Licorice Extract Research Articles

Formulation and in vitro characterization of nanoemulsions containing remdesivir or licorice extract: A potential subcutaneous injection for coronavirus treatment

The management of coronavirus necessitates that medicines are available, reasonably priced, and easy to administer. The work aimed at formulating and characterizing remdesivir and licorice extract nanoemulsions and comparing their efficacy against coronavirus for further subcutaneous injection. First, the solubility of remdesivir was determined in different oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants to choose the optimal nanoemulsion components. Nanoemulsions were optimized concerning surfactant: co-surfactant ratio (5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, and 1:1) and oil to surfactant: co-surfactant ratio (1:9, 1:8, 1:7, 1:6, 1:5, 1:4, 1:3, 1:2, and 1:1). The formulations were evaluated concerning % transmittance, emulsification time, pH, viscosity, droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug content, transmission electron microscopy, in-vitro drug release, stability (of the optimal formulas), and antiviral effect against coronavirus. The optimal nanoemulsion formula was F7, exhibiting an acceptable pH level, a rapid emulsification rate, a viscosity of 20 cP, and 100% drug content. The formulation droplet size was 16 and 17 nm, the polydispersity index was 0.18 and 0.26, and the zeta potential was − 6.29 and − 10.34 mV for licorice extract and remdesivir nanoemulsions, respectively. However, licorice extract nanoemulsion exhibited better release and physical stability. Licorice extract nanoemulsion may be a potential subcutaneous injection for combating mild to moderate coronavirus.

Sustainable Treatment of Oral Traumatic Ulcers with Licorice Containing Hydrogels: Integrating Computational Modeling, Quality by Design, Green Synthesis, and Molecular Biological Evaluation.

The urge to implement innovative approaches that align with eco-friendly practices and hold promise for enhancing oral health while promoting environmental sustainability has been increasing. This current work aims to develop a sustainable treatment for oral traumatic ulcers using licorice-based hydrogels (LHGs) containing hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as the green gelling agent. Licorice root aqueous extract was phytochemically profiled using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Forty-three compounds were detected, with Glycyrrhizic acid being the major component of the extract (34.85 ± 2.77%). By implementing a Quality by Design (QbD) approach, the study investigates the effects of different licorice extract and HEC concentrations on key variables such as pH and viscosity of the prepared formulations, ulcer and wound healing scores, and tissue growth factors via a Full Factorial Experimental Design. The LHGs exhibited desirable consistency, spreadability, and clarity. Statistical analysis, employing an ANOVA test, revealed the high significance of the constructed models with the licorice concentration being the key independent factor affecting all dependent outputs. The pH as well as the viscosity of the prepared LHGs were positively influenced by licorice extract concentration, with higher concentrations leading to increased alkalinity and viscosity. Rheological behavior analysis revealed a pseudoplastic flow with demonstrated thixotropy which is advantageous for application and prolongation of residence time. The wound healing process was assessed through ulcer size, traumatic ulcer healing score (UHS), collagen-1 expression (COL-1), growth factors (EGF, VEGF), pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α), wound healing score (WHS). LHGs prepared using higher levels of both factors, 30% dried licorice root extract and 4% HEC, demonstrated enhanced wound healing, elevated growth factor expression of 66.67% and 23.24%, respectively, and 88% reduced inflammation compared to the control group, indicating their potential in expediting oral ulcer recovery. Overall, these findings highlight the promising role of green licorice-based hydrogels in promoting sustainable oral mucosal healing.

Corn (Zea mays L.) Yield Characteristics and Oil Content are Influenced by Licorice and Seaweed Extract Spray Frequency

A field experiment was done in spring 2022 on one of the farms in Al-Medhatiyah area, south of Babylon Governorate, using the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three factors: licorice extract at three doses (0, 5, 10) mg L-1 and encoded (L0, L1, L2). (The second factor is spraying seaweed extract on the plants in three doses (0,4,8 mg L-1) and coding (A0, A1, A2). Three sprays (once, twice, and three times) are the third factor. Encoded (N1, N2, N3). Thus, each replication comprised 27 treatments, totaling 81 experimental units. The outcomes were as follows. Licorice extract at 10 mg L-1 (L2) exhibited the highest averages (32.03 grains, row-1) in all investigated features, including number of grains.row-1, weight of 300 grains, protein %, and oil %. 1,53.34g-1,9.82% 4.82%. The seaweed extract at 8 mg L-1 (A2) exhibited the highest averages (34.66 grains, row-1, 5.10%, 10.20%) in all tested aspects. The spraying treatment had the greatest averages (53.86gm-1 5.37%, 10.53%) for the measured properties (weight of 300 grains, 1gm, percentage of oil%, percentage of protein%) three times. The treatments (L2, A2, N3) and concentrations (10 mg L-1 licorice, 8 mg L-1 seaweed, for three sprays) excelled in some of the bi-interactions between licorice, seaweed, licorice, number of sprays, algae, and number of sprays. Including (the number of grains in a row, and the percentage of oil) by giving them the highest averages (30.60, 35.96, 38.94), (5.32, 5.47, 5.57%), while protein percentage was not noteworthy for the season.

Effect of Shading, Licorice Extract and Mycorrhizal on the Growth and Production of Commercial Cut Flowers of Two Cultivars of Shrubby Roses

An experiment was conducted using the RCBD design, namely the Factorial Experiment within the Split-Split Plot. Complementary Storyline Shading, licorice extract, and mycorrhizal were tested on two cultivars of shrubby roses in a plastic greenhouse at the Department of Horticulture and Palms in the Baghdad Governorate during the spring of 2022 for their impact on the growth and production of commercial cut flowers. The use of two varieties of shrub roses, Angelina, red in color and Maroussia, white, using three levels of shading without shading and 25% and 50%. 1 + Maiko Raisa). And (chelated iron + mycorrhizal (1 g / liter-1 + mycorrhizae) and licorice extract + chelated iron + mycorrhizae). The flowers are of anthocyanin pigment, while the V2 variety was significantly superior to the V1 variety in flower stem diameter. While the characteristics of vegetative growth represented by the average leaf area and the content of leaves of chlorophyll and the characteristics of flowering growth represented by the diameter of the flower stem, the duration of the flower remaining on the plant and the content of flowers of the anthocyanin pigment were significantly superior when using shading levels 50% (S2) and the levels of fertilization consisting of mycorrhiza and licorice extract And chelated iron (F3) in all characteristics of vegetative and flowering growth.

Down-regulation of abaI, abaR, Bap and OmpA genes in Acinetobacter baumannii by ethanol extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra after toxicity assessment

Down-regulation of abaI, abaR, Bap and OmpA genes in Acinetobacter baumannii by ethanol extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra after toxicity assessment

The effects of Glycyrrhiza Glabra extract in high-fat diet-induced obese male mice: A controlled experimental study

AimsThis study sought to evaluate anti-obesity effects, improved metabolic function, and spermatogenesis of Licorice root extract at doses of 343 mg/kg and 686 mg/kg. MethodsThis was a controlled experimental, descriptive cross-sectional, longitudinal study follow-up over 10 weeks of nourishment. We generated an obesity model in white mice (Swiss albino) in 6 weeks with a high-fat diet (52–53% lipid, 610 Kcal/100g). Besides, the hydroethanolic extract of Radix Glycyrrhizae (RG) was prepared. Then, we divided mice into 4 groups (NFD, HFD, RG343, RG686) with 12 mice/group. We followed morphological indices, metabolic function, and spermatogenesis after 4 weeks of taking this extract. ResultsFollowing the intervention, mice exhibited reduced weight, weight gain, BMI, and waist circumference. However, there was no difference between the 2 doses. Moreover, blood glucose, visceral fat mass, total cholesterol, and LDL-c levels of mice after the intervention were lower. Furthermore, there was a clear difference between the two doses. After the intervention, mice had larger penis, testes, epididymis, and seminal vesicle diameters and improved semen parameters, noting the difference between the two doses. ConclusionLicorice root extract helps to reduce weight, BMI, and visceral fat and improve metabolic function and spermatogenesis of obese mice. Significantly, the dose of 686 mg/kg was more effective than the dose of 343 mg/kg.

Multi-omics techniques to compare the potential of raw and processed licorice as food supplements for ameliorating chronic fatigue syndrome

Licorice is the dried root or rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat., and Glycyrrhiza glabra L., which has attracted considerable interest as a well-known dietary and medicinal plant. Licorice possesses a number of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antitumor, and is used as a major ingredient in various healthy food products. According to traditional Chinese medicine, raw licorice effectively eliminates heat and detoxifies, and processed licorice is effective in regulating the spleen and qi. Thus, we compared the effectiveness of raw and processed licorice in treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and found that processed licorice is more effective than raw licorice. The mechanisms underlying the effects of raw and processed licorice in the treatment of CFS were clarified in this study through multi-omics analysis. Results demonstrated that processed licorice increased the expression levels of the pyruvate kinase, acetyl coenzyme A acetyltransferase, and cytochrome P-450 4A2 genes, which in turn promoted glycolytic processes, cholesterol metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism. After processing, licorice's total flavone and saponin content decreased, and the decrease in flavonoid content was more pronounced. This finding is in line with the findings of plant metabolomics, which showed that the content of saponins in the total licorice extract increased, possibly accounting for the majority of the enhanced effects. In conclusion, processed licorice is more suitable as a raw material or ingredient for medicines and functional food for CFS than raw licorice.

A novel Glycyrrhiza glabra extract liquiritin targeting NFATc1 activity and ROS levels to counteract ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis and bone loss in murine model.

Osteoporosis, a prevalent osteolytic condition worldwide, necessitates effective strategies to inhibit excessive bone resorption by curbing osteoclast hyperactivation. Liquiritin (LIQ), an flavanone derivative employed in acute lung injury and rheumatoid arthritis treatment, possesses an unclear role in addressing excessive bone resorption. In this investigation, we found that LIQ demonstrates the ability to inhibit osteoclast formation and the bone-resorbing activity induced by RANKL. At a specific concentration, LIQ significantly attenuated NF-κB-Luc activity induced by RANKL and curtailed NF-κB activation in RANKL-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, resulting in reduced IκB-α breakdown and diminished nuclear NF-κB levels. Furthermore, LIQ markedly inhibited RANKL-induced NFATc1 activation, as evidenced by diminished NFATc1 luciferase activity, reduced NFATc1 mRNA levels, and decreased nuclear NFATc1 protein levels. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that LIQ effectively restrained the RANKL-induced elevation of intracellular calcium as well as reactive oxygen species. Additionally, LIQ exhibited a downregulating effect on the expression of osteoclast-specific genes, which include Acp5, Cathepsin K, Atp6v0d2, Nfatc1, c-Fos, and Mmp9. Notably, our findings revealed the potential of LIQ to counteract decreased bone density in mice that underwent ovariectomy. Collectively, the data indicate that LIQ impedes osteoclast formation triggered by RANKL and the subsequent reduction in bone mass by mitigating ROS levels and suppressing the Ca2+/MAPK-NFATc1 signaling pathway, suggesting its promising candidacy as a therapeutic agent for RANKL-mediated osteoporosis.

Ameliorative Effect of Yeast and Gamma Irradiated Licorice Extracts on Growth, Yield, Fruit Quality and Nutrient Content of Red Globe Grapevine

Ameliorative Effect of Yeast and Gamma Irradiated Licorice Extracts on Growth, Yield, Fruit Quality and Nutrient Content of Red Globe Grapevine

Effect of extract of ginger root and liquorice on the microbiological safety of mutton liver pâté

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of ginger root (Zingiber officinale) and liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) extract in liver pates on their microbiological safety, water activity and pH values. Four samples of pates were produced: control (without extracts), variant 1 (addition of 1% liquorice root and 2% ginger root), variant 2 (2% liquorice root, 3% ginger root), variant 3 (3% liquorice root, 4% ginger root). The number of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms, lactobacilli, moulds, yeasts, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella on the day of production and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of storage were determined. According to the experimental data, the studied microbiological safety indicators were within the permissible standards during the entire period of storage. The lowest microflora growth was observed in variants 1 and 4. With increasing storage time of the samples, a decrease in the value of water activity and an increase in the pH value was observed. Sensory analysis showed a positive trend in pates' taste, texture, and aroma when introducing sheep fat and plant extracts into the recipe. According to the overall sensory analysis score, variant 2 received the highest score (8.5), while the control sample received the lowest score (7.9). The aroma, consistency and juiciness of the pâtés of variant 2 were significantly better (p <0.05). The studies confirmed the prospects of improving the microbiological stability of liver pâté using different combinations of plant extracts.

The Power of Licorice (Radix glycyrrhizae) to Improve Oral Health: A Comprehensive Review of Its Pharmacological Properties and Clinical Implications.

Licorice (Radix glycyrrhizae) is a plant root extract widely used in various applications, including cosmetics, food supplements, and traditional medicine. It has a long history of medicinal use in different cultures due to its diverse pharmacological properties. Licorice has traditionally been used for treating gastrointestinal problems, respiratory infections, cough, bronchitis, arthritis, and skin conditions. In recent years, the potential therapeutic benefits of licorice for oral health have gained significant interest. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the effects of licorice extracts and their bioactive components on common oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis, halitosis, candidiasis, and recurrent aphthous ulcers. The chemical composition of licorice has shown the presence of several bioactive compounds such as glycyrrhizin, glabridin, isoliquiritigenin (ISL), and licochalcone exhibiting various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory effects. Interestingly, in certain patients, licorice has shown a promising potential to inhibit the spread of viruses, prevent biofilm formation, reduce inflammation, boost immune responses, alleviate pain, and exert antioxidative effects. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the current understanding of licorice's therapeutic benefits in the treatment of oral ailments, emphasising its potential as an alternative treatment option for oral diseases. Further research is warranted to explore its efficacy, safety, and clinical applications using placebo-controlled clinical trials.

Licochalcone D Inhibits Skin Epidermal Cells Transformation through the Regulation of AKT Signaling Pathways.

Cell transformation induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) is a critical event in cancer initiation and progression, and understanding the underlying mechanisms is essential for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Licorice extract contains various bioactive compounds, which have been reported to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the cancer preventive efficacy of licochalcone D (LicoD), a chalcone derivative in licorice extract, in EGF and TPA-induced transformed skin keratinocyte cells. LicoD effectively suppressed EGF-induced cell proliferation and anchorage-independent colony growth. EGF and TPA promoted the S phase of cell cycle, while LicoD treatment caused G1 phase arrest and down-regulated cyclin D1 and up-regulated p21 expression associated with the G1 phase. LicoD also induced apoptosis and increased apoptosis-related proteins such as cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-7, and Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein). We further investigated the effect of LicoD on the AKT signaling pathway involved in various cellular processes and found decreased p-AKT, p-GSK3β, and p-NFκB expression. Treatment with MK-2206, an AKT pharmacological inhibitor, suppressed EGF-induced cell proliferation and transformed colony growth. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the potential of LicoD as a preventive agent for skin carcinogenesis.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity and heavy metals content in licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) growing wild in Armenia

In this study, for the first time an analysis of the metal content in extracts obtained from licorice roots grown in the forests of five different regions in Armenia was conducted. Our findings indicated that the concentrations of metals in the extracts did not exceed the permissible limits set by regulatory standards. Furthermore, we investigated the quantitative composition of flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins in the licorice roots, which had not been previously studied. Our results revealed that the composition of these substances is significantly influenced by the soil characteristics of the region. To assess the antioxidant properties of the licorice extract, we employed the approach known as the kinetics of competitive reaction method. Our study successfully demonstrated that the extract derived from the roots of the licorice plant, collected from all five regions under study, exhibited notable antioxidant properties.

Determination of ochratoxin A in licorice extract based on modified immunoaffinity column clean-up and HPLC analysis

Contamination of ochratoxin A (OTA) is a common concern for the quality and safety of licorice and its derivatives, while their complex sample matrices always restrict the monitoring and regulation of OTA. Taking the much more concentrated and complicated licorice extract as the representative, a modified analysis method was established for OTA by HPLC. Parameters were comprehensively investigated based on liquid-liquid extraction and immunoaffinity column clean-up. In comparison to other methods, the developed method achieved effective clean-up efficiency and selectivity without tedious procedures and specialized instrumentation. Good linearity (R2 ≥0.9995), low LOD/LOQ (0.10 μg/kg/0.33 μg/kg), and satisfactory recovery (90.0%-96.4%, RSDs <7.0%) indicated the satisfactory sensitivity and reliability of the method. In addition, the applicability and robustness of the method was demonstrated by the analysis of large numbers of licorice extract samples. It is noteworthy that 66.5% of 176 samples were contaminated with OTA, while the concentrations of 9.1% of samples exceeded the maximum limit (ML, 80 μg/kg) defined by the EU. On account of the high contamination frequency and broad concentration range of OTA, the daily intake limit of licorice extract was preliminarily determined to be 123.18–123.93 g/day (chronic exposure) and 24.24 g/day (acute exposure), indicating a potential of acute risk through daily exposure. This calls for improved supervision and regulation for OTA contamination in licorice samples. This study suggests a prospective option for the efficient determination and routine monitoring of OTA in licorice and its derivatives, simultaneously providing a valuable data base for its health risk assessment.

Fabrication of green composite hand knitted silk mesh reinforced with silk hydrogel

Soft tissue defects like hernia and post-surgical fistula formation can be resolved with modern biomaterials in the form of meshes without post-operative complications. In the present study hand knitted silk meshes were surface coated with regenerated silk fibroin hydrogel and pure natural extracts. Two phytochemicals (Licorice extract (LE) and Bearberry extract (BE)) and the two honeybee products (royal jelly (RJ) and honey (HE)) were incorporated separately to induce antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing ability to the silk hydrogel coated knitted silk meshes. Meshes were dip coated with a blend of 4 % silk hydrogel (w/v) and 5 % extracts. Dried modified meshes were characterized using SEM, DMA, GC–MS and FTIR. Antimicrobial testing, in-vitro cytotoxicity, in-vitro wound healing and Q-RT-PCR were also performed.SEM analysis concluded that presence of coating reduced the pore size up to 47.7 % whereas, fiber diameter was increased up to 17.9 % as compared to the control. The presence of coating on the mesh improved the mechanical strength/Young's modulus by 1602.8 %, UTS by 451.7 % and reduced the % strain by 51.12 %. Sustained release of extracts from MHRJ (62.9 % up to 72 h) confirmed that it can induce antibacterial activity against surgical infections. Cytocompatibility testing and gene expression results suggest that out of four variables MHRJ presented best cell viability, % wound closure and expression of wound healing marker genes. In-vivo analyses in rat hernia model were carried out using only MHRJ variant, which also confirmed the non- toxic nature and wound healing characteristics of the modified mesh. The improved cell proliferation and activated wound healing in vitro and in vivo suggested that MHRJ could be a valuable candidate to promote cell infiltration and activate soft tissue and hernia repair as a biomedical implant.

Combined extract (Curcuma longa-Glycyrrhiza glabra) alleviates the inflammations of Achilles tendinopathy in Wistar rats.

Achilles tendinopathy is a frequent pathological condition in adults with overused ankles, causing microtrauma, inducing tenocyte apoptosis and inflammatory response. Common treatment involves oral prescription or injection of anti-inflammatory agents, surgery, or shock-wave therapy. However, prolonged administration is not advisable due to adverse effects. Therefore, a novel and safe regimen is needed. Curcuma longa and Glycyrrhiza glabra extracts are known for their anti-inflammatory effects owing to their active compounds (curcumin and glycyrrhizin, respectively). This study aimed to determine the effect of combined extracts of Curcuma longa and Glycyrrhiza glabra on tendon healing in an animal model of Achilles tendinopathy (Wistar rats). This study took place from February to May 2022 and compared the regimens administered to 32 animal models of Wistar rats with 4 healthy rats as a control group to determine the most effective therapeutic regimen: immobilization, immobilization with ibuprofen, or immobilization with the combined extract. The outcomes were measured to find which intervention provided the lowest inflammatory markers [High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB-1), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Chemokin motif ligand 12 (CXCL-12)], and improved tissue morphology represented by the BONAR score, decreased cross-sectional area (CSA), and increased Macrophage 2 (M2) differentiation. After Achilles tendinopathy was induced, total immobilization (I1) was proven to be the most effective with the lowest CSA, whereas immobilization+175 mg/kg Curcuma longa+110 mg/kg Glycyrrhiza glabra extract (I5) was the most effective with the lowest HMGB-1 levels and the lowest CXCL-12 levels. Immobilization+131 mg/kg Curcuma longa+82.5 mg/kg Glycyrrhiza glabra extract (I6) was the most effective with the lowest Bonar score, while immobilization+87.5 mg/kg Curcuma longa+55 mg/kg Glycyrrhiza glabra extract (I7) was proven to be the most effective with the highest M2 coverage area and the lowest TNF-α levels. We found that combined extract therapy was the most effective intervention for treating Achilles tendinopathy due to its ability to provide the lowest inflammatory markers.

Efficacy of Licorice as Adjunctive Therapy in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

There is no definitive pharmacological strategy for COVID-19; thus, medicinal herbs can be an appropriate option for COVID-19 management. We investigated the efficacy of a D-reglis® tablet (root extract of licorice) as adjuvant therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19 at intensive care units (ICUs) of Alzahra Teaching Hospital affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. In the present double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, critically ill cases with COVID-19 (n = 52) received a D-reglis® tablet (760 mg) or a placebo tablet for 5 days. The ICU stay length was the primary outcome. The secondary outcome included the changes in oxygen saturation, duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality rate, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) Score during the study period. The ICU stay was significantly lower in the licorice group than in the placebo group (P = 0.015). No significant difference was detected between the groups regarding oxygen saturation, SOFA score, duration of mechanical ventilation, and mortality rate. The licorice tablet (D-reglis®) as an adjuvant treatment showed promising results regarding the ICU stay length in critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, further clinical trials with larger sample sizes, further duration of intervention, measurement of inflammatory markers, and further study about the molecular mechanism of the effect of licorice on COVID-19 should be done to obtain more conclusive findings.

EVALUATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL POTENTIAL OF LICORICE AND XYLITOL CONTAINING SUCROSE FREE HARD CANDIES IN HIGH CARIES RISK PATIENTS

Objectives: To evaluate the effi cacy of sucrose-free hard candies containing xylitol and licorice for preventing dental caries in high-risk individuals. Materials and Methods: Total 80 participants were enrolled based on inclusion criteria. Participants were divided at random into four groups of twenty. Group A consumed stevia-sweetened hard candies including licorice extract, Group B consumed stevia-sweetened hard candies containing xylitol extract, Group C consumed stevia-sweetened hard candies, and Group D consumed sucrose-sweetened hard candies. For the fi rst ten days, participants were asked to eat 2 candies each day; saliva samples were collected at Day 0, after fourteen days following the baseline saliva collection, and after six months after the intervention. Each participant was asked to spit into a sterile plastic container until a suffi cient quantity (5ml) of un-stimulated saliva was collected. It took place between 9 and 10 a.m. For at least an hour before the saliva sample was taken, the individual was requested to abstain from all forms of oral care. The statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 20. Results: Eighty participants finish the experiment and follow the instructions. CFU and pH data for streptococcus mutans in saliva were done as experimental analysis. The mean percentage change in CFU of Streptococcus mutans (%) varied signifi cantly across hard candies over the course of each time period (baseline to fourteen days, P&lt;0.001; fourteen days to six months, P&lt;0.001; and baseline to six months, P&lt;0.001). There was a statistically signifi cant difference in mean salivary pH across various assessment periods within Base line to fourteen days (P&lt;0.001) and Fourteen days to six months (P=0.019) and Base line to six months (P&lt;0.001). The connection between bacterial count and salivary pH was found to be -0.142 (P=0.212) using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Conclusion: Licorice or xylitol extract are used to make sugar-free hard candies that are antibacterial, although the effect wears off with time. Hard candies without sugar have been proven to decrease cariogenic bacteria, while having an essentially neutral effect on pH.

Chinese Herbal Extracts Mitigate Ammonia Generation in the Cecum of Laying Hens: An In Vitro Study.

The objectives of the study were to screen one or several Chinese herbal extracts with good ammonia emission reduction effects using an in vitro gas production study. The study consisted of a control (without Chinese herbal extract), and 11 experimental groups with added cinnamon extract (CE), Osmanthus extract (OE), tangerine peel extract (TPE), dandelion extract (DE), Coptis chinensis extract (CCE), honeysuckle extract (HE), Pulsatilla root extract (PRE), yucca extract (YE), licorice extract (LE), Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), or astragalus extract (AE). The results showed that HE, PRE, YE, LE, GBE, and AE significantly reduced ammonia production (p ≤ 0.05). The most significant ammonia inhibition was achieved via AE, resulting in a 26.76% reduction. In all treatments, Chinese herbal extracts had no significant effect on pH, conductivity, or uric acid, urea, and nitrate-nitrogen concentrations (p > 0.05). However, AE significantly reduced urease activity and the relative activity of uricase (p ≤ 0.05). AE significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides and decreased the relative abundance of Clostridium, Desulfovibrio, and Prevotell (p ≤ 0.05). Astragalus extract inhibited ammonia emission from laying hens by changing the gut microbial community structure, reducing the relative abundance of ammonia-producing bacteria, and reducing microorganisms' uricase and urease activities.

Effects of licorice aqueous extract on the productive characteristics of Chinese ducks

This study was conducted at a private field for duck breeding in Al-Muthanna Governorate from 12/14/2021 to 02/14/2022. The field experiment was included to study the effect of adding an aqueous extract of licorice to drinking water on the productive performance of Chinese ducks. A total of 60 unsexed, one-day Chinese duck chicks were used, prepared from one of the hatcheries in Al-Qadisiyah Governorate, were randomly distributed to 4 treatments, included 3 replicates (5 chicks each replicate), the treatments were as follows: T1: control treatment. T2, T3 and T4 were 5, 10 and 15 ml aqueous extract of licorice /liter of drinking water. The results show that there was a significant improvement in all the studied productive traits (body weight, weight gain, feed intake, food conversion) at the treatment of licorice aqueous extract in drinking water, in addition to the high level of licorice aqueous extract (15 ml of licorice per each liter of drinking water), which gave the best results and significantly. Keywords: licorice aqueous extract, productive traits, Chinese ducks.