Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Research Articles

The Mixture of Gastrodia elata and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Attenuates Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Disorder

Background: Cognitive disorders are symptoms of degenerative neuronal diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study evaluated the effects of a mixture of Gastrodiae elata (GE) and Glycyrrhizae uralensis (GU) (GGW) on scopolamine-treated cognitive function disorders in vivo. Methods: To induce memory impairment and cognitive disorder, C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally administered scopolamine. In the experimental period, the Y-maze, passive avoidance, and water maze tests were carried out to measure the ameliorative effect of GGW on cognitive function disorder. The expression of amyloid-β (Aβ), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the hippocampal tissues were measured. In addition, to assess the effect of GGW on brain tissue, tissues were stained using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Results: GGW treatment improved latencies in the Y-maze, water maze, and passive avoidance tests compared with scopolamine treatment alone. GGW administration downregulated Aβ and AChE expression. In addition, BDNF expression was upregulated by GGW administration. Conclusion: These results suggest that GGW ameliorates impaired cognitive function in a scopolamine-induced mouse model. In addition, GGW could control the pathway of scopolamine-induced cognitive disorders by regulating Aβ, AChE, and BDNF. These results suggest that GGW could be used as a treatment agent for cognitive dysfunction.

Effects of Leaf Hydrophilicity and Stomatal Regulation on Foliar Water Uptake Capacity of Desert Plants

Foliar water uptake (FWU) is one of the primary water sources for desert plants. Desert plants’ water uptake capacity is essential in maintaining the balance of carbon and water. However, there are few studies on FWU capacity in desert plants and the physiological and ecological characteristics that lead to differences in FWU capacity. In order to clarify FWU strategies and the influencing factors of plants in desert ecosystems, this study measured the contact angle, FWU parameters, and hydraulic parameters to explore six desert plants’ FWU capacity and the effects of leaf wettability and hydraulic parameters on FWU capacity. The results showed that all six plants had FWU capacity, among which the leaves of Nitraria sibirica Pall. and Halimodendron halodendron (Pall.) Voss had a high foliar water uptake rate (k) and high foliar water uptake accumulation (FWU storage), and the leaves of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. had a high k and low FWU storage. The leaves of Populus euphratica Oliv., Apocynum hendersonii Hook. f., and Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. had a low k and low FWU storage. Additionally, FWU capacity was mainly affected by stomatal regulation compared with leaf wettability and leaf structure. The results of this study will help to improve the understanding of the physiological and ecological adaptability of desert plants.

Efficacy and safety of TCMs with anti-inflammatory effect in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A network meta-analysis.

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), such as Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF), Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Caulis sinomenii and others have anti-inflammatory effects. They are widely used in China to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but proof of their use as an evidence-based medicine is little. The aim of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCMs. By searching online databases and using a manual retrieval method, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met specific selection criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The search included papers that were published between the establishment of the databases and November 10, 2022. Analyses were performed using Stata software (version 14) and Review Manager (version 5.3). 61 papers with 6316 subjects were included in the current NMA. For ACR20, MTX plus SIN therapy (94.30%) may be a significant choice. For ACR50 and ACR70, MTX plus IGU therapy (95.10%, 75.90% respectively) performed better than other therapies. IGU plus SIN therapy (94.80%) may be the most promising way to reduce DAS-28, followed by MTX plus IGU therapy (92.80%) and TwHF plus IGU therapy (83.80%). In the analysis of the incidence of adverse events, MTX plus XF therapy (92.50%) had the least potential, while LEF therapy (22.10%) may cause more adverse events. At the same time, TwHF therapy, KX therapy, XF therapy and ZQFTN therapy were not inferior to MTX therapy. TCMs with anti-inflammatory effect were not inferior to MTX therapy in the treatment of RA patients. Combining with TCMs can improve the clinic efficacy and reduce the possibility of adverse events of DMARDs, which may be a promising regimen. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022313569.

Abiotic factors and endophytes co-regulate flavone and terpenoid glycoside metabolism in Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Recently, endorhizospheric microbiota is realized to be able to promote the secondary metabolism in medicinal plants, but the detailed metabolic regulation metabolisms and whether the promotion is influenced by environmental factors are unclear yet. Here, the major flavonoids and endophytic bacterial communities in various Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. roots collected from seven distinct places in northwest China, as well as the edaphic conditions, were characterized and analyzed. It was found that the soil moisture and temperature might modulate the secondary metabolism in G. uralensis roots partially through some endophytes. One rationally isolated endophyte Rhizobium rhizolycopersici GUH21 was proved to promote the accumulation of isoliquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid significantly in roots of the potted G. uralensis under the relatively high-level watering and low temperature. Furthermore, we did the comparative transcriptome analysis of G. uralensis seedling roots in different treatments to investigate the detailed mechanisms of the environment-endophyte-plant interactions and found that the low temperature went hand in hand with the high-level watering to activate the aglycone biosynthesis in G. uralensis, while GUH21 and the high-level watering cooperatively promoted the in planta glucosyl unit production. Our study is of significance for the development of methods to rationally promote the medicinal plant quality.Key points• Soil temperature and moisture related to isoliquiritin contents in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.• Soil temperature and moisture related to the hosts’ endophytic bacterial community structures.• The causal relation among abiotic factors—endophytes—host was proved through the pot experiment.

Multiple approaches to characterize and visualize the chemical composition of Sijunzi Decoction comprehensively.

Sijunzi Decoction is composed of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Atractylodes Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle, and it is a classic formula for treating spleen deficiency syndrome in Chinese medicine. Clarifying the active substances is an effective way to develop Traditional Chinese medicine and innovative medicines. Carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and inorganic elements in the decoction were analyzed by multiple approaches. A molecular network was also used for visualizing the ingredients in Sijunzi Decoction, and representative components were also quantified. The detected components accounted for 74.544% of the Sijunzi Decoction freeze-dried powder, including 41.751% crude polysaccharides, 17.826% sugars (degree of polymerization 1-2), 8.181% total saponins, 2.427% insoluble precipitates, 2.154% free amino acids, 1.177% total flavonoids, 0.546% total phenolic acids, and 0.483% inorganic elements. Molecular network and quantitative analysis used to characterize the chemical composition of Sijunzi Decoction. The present study systematically characterized the constituents of Sijunzi Decoction, revealed the composition ratio of each type of constituent, and provided a reference for study on the substance basis of other Chinese medicine.

Effect of Chinese herbal medicine therapy on risks of all-cause mortality, infections, parasites, and circulatory-related mortality in HIV/AIDS patients with neurological diseases.

Introduction: Long-term living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with various adverse effects, including neurocognitive impairment. Heterogeneous neurocognitive impairment remains an important issue, affecting between 15-65% of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients and resulting in work performance, safety, and health-related outcomes that have a heavy economic burden. Methods: We identified 1,209 HIV/AIDS patients with neurological diseases during 2010-2017. The Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards model were used to analyze 308 CHM users and 901 non-CHM users within this population. Major CHM clusters were determined using association rule mining and network analysis. Results and Discussion: Results showed that CHM users had a 70% lower risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.16-0.58, p < 0.001) (p = 0.0007, log-rank test). Furthermore, CHM users had an 86% lower risk of infections, parasites, and circulatory-related mortality (aHR = 0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.04-0.46, p = 0.001) (p = 0.0010, log-rank test). Association rule mining and network analysis showed that two CHM clusters were important for patients with neurological diseases. In the first CHM cluster, Huang Qin (HQ; root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi), Gan Cao (GC; root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), Huang Lian (HL; root of Coptis chinensis Franch.), Jie Geng (JG; root of Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A.DC.), and Huang Bai (HB; bark of Phellodendron amurense Rupr.) were identified as important CHMs. Among them, the strongest connection strength was identified between the HL and HQ. In the second CHM cluster, Suan-Zao-Ren-Tang (SZRT) and Ye Jiao Teng (YJT; stem of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.) were identified as important CHMs with the strongest connection strength. CHMs may thus be effective in treating HIV/AIDS patients with neurological diseases, and future clinical trials are essential for the prevention of neurological dysfunction in the population.

Intestinal Epithelial Protective Chalone Glycoside from the Roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis

: : Glycyrrhiza uralensis has been used as a traditional medicine for generations. Chalcones are one of the typical chemical constituents of G. uralensis. In this paper, phytochemical research on roots of G. uralensis was performed, leading to the isolation and identification of a previously undescribed chalcone glycoside (1). Its structure was established by means of comprehensive spectral analysis and acid hydrolysis. Moreover, bioactivity assay revealed that 1 showed a promotive effect on IEC-6 cell proliferation and evidently reversed DFMO-driven IEC-6 cell growth arrest. The results indicate that 1 might be used for the maintenance of intestinal epithelial homeostasis.

Global xenobiotic profiling of rat plasma using untargeted metabolomics and background subtraction-based approaches: Method evaluation and comparison.

Global xenobiotic profiling (GXP) is to detect and structurally characterize all xenobiotics in biological samples using mainly liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) based methods. GXP is highly needed in drug metabolism study, food safety testing, forensic chemical analysis, and exposome research. For detecting known or predictable xenobiotics, targeted LC-HRMS data processing methods based on molecular weights, mass defects and fragmentations of analytes are routinely employed. For profiling unknown xenobiotics, untargeted and LC-HRMS based metabolomics and background subtraction-based approaches are required. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of untargeted metabolomics and the precise and thorough background subtraction (PATBS) in GXP of rat plasma. Rat plasma samples collected from an oral administration of nefazodone (NEF) or Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao, GC) were analyzed by LC-HRMS. NEF metabolites and GC components in rat plasma were thoroughly searched and characterized via processing LC-HRMS datasets using targeted and untargeted methods. PATBS detected 68 NEF metabolites and 63 GC components, while the metabolomic approach (MS-DIAL) found 67 NEF metabolites and 60 GC components in rat plasma. The two methods found 79 NEF metabolites and 80 GC components with 96% and 91% successful rates, respectively. Metabolomics methods are capable of GXP and measuring alternations of endogenous metabolites in a group of biological samples, while PATBS is more suited for sensitive GXP of a single biological sample. A combination of metabolomics and PATBS approaches can generate better results in the untargeted profiling of unknown xenobiotics.

The correlation between pharmacological activity and contents of eight constituents of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (GUF), Leguminosae) has been extensively applied in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat diseases, exactly, in almost half of Chinese herbal prescription. However, the relationship between chemical contents and efficacy has not been established, which could evaluate GUF quality. To create a simple and effective quality-evaluation method, 33 batches of GUF from different habitats in China were collected. The correlation between eight constituents (liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid, licochalcone A, glabridin and glycyrrhetinic acid) and pharmacological activities (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunoregulatory) was analyzed per the partial least squares regression method. Results showed that eight constituents correlated significantly with the pharmacological activity. The correlation equation modes between pharmacological activity and contents of eight constituents were constructed and verified to be reliable. In GUF extract, the main constituents liquiritin, isoliquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid exhibited positive influence on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect with different potent, while the metabolites liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin exhibited positive effect on the immunoregulatory activity and glycyrrhetinic acid exhibited positive effect on all the tested activities. Thus, our chemical-efficacy correlation method is reliable and feasible to predict the pharmacological activity based on its eight constituents. It could be powerful in quality control of GUF and provides a useful way for quality evaluation of other medicinal herbs.

N-Butanol Extract of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Inhibits Dengue Virus through Targeting Envelope Protein.

At present, about half of the world's population is at risk of being infected with dengue virus (DENV). However, there are no specific drugs to prevent or treat DENV infection. Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, performs multiple pharmacological activities, including exerting antiviral effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-DENV effects of n-butanol extract from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome (GRE). Compounds analysis of GRE was conducted via ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The antiviral activities of GRE were determined by the CCK-8 assay, plaque assay, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and the immunofluorescence assay. The DENV-infected suckling mice model was constructed to explore the antiviral effects of GRE in vivo. Four components in GRE were analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS, including glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetnic acid, liquiritigenin, and isoliquiritigenin. GRE inhibited the attachment process of the virus replication cycle and reduced the expression of the E protein in cell models. In the in vivo study, GRE significantly relieved clinical symptoms and prolong survival duration. GRE also significantly decreased viremia, reduced the viral load in multiple organs, and inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in DENV-infected suckling mice. GRE exhibited significant inhibitory activities in the adsorption stage of the DENV-2 replication cycle by targeting the envelope protein. Thus, GRE might be a promising candidate for the treatment of DENV infection.

Simultaneous determination of twenty-nine active compounds in fuzhengjiedu granules by HPLC-QQQ-MS/MS

As an empirical medicine of traditional Chinese medicine, Fuzhengjiedu Granules have shown an effect against COVID-19 in clinical and inflammatory animal models. It is formulated with eight herbs, including Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, Gleditsiae Spina, Fici Radix, Pogostemonis Herba, and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium. This study established a high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) method by simultaneously determining 29 active compounds in the granules with significant content differences. Separation by gradient elution using acetonitrile and water (0.1% formic acid) as mobile phases was performed on a Waters Acquilty UPLC T3 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.7 μm). A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, operating in positive and negative ionization modes, was used for multiple reaction monitoring to detect the 29 compounds. All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r2 > 0.998). RSDs of precision, reproducibility, and stability of active compounds were all lower than 5.0%. The recovery rates were 95.4–104.9%, with RSDs< 5.0%. This method was successfully used to analyze the samples, and the results showed that 26 representative active components from 8 herbs were detected in the granules. While aconitine, mesaconitine, and hypaconitine were not detected, indicating that the existing samples were safe. The granules had the maximum and minimum content of hesperidin (27.3 ± 0.375 mg/g) and benzoylaconine (38.2 ± 0.759 ng/g). To conclude, a fast, accurate, sensitive, and reliable HPLC-QQQ-MS/MS method was established, which can simultaneously detect 29 active compounds that have a considerable difference in the content of Fuzhengjiedu Granules. This study can be used to control the quality and safety of Fuzhengjiedu Granules and provide a basis and guarantee for further experimental research and clinical application.

Analysis on quality value transmitting of Qinggusan reference sample of classical prescription based on quantitative fingerprint technology

Qinggusan is the 69th prescription in the first batch of "Catalogue of Ancient Chinese Classic Formulas". In modern clinical practice， Qinggusan is mainly used to treat noninfectious fever. However， because few studies on Qinggusan reference samples and their quality value transfer are available， the development and promotion of its compound preparations are restricted. Therefore， establishing an accurate and comprehensive quality control method to clarify the critical quality attributes of Qinggusan reference samples is of great importance. In this study， 15 batches of Qinggusan reference samples were processed to determine the range of their dry extract ratios. Quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） fingerprint analysis was performed using a Waters Symmetry Shield RP18 column （250 mm×4.6 mm， 5 μm） with acetonitrile-0.1% （v/v） formic acid aqueous solution as the mobile phase in gradient elution mode. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min， the column temperature was 30 ℃， and the detection wavelength was 254 nm. The HPLC fingerprints of the Qinggusan reference samples were established under these conditions to evaluate their similarity. The established method was systematically validated and found to demonstrate good precision， repeatability， and sample stability. Subsequently， characteristic peaks were identified and attributed by HPLC-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry （HPLC-Q-TOF-MS） analysis. MS was performed in electrospray ionization mode， the data were collected in both positive- and negative-ion modes， and the detection range was m/z 50-2000. The contents and transfer rate ranges of the index components， namely， gentiopicrin， mangiferin， picroside Ⅱ， picroside Ⅰ， and glycyrrhizic acid， were determined to analyze the quality value transfer of the samples. The results demonstrated that the dry extract rate of the 15 batches of Qinggusan reference samples ranged from 24.10% to 26.88% and that their fingerprint similarities were generally greater than 0.95. Twelve common peaks were identified by reference identification， literature comparison， and high-resolution MS analysis. Twelve compounds， including six iridoid glycosides， two flavonoids， one alkaloid， one triterpenoid saponin， and two others. Among them， L-picein， androsin， picroside Ⅳ， picroside Ⅱ and picroside Ⅰ were from Picrorhizae Rhizoma， loganin acid， swertiamarin and gentiopicrin were from Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix， neomangiferin and mangiferin were from Anemarrhenae Rhizoma， dichotomine B was from Stellariae Radix， and glycyrrhizic acid was from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. The five key components presented good linear relationships in their respective linear ranges， and all correlation coefficients were higher than 0.999. The relative standard deviations （RSDs） of precision， stability， and repeatability were less than 1.3%. The average recoveries varied between 95.92% and 102.5%， with RSDs less than 3.9%； these values meet the requirements defined in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The contents of gentiopicrin， mangiferin， picroside Ⅱ， picroside Ⅰ， and glycyrrhizic acid in the 15 batches of reference samples were in the range of 17.92-27.55， 1.83-4.42， 23.08-36.44， 8.43-15.04， and 0.94-2.39 mg/g， respectively， and their transfer rates from the decoction pieces to the reference samples were 47.91%-63.95%， 22.96%-59.39%， 60.82%-77.82%， 64.25%-99.53%， and 15.30%-39.30%， respectively. In this study， the chemical components of Qinggusan reference samples were comprehensively identified and their quality value transfer was studied through the combination of HPLC fingerprinting and MS. Clarification of the critical quality attributes of Qinggusan reference samples could provide a basis for the quality control of Qinggusan compound preparations.

Licorice as a herbal extract in periodontal therapy.

Periodontal disease is caused by specific pathogens which results in inflammation of the tooth-supporting structures and subsequently causes the continued breakdown of alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb with substantial medicinal value. Licorice extract is derived from dried, unpeeled stolons and roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and G. glabra. The bioactive ingredients in licorice extract such as glycyrrhizin, licoricidin, glabridin, licochalcone A, and licorisoflavan A have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-adherence effects that are beneficial against periodontal disease. Since periodontal disease has a complex etiology that includes the host response and microorganisms, licorice phytochemicals offer a therapeutic advantage due to their dual functionality. The aim of this review was to enumerate the bioactive compounds present in herbal licorice extract and to elucidate the beneficial effects of licorice and its derivatives in periodontal therapy. Literature review and clinical trials evaluating the effect of licorice on periodontopathogens and periodontal disease are included in this article.

Chondroprotective Mechanism of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.-Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. Couplet Medicines in Knee Osteoarthritis via Experimental Study and Network Pharmacology Analysis.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the primary prevalent disabling joint disorder among osteoarthritis (OA), and there is no particularly effective treatment at the clinic. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs, such as Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (E.G.) couplet medicines, have been reported to exhibit beneficial health effects on KOA, exact mechanism of E.G. nevertheless is not fully elucidated. We assess the therapeutic effects of E.G. on KOA and explore its underlying molecular mechanism. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technique was used to analyze the active chemical constituents of E.G. The destabilization of the medial meniscus model (DMM) was employed to evaluate the chondroprotective action of E.G. in KOA mice using histomorphometry, μCT, behavioral testing and immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to predict potential targets for anti-KOA activities of E.G., which was further verified through in vitro experiments. In vivo studies have shown that E.G. could significantly ameliorate DMM-induced KOA phenotypes including subchondral bone sclerosis, cartilage degradation, gait abnormality and thermal pain reaction sensibility. E.G. treatment could also promote extracellular matrix synthesis to protect articular chondrocytes, which was indicated by Col2 and Aggrecan expressions, as well as reducing matrix degradation by inhibiting MMP13 expression. Interestingly, network pharmacologic analysis showed that PPARG might be a therapeutic center. Further study proved that E.G.-containing serum (EGS) could up-regulate PPARG mRNA level in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. Notably, significant effects of EGS on the increment of anabolic gene expressions (Col2, Aggrecan) and the decrement of catabolic gene expressions (MMP13, Adamts5) in KOA chondrocytes were abolished due to the silence of PPARG. E.G. played a chondroprotective role in anti-KOA by inhibiting extracellular matrix degradation, which might be related to PPARG.

Liquiritin inhibits MRGPRX2-mediated pseudo-allergy through the PI3K/AKT and PLCγ signaling pathways

Liquiritin is a natural flavone with a variety of pharmacological effects derived from the medicinal food homology plant Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. As a kind of lethal allergic reactions, pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) arise from the Mas-related G protein coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2)-triggered fast degranulation of mast cells (MCs). In the current work, the anti-pseudo-allergy action and potential mechanisms of liquiritin were explored in vivo and in vitro. Liquiritin suppressed the calcium influx and degranulation elicited by Compound 48/80 (C48/80) in mouse peritoneal mast cells (MPMCs). In mice, liquiritin also inhibited the C48/80-elicited hind paw extravasation, as well as the elevations in TNF-α and histamine levels. Molecular docking combined with detection of HEK293T cells expressing human MRGPRX2 showed that liquiritin was a potential MRGPRX2 antagonist and inhibited PARs through the PI3K/AKT and PLCγ signaling pathways downstream of MRGPRX2. The present work opens a new avenue for the PARs management.

Synergistic inhibitory activity of Glycyrrhizae Radix and Rubi Fructus extracts on biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans

BackgroundStreptococcus mutans is a bacterium that causes oral diseases. Plaque, a biofilm produced by S. mutans and other bacteria, makes it difficult to remove cariogenic oral microorganisms, including biofilm producers. Glucan synthesis by glucosyltransferase is one of the mechanisms underlying plaque formation. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of inhibiting biofilm formation by interfering with the glucosyltransferase activity of S. mutans using edible herbal medicines.MethodsThis study investigated the inhibitory activity of Glycyrrhizae Radix extract, Rubi Fructus extract, glycyrrhizin from Glycyrrhizae Radix, and ellagic acid from Rubi Fructus against glucosyltransferase activity of S. mutans. Enzyme kinetic analysis identified the mechanism by which glycyrrhizin and ellagic acid inhibit enzyme activity.ResultsThe conditions for synergistically inhibiting biofilm formation by combining Glycyrrhizae Radix and Rubi Fructus extracts were identified. Biofilm formation was also synergistically inhibited by mixing their respective active constituents, glycyrrhizin and ellagic acid. Glycyrrhizin and ellagic acid inhibited glucosyltransferase via noncompetitive and uncompetitive mechanisms, respectively, indicating that they inhibit it via distinct mechanisms.ConclusionsThis study presents an effective oral hygiene method using the synergistic activity of two natural plant extracts to inhibit biofilm formation through different inhibitory mechanisms against glucosyltransferase of S. mutans.

Combination of immunotherapy and Kampo medicines for a patient with autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy

Combination of immunotherapy and Kampo medicines for a patient with autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy

α-starch and glycyrrhizin denature the acrid raphides of Pinellia tuber in traditional processing

Objective: Pinellia tuber, the dried tuber of Pinellia ternata, causes severe acrid irritation in the mouth and throat when swallowed in its raw form. Based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, this acridity is reduced by heating or processing using ginger, licorice, alum, or lime. Although these detoxification methods have been known since ancient times, only little is known about the mechanisms by which they detoxify Pinellia tubers. In the present study, we aimed to reveal the effectiveness of α-starch, and glycyrrhizin in licorice for the detoxification of Pinellia tubers. Methods: Previously, we found that intact raphides of raw Pinellia tuber have a lipophilic character, and denaturation of the raphides reduced their lipophilicity and acridity. Accordingly, we developed a raphide denaturation assay (RDA) to quantify the degree of denaturation of raphides by measuring the absorbance of the petroleum ether (PE) layer comprising the raphides. The effect of α-starch or the decoction of licorice (the root and stolon of Glycyrrhiza uralensis) on raphide denaturation was then determined using this assay. Results: The treatment of raphides with α-starch markedly enhanced heat denaturation of the raphides. Licorice decoction, glycyrrhizin, and glycyrrhetinic acid significantly denatured raphides in a calcium-dependent manner at high pH. Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid are also attached to the denatured raphides. Conclusions: α-starch in Pinellia tubers contributes to detoxification by heating. In the traditional processing method for Pinellia tubers using licorice and lime, glycyrrhizin in licorice and calcium ions play important roles in denaturing raphides. Graphical abstract: http://links.lww.com/AHM/A42.

A four-compound remedy AGILe protected H9c2 cardiomyocytes against oxygen glucose deprivation via targeting the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway: Implications for the therapy of myocardial infarction.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a highly prevalent and lethal disease worldwide. Prevention and timely recovery are critical for the control of the recurrence and heart failure in MI survivors. The present study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective activity of the herbal medicine formula Baoyuan Decoction (BYD) and identify the active compounds and molecular targets. The ethanolic BYD extract (BYDE) was prepared by water extraction and ethanol precipitation of four herbal medicines, Astragali Radix, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Cinnamomi Cortex, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Initially, BYDE was validated for the cardioprotective effectiveness in a mouse model of ischemia injury and rat cardiomyocyte H9C2 cells. As results, BYDE effectively reduced infarct size from 56% to 37% and preserved cardiac functions in mouse MI model while protected H9C2 cells against oxygen glucose deprivation. Subsequent network pharmacology analysis revealed that 122 bioactive ingredients, including flavonoids and saponins from the UPLC-MS/MS profile of BYDE, might target 37 MI-related proteins, including inflammatory and apoptotic mediators (e.g., TNF, NFKB1, CASPs, TNFRSF1A, CXCL12, BCL2A1). Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that BYDE might control the cardiac inflammation via targeting the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway while the selected targets were also implicated in IL-17 signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis. Consequently, adenosine, ginsenoside Rh2, isoliquiritigenin, and licochalcone A were selected to generate the four-compound mixture AGILe and validated for the inhibitory effects on the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway. The results of the present study suggested that the mixture AGILe might be a potential cardioprotective remedy against MI.

Components and composition of active volatiles attract on Diorhabda tarsalis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) from Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Rosales: Leguminoseae)

IntroductionPerennial Chinese licorice, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, is an important medicinal plant. Diorhabda tarsalis, a leaf beetle, is a serious insect pest on the plant and cause serious yield losses every year and is attracted to healthy and pest-damaged licorice by plant volatiles.AimThe biologically active components of the volatiles released from G. uralensis have not been reported; the components of the volatiles that attract D. tarsalis need to be identified. Such compounds could potentially be used for monitoring and mass-trapping pests.MethodsGC-EAD, GC-MS, EAG, Y-shaped olfactometer behavioral bioassays, and field trials were performed to identify the components and composition of active volatiles.ResultsMale and virgin female adults were generally attracted to volatiles from licorice, and volatiles from pest-infested plants were more attractive. Four compounds from licorice elicited a significant electrophysiological response (EAD) and were confirmed by EAG, including hexanal, (Z)-3-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, and (E)-2-hexenal. With the exception of the (E)-2-hexenal, these molecules significantly attracted adults in individual behavioral bioassays, and a proportional mixture corresponding to beetle-damaged licorice of hexanal, (Z)-3-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, and (E)-2-hexenal (8.78:15.26:57.24:18.72) was most effective for attracting D. tarsalis in the field, attracted a mean of 26 ± 7.19 beetles per trap.DiscussionD. tarsalis was attracted to volatiles from healthy and herbivore-induced G. uralensis under both laboratory and field conditions. The aforementioned compounds show considerable potential for commercial application to monitor and control D. tarsalis populations.