antibiofilm drug.

Effects of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) extract on the livers of obese rats.

We have investigated anti-obesity effects of the extract of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root in rats with diet-induced obesity and hyperlipidemia by using histopathological and biochemical methods. Thirty-two Wistar albino rats were divided to four groups of eight: normal control (C), high fat diet (HFD), high fat Diet + Glycyrrhiza glabra (HFD+M), and normal diet with Glycyrrhiza glabra (M). The high fat diet contained 300 g/kg fat (4000 kcal/kg); the daily dosage of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract was 1g/kg body weight by orogastric gavage. Supplementation of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract dramatically reduced increases in body weight caused by the induction of obesity. A hepatoprotective effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract was supported by the almost normal histology in the livers of the HFD+M rats, in contrast to the degenerative changes in the HFD rats, which included macrovesicular and microvesicular fat deposits, hydropic degeneration, dilatation of sinusoids and coagulation necrosis of some hepatocytes. Serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartic transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cholesterol (HDL and LDL) and triglycerides, were ameliorated by Glycyrrhiza glabra extract treatment. We conclude that Glycyrrhiza glabra extract given together with HFD could prevent obesity and reduce liver damage in rats.

Innovative Formulations of Glycyrrhizaglabra Extract: a Comprehensive Review

Glycyrrhizaglabra (Licorice) has been used for thousands of years to treat various diseases. It is used as traditional medicine to treat various diseases, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, tuberculosis and asthma. This article highlights the wide range of pharmaceutical properties of licorice and its derivatives, opening up new avenues for studying and creating pharmaceutical treatments derived from this ancient plant. Glycyrrhetic acid, isoliquiritin, isoflavone, and other chemicals make up Glycyrrhizaglabra chemical composition. Their derivatives have been documented in a number of therapeutic uses, including expectorant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic. These phytochemicals hold great potential for the development of novel herbal medications, and their derivatives are being produced in order to assess their potential for application in pharmaceutical research in the future. Natural goods are frequently taken on a daily basis and are a major source of treatment for many disorders. They offer a significant defense against a range of conditions.

Anti-Proliferative and Anti-Migratory Activity of Licorice Extract and Glycyrrhetinic Acid on Papillary Thyroid Cancer Cell Cultures

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the 8th most common cancer among women overall. Licorice contains over 300 active compounds, many of them with anti-cancer properties. Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is a major component of licorice. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential anti-proliferative effects of licorice and GA on PTC cell cultures. Licorice extract (LE) was produced from the root and tested on BCPAP and K1 cell lines, as well as GA and aldosterone. We used the MTT test to investigate the anti-proliferative activity, the wound healing test for the migratory activity, and finally, we analyzed cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and oxidative stress after LE, GA, or aldosterone incubation. Both LE and GA reduced cell viability at 48 h and cell migration at 24 h in both PTC cultures. Aldosterone reduced cell migration only in K1 cells. LE and GA induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in the BCPAP cell line, while LE and aldosterone induced it in the K1 culture. GA but not LE increased the apoptosis rate in both cell lines, whereas LE but not GA increased oxidative stress in both cultures. This study presents the first evidence of the in vitro anti-proliferative and anti-migratory activity of LE and GA on PTC.

5074 Licorice Root Supplement As A Cause Of Hypokalemic Hypertension

Abstract Disclosure: G. Gill: None. S.M. Harman: None. L.A. Robles: None. A 67-year-old female Veteran presented to an emergency room with a one-day history of high blood pressure, chest tightness, and exertional dyspnea. Her blood pressure was 162/90 mm Hg, pulse regular at 71 BPM, and pain level 5/10. She had a history of hypertension, stable on hydrochlorothiazide alone, hyperlipidemia, anxiety, and depression. Physical exam was benign. EKG revealed normal sinus rhythm at 60 BPM, normal axis, a prolonged QT interval of 510 ms, and no ST changes. Lab evaluation showed a low potassium of 2.4 mEq/L, sodium 145 mEq/L. Other lab measurements (CBC, liver function tests and cardiac enzymes) were within laboratory reference ranges. Medications included topiramate for migraine and over-the-counter supplements for constipation, “thyroid health,” and a topical “testosterone booster” prescribed by a non-allopathic practitioner. Her hypokalemia was attributed to hydrochlorothiazide and topiramate and both were discontinued. She was started on nifedipine for blood pressure control and 40 mEq/day of potassium for hypokalemia. Within 2 weeks of discharge, she presented again with elevated blood pressure and a plasma potassium of 4.0 mMol/L. Further history revealed that her constipation supplement consisted of licorice root (glycyrrhiza glabra) extract 900 mg per capsule, of which she took 3 to 4 capsules daily. The patient was advised to discontinue all supplements. Thyroid function tests were within normal limits. Due to a suspicion of hyperaldosteronism, the ED physician requested an abdominal CT scan which showed a 1 cm, -17.5 Hounsfield unit, right adrenal nodule. Also consistent with hyperaldosteronism, plasma renin activity (PRA) was suppressed at 0.07 ng/mL/hr. However, a serum aldosterone level was less than 1 ng/dL. Her 24-hour urinary metanephrines were normal and a 24-hour urine free cortisol was 31.6 mcg/dL. Morning plasma cortisol was 5.1 mcg/dL. A tentative diagnosis of licorice-induced hyperaldosteronism was made and the patient was treated with a taper of spironolactone. After discontinuing spironolactone, blood pressure was 116/70mmHg and serum potassium was 4.5 mMol/L with a PRA of 0.66 ng/mL/hr and serum aldosterone of &amp;lt;5.0 ng/dL. The syndrome of factitious hyperaldosteronism due to licorice consumption has been well described. The mechanism, inhibition of renal (type 2) 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase by glycyrrhizic acid, allowing cortisol to exercise its considerable mineralocorticoid action, is well understood. Most prior reports have been in patients habitually consuming licorice candy, usually imported, since conventional licorice sold in the U.S. is artificially flavored. Our report illustrates the importance of obtaining a history of use of over-the-counter supplements and assessing their ingredients and the fact that presence of an adrenal nodule and a low PRA does not always indicate endogenous hyperaldosteronism. Presentation: 6/2/2024

PRECLINICAL EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL AS AN ANTI- ALZHEIMERS, BY USING IN-VITRO ANTICHOLINESTERASE ENZYME MODEL

Background: Alzheimers disease is a neurodegenerative brain condition that causes mild cognitive impairment and memory loss, eventually leading to dementia. With developments in medicine, there are now more people in the world trying to treat a wider range of illnesses. It has been discovered that traditional herbal treatment works well with little or no adverse effects. Materials &amp; Methods: There are certain chemical components in the polyherbal extract of liquorice, ginger, and hibiscus sabadariffa that have anti-Alzheimers properties. Results &amp; Discussion: The polyherbal extract of liquorice, ginger, and hibiscus sabadariffa has been shown to have significant inhibition up to 44.02% in the group treated with it, which supports the extracts anti-Alzheimers activity. This was determined through a dose-dependent study and statistical comparison using Graph Pad Prism, version 10.2.2 by two-way ANOVA.

Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Basella alba: A Comprehensive Investigation into Its Anti-arthritic Properties, Phytochemical Profile, and Molecular Docking Insights.

Polyherbal antidiabetic tablets were formulated, evaluated and compressed by combining the powder extract of Nigella sativa, Trigonella foenum, and Glycyrrhiza Glabra. A number of tests were carried out, including a uniformity weight test, an assessment of the tablets’ hardness and friability, an ash value, moisture content, an extractive value that is soluble in water or alcohol, density (bulk and tapped), repose angle, Carr’s index, disintegration time with preliminary phytochemical screening. The tablet also had ex-vivo antidiabetic performance to enzymes alpha-amylase as well as glucosidase. To ensure the presence of active ingredients, thin-layer chromatography was performed. Column chromatography as performed using silica gel G as a stationary phase. The column of material was created using acetic acid, toluene, and ethyl acetate. As follows: (5.0:4.2:0.8) for 10 ml. The mobile phase of the sample, which contains toluene, ethyl acetate, acetic acid (50:42:8) and fractions, was isolated, collected and sent to IIT Bombay for GCHRMS analysis. In GCHRMS, the chemical constituent was found to be 2 H-Pyran-2-one, tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-4-methyl-, Tetrahydro [2 , 2’] bifuranyl-5-one, 1H-Benzimidazole, 2-(1-methylethyl)-, Bifenthrin, Propionamide, 2,2-diphenyl-N-(2-pyridinyl)-, Dihydromyristicin, 2-Dodecanone, di-p-Tolyl sulfone. The tablets showed promising results for alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition activities.

Bioguided Fractionation and Isolation of Natural Antidiabetic Agents from Polyherbal Tablet.

Polyherbal antidiabetic tablets were formulated, evaluated and compressed by combining the powder extract of Nigella sativa, Trigonella foenum, and Glycyrrhiza Glabra. A number of tests were carried out, including a uniformity weight test, an assessment of the tablets’ hardness and friability, an ash value, moisture content, an extractive value that is soluble in water or alcohol, density (bulk and tapped), repose angle, Carr’s index, disintegration time with preliminary phytochemical screening. The tablet also had ex-vivo antidiabetic performance to enzymes alpha-amylase as well as glucosidase. To ensure the presence of active ingredients, thin-layer chromatography was performed. Column chromatography as performed using silica gel G as a stationary phase. The column of material was created using acetic acid, toluene, and ethyl acetate. As follows: (5.0:4.2:0.8) for 10 ml. The mobile phase of the sample, which contains toluene, ethyl acetate, acetic acid (50:42:8) and fractions, was isolated, collected and sent to IIT Bombay for GCHRMS analysis. In GCHRMS, the chemical constituent was found to be 2 H-Pyran-2-one, tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-4-methyl-, Tetrahydro [2 , 2’] bifuranyl-5-one, 1H-Benzimidazole, 2-(1-methylethyl)-, Bifenthrin, Propionamide, 2,2-diphenyl-N-(2-pyridinyl)-, Dihydromyristicin, 2-Dodecanone, di-p-Tolyl sulfone. The tablets showed promising results for alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition activities.

Herbal Healer: A Comprehensive Review of the Overall Plant Profile and Medicinal Properties of Glycyrrhiza glabra

This review highlights the significance of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) as a traditional medicinal plant with diverse therapeutic benefits. In India, where traditional remedies are widely preferred over allopathic medicines, thanks to its natural nature and fewer side effects, licorice has a notable position. Being one of the four "Medhya Rasayana" in Ayurveda, G. glabra has been used for memory enhancement, cognition, and nerve function improvements for over 4,000 years. Liquorice cultivation is widespread in several countries, and its chemical constituents include flavonoids, glycosides, triterpenoid aglycone, glycyrrhizin, and Glabridin. The plant has demonstrated multiple pharmacological activities such as, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, memory enhancement, antistress, hepatoprotective, immunomodulation, antihyperglycemic, and anticancer effects. moreover, licorice shows antimicrobial, antinociceptive, dermatological, and neuroprotective properties. These diverse therapeutic effects have led to its potential use in various health-related concerns. To completely comprehend its modes of action, additional research is needed, define optimal dosages, and ensure long-term safety and efficacy. In conclusion, licorice stands as a significant herbal medicine with a rich history of use and remarkable potential for enhancing human health. Its multiple biological activities make it a valuable candidate for complementary and alternative medicine. Standardization of licorice extracts and rigorous quality control are essential for consistent therapeutic applications. As scientific research expands, licorice-based products are anticipated to play an increasingly vital role in holistic healthcare.

The effect of natural extracts and tea compost in some root growth parameters of Calendula plant under stress by heavy elements

A factorial experiment was carried out in one of the greenhouses to study the ability of the calendula plants to accumulate and resist growth in soil contaminated with toxic elements and plant treatment using plant extracts and treatment with different proportions of bio-organic aqueous extracts in some root growth indicators. The experiment included the use of three factors. The first factor included two types of plant extracts (licorice root and malt grain) in addition to the control treatment, while the second factor was treating the planting soil with two ratios of tea compost (1/5 and 1/10). The third factor was the treatment of Potting soil with the heavy elements copper and lead and their mixture at a concentration of 5 mg kg-1, the experiment applied according R.C.D with three replicate, and each replicate included 3 experimental units. The results of the study showed a significant impact in the characteristics of the root growth. The intervention treatment (malt extract and a 1/5 ratio of tea compost for calendula plants stressed with two elements lead and copper and those not stressed) had a significant advantage in root length and the number of roots with an average of 39.33 cm and 16.67 roots, respectively. While the interaction treatment (licorice extract not treated with tea compost and stressed with copper) achieved an average of 3.292 gm for the dry weight of the root system, the two triple interaction treatments (malt extract, not treated with tea compost and stressed with lead, and treated with licorice extract, not treated with tea compost and stressed with copper) achieved an average of (44.66, 16.320) mg kg soil-1 root content of lead and copper.

Bio-control of soil-borne virus infection by seed application of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract and the rhamnolipid Rhapynal

Main conclusionSeed-application of the natural products protects sugar beet and wheat plants against infection with plasmodiophorid-transmitted viruses and thus may represent an efficient, environmentally friendly, easy and cost effective biocontrol strategy.In times of intensive agriculture, resource shortening and climate change, alternative, more sustainable and eco-friendly plant protection strategies are required. Here, we tested the potential of the natural plant substances Glycyrrhiza glabra leaf extract (GE) and the rhamnolipid Rhapynal (Rha) applied to seeds to protect against infection of sugar beet and wheat with soil-borne plant viruses. The soil-borne Polymyxa betae- and Polymyxa graminis-transmitted viruses cause extensive crop losses in agriculture and efficient control strategies are missing. We show that GE and Rha both efficiently protect plants against infection with soil-borne viruses in sugar beet and wheat when applied to seeds. Moreover, the antiviral protection effect is independent of the cultivar used. No protection against Polymyxa sp. was observed after seed treatment with the bio-substances at our analysis time points. However, when we applied the bio-substances directly to soil a significant anti-Polymyxa graminis effect was obtained in roots of barley plants grown in the soil as well as in the treated soil. Despite germination can be affected by high concentrations of the substances, a range of antiviral protection conditions with no effect on germination were identified. Seed-treatment with the bio-substances did not negatively affect plant growth and development in virus-containing soil, but was rather beneficial for plant growth. We conclude that seed treatment with GE and Rha may represent an efficient, ecologically friendly, non-toxic, easy to apply and cost efficient biocontrol measure against soil-borne virus infection in plants.

Anthelmintic efficacy of Fenbendazole and Niclosamide suspensions obtained by liquid phase mechano-chemical treatment

The purpose of the research is to study the anthelmintic efficacy of suspensions based on a combined solid dispersion of Fenbendazole and Niclosamide.Materials and methods. Mechanochemistry methods were used to prepare suspensions of Fenbendazole (FBZ) and Niclosamide (NSM) substances, in particular, liquid phase grinding of substances with additives (licorice extract, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)) in water or in aqueous sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) solution. The grinding was conducted in LE-101 roller mill at energy intensity of 1 g for 1 hour at a roll rotation speed of 60–70 rpm. The resulting suspension samples of combined FBZ and NSM dispersions were studied for cestodocidal activity on a laboratory model of hymenolepiosis of white mice that were infected at a dose of 200 infective Hymenolepis nana eggs per animal.Results and discussion. The 100% efficacy of a combined NaCMC-based drug suspension containing FBZ 13 mg and NSM 130 mg in 1 g of suspension was achieved at a dose of 20 mg/kg of NSM and 2 mg/kg of FBZ. The suspension based on licorice extract, NaCMC, and dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt containing FBZ 18.6 mg and NSM 186 mg in 1 g of suspension at the same dose, i.e. 20 mg/kg of NSM and 2 mg/kg of FBZ showed 71.43% efficacy against H. nana. The suspension based on licorice extract and NaCMC containing FBZ 24.6 mg and NSM 246 mg in 1 g of suspension at the same dose showed a 62.0% effect against H. nana. The activity of the basic drug, the FBZ and NSM suspension was 28.58% at this dose without using mechano-chemical treatment.

Inactivation effect of extracts of gardenia fruit, licorice and Torilis japonica fruit against Bacillus spores

Inactivation effect of extracts of gardenia fruit, licorice and Torilis japonica fruit against Bacillus spores

Toxic Features and Metabolomic Intervention of Glabrene, an Impurity Found in the Pharmaceutical Product of Glabridin.

Glabridin is a widely used product in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry, which is generally isolated and purified from Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) extract in industrial production. It has wide clinical applications, but significant toxicity has also been reported. The purity of glabridin raw material is generally between 90% and 98%. We have identified a toxic impurity, glabrene, in the industrial product glabridin. Our investigation using an AB wild-type zebrafish toxicity test showed that glabrene has a significant lethal effect with an LC10 of 2.8 μM. Glabrene induced obvious malformation and disrupted cartilage development in zebrafish larvae. Furthermore, the compound significantly reduced larval mobility and caused damage to brain neural tissues. Metabolic pathway analysis and neurotransmitter quantification via ELISA indicated abnormal activation of the phenylalanine metabolic pathway, resulting in elevated dopamine and acetylcholine levels in vivo. These findings provide insights into the potential risks of glabrene contamination and offer a new reference point for enhancing safety measures and quality controls in licorice-derived products.

Ecofriendly treatments to improve pomegranate trees production and tolerance to climate change

BackgroundPomegranate is capable of growing in different agro-climatic conditions ranging from tropical to sub-tropical. Where vegetative growth, nutritional and physiological status of pomegranate plants oscillate at high temperatures waves in the summer season. While we can overcome the cracking and sunburn of fruits, which are the main problems confronting pomegranate cultivars due to their significant impact on the quality of fruits.MethodsThe present research was conducted over the course of two consecutive seasons in 2021 and 2022. The study focused on ten-year-old trees that were cultivated in sandy soil inside a private orchard situated 70 km away from Cairo on the Cairo-Alexandria desert road in Egypt (30o13′31.4″N30o39′09″E). The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of foliar spraying of Wonderful pomegranate trees with some nutrients (B, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca and Cu), amino acids and irradiated licorice on vegetative growth, fruit physical, quality and chemical and leaf chemical parameters. A randomized full-block design with three duplicates was employed in the study. Using the recently computed least significant difference values at the 5% level, averages were compared.ResultsThe results indicated that foliar spraying with nutrients, amino acids and licorice extract (irradiated or not) alone or in combination significantly increased the vegetative growth and leaf total chlorophyll content compared to the control. Also, they significantly increased fruit length, diameter, weight, and number/tree and thus yield. As compared to the control, all treatments significantly reduced the number of sunburned and cracked fruits leading to decrease the percentage of un-marketable fruits. The juice content of anthocyanin, total sugars and total soluble solids increased significantly in response to all treatments compared to the control while the acidity% greatly reduced. When these treatments were used instead of the control, the content of N, P, K, Fe, Zn, and Mn in the leaves was also positively increased.ConclusionsIn conclusion, foliar spraying of “Wonderful” pomegranate trees with a mixture of nutrients (B, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca, Cu) and amino acids or irradiated licorice extract can be considered as a suitable management of the problem of sunburned or cracked fruits while improving the physical and chemical fruit quality with increased productivity.

Fermented licorice extract alleviates ulcerative colitis by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and rebuilding intestinal microbiota in mice

There was limited research on investigating the suitable lactic acid bacteria genera for fermentation of on licorice extract and studying the effects of the fermentation products on ulcerative colitis (UC). The purpose of this study was to preliminarily investigate the therapeutic effects of licorice extract fermented by probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum ZKLp100 on UC and its underlying mechanisms. Therefore, time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS), Western blot, immunohistochemical and 16S rRNA sequencing were performed. Results shown that Lactobacillus plantarum ZKLp100 exhibited strong tolerance to acid and bile salts and antibacterial capabilities. The optimal conditions for fermenting licorice extract involved an inoculum of ZKLp100 at 3.2 × 108 CFU/mL, licorice extract concentration of 75%, yeast extract addition of 0.4%, fermentation duration of 20 h, resulting in a viable bacterial count of 4.0 × 108 CFU/mL. Fermentation by Lactobacillus plantarum ZKLp100 significantly enhanced the proportion of beneficial components in licorice extract. Fermented licorice extract significantly alleviated clinical symptoms (P < 0.05), inflammation (P < 0.05), oxidative stress (P < 0.05), and intestinal damage (P < 0.05), while rebuilt the intestinal microbiota in UC mice. Mechanistic study revealed that fermented licorice extract significantly inhibited the activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway in colon tissues (P < 0.05). Additionally, under equivalent concentrations, the therapeutic efficacy of fermented licorice extract was significantly superior to that of licorice extract (P < 0.05). In conclusion, licorice extract fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum ZKLp100 alleviated UC by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and rebuilding intestinal microbiota in mice.

Licorice Extract Supplementation Benefits Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry and Hormones, Immune Antioxidant Status, Hindgut Fecal Microbial Community, and Metabolism in Beef Cattle.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of licorice extract (LE) on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum index (biochemistry, hormones, humoral immunity, and antioxidant function), hindgut fecal microbiota, and metabolism in beef cattle. In total, 12 male yellow cattle aged 12 months were divided into two groups (6 cattle per group): the basal diet (CK group) and the basal diet supplemented with 2 g/kg LE (CHM group). The entire experimental phase lasted for 120 days, including a 30-day pre-feeding period. Compared to the CK group, the average daily gain, crude fiber, calcium, and crude protein nutrient digestibility were greater on d 30 than d 60 (p < 0.05) and the feed meat ratio was lower for LE addition (p < 0.01). In terms of serum indexes, the insulin and nitric oxide contents were enhanced on d 30, the alkaline phosphatase level was improved on d 60, and the levels of albumin, immunoglobulin A, and catalase were increased on d 90 (p < 0.05). In contrast, the cholesterol content was lower on d 60 for LE addition compared with the CK group (p < 0.05). The higher enrichment of [Eubacterium]-oxidoreducens-group, p-2534-18b5-gut-group, and Ileibacterium were observed in the CHM group (p < 0.05), while the relative abundances of Gallibacterium and Breznakia in the CHM group were lower compared with the CK group (p < 0.05). In addition, the differential metabolites related to healthy growth in the CHM group were increased compared with the CK group. And there was a close correlation between hindgut microbiota and metabolic differentials. In general, LE has a promoting effect on the growth performance and health status of beef cattle over a period (30 to 60 days).

Effects of licorice extract in combination with a low-calorie diet on obesity indices, glycemic indices, and lipid profiles in overweight/obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common ovarian dysfunction. Recent studies showed the effectiveness of licorice on metabolic profiles with inconsistent findings. So, we investigated the effect of licorice on obesity indices, glycemic indices, and lipid profiles in women with PCOS.MethodsThis randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed on 66 overweight/obese women with PCOS. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either 1.5 gr/day licorice extract plus a low-calorie diet (n = 33) or placebo plus a low-calorie diet (n = 33) for 8 weeks. Participants’ anthropometric indices and body composition were assessed using standard protocols. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin levels, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured using enzymatic kits. The homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and HOMA of β-cell function (HOMA-B) were calculated using valid formulas.ResultsBetween-group comparisons demonstrated significant differences between the groups in terms of obesity indices (body weight, BMI, and body fat), lipid profiles (TG, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C), FBS and insulin levels, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-B at the end of the study (P < 0.05). Supplementation with licorice plus a low-calorie diet was also more effective in improving all parameters than a low-calorie diet alone after adjusting for confounders (baseline values, age, weight changes, and physical activity changes) (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings showed that licorice consumption leads to improvements in obesity indices, glucose homeostasis, and lipid profiles compared to placebo. Due to possible limitations of the study, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Are Mouthwashes Really Effective against Candida spp.?

Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused by fungi of the genus Candida. Nystatin, fluconazole, and miconazole are the most widely used antifungal drugs in dentistry, but in recent years, they have been shown to be less effective due to the increase in the resistance to antifungal drugs. The growing challenge of antifungal resistance emphasizes the importance of exploring not only alternative strategies in the fight against Candida spp. infections but also supportive treatment for pharmacological treatment for oral candidiasis. This review aims to evaluate and compare the in vitro reports on antifungal efficacy against Candida spp. exhibited by mouthwashes distributed on the European market. The research question was elaborated through the PEO framework recommended by PRISMA 2020. A bibliographic search strategy was developed for the scientific online databases Pubmed and ScienceDirect. According to the eligibility criteria, 21 papers were included in this study over a 27-year period. Mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine digluconate, cetylpyridinium chloride, hexetidine, and fluorine compounds among others, and natural antimicrobials, such as menthol, thymol, eucalyptol, and Glycyrrhiza glabra extracts, have demonstrated antifungal effectiveness. Nonetheless, the methodological variance introduces ambiguity concerning the comparative efficacy of distinct molecules or mouthwash formulations and complicates the evaluation and the comparison of results between studies. Some mouthwashes commercially available in Europe have the potential to be used in anti-Candida therapy and prevention since they have shown antifungal effect.