Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Research Articles

A Chinese classical prescription Maimendong decoction in treatment of pulmonary fibrosis: an overview

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and progressive disease characterized by fibrosis and interstitial pneumonia. It has similar clinical symptoms to “Fei Bi” and “Fei Wei” as described in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) classic Jingui Yaolue written by Zhang Zhongjing in the Han Dynasty. This study explored the potential of Maimendong Decoction (MMDD). MMDD consists of Ophiopogon japonicus (L.f) (ophiopogonis), Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. (pinellia), Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (ginseng), Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (glycyrrhiza), Zizi phus jujuba Mill. (jujuba), and Oryza sativa L. (oryza sativa), with the function of nourishing the lung and stomach, and reducing the effect of reverse qi. It has been used clinically for over two thousand years to treat conditions like “Fei Bi” and “Fei Wei”. Previous research suggests that MMDD and its individual herbal extracts have anti-fibrotic effects. The main focus of MMDD in treating PF is to reduce inflammatory cytokines, inhibit pro-fibrotic factors and oxidative stress, promote differentiation and homing of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and enhance cell autophagy activity. This review summarized the clinical applications, mechanisms, and pharmacological effects of MMDD in treating PF based on existing clinical applications and experimental research. It also discussed current issues and prospects, aiming to provide a reference for further research on the mechanism of PF, drug development, and clinical trials.

Effects of Crude Extract of Glycyrrhiza Radix and Atractylodes macrocephala on Immune and Antioxidant Capacity of SPF White Leghorn Chickens in an Oxidative Stress Model

The natural edible characteristics of Chinese herbs have led more and more people to study them as an alternative product to antibiotics. In this study, crude extracts of Glycyrrhiza radix and Atractylodes macrocephala (abbreviated as GRAM) with glycyrrhizic acid content not less than 0.2 mg/g were selected to evaluate the effects of GRAM on the immune and antioxidant capacity of model animals. Thirty 21-day-old male Leghorn chickens were weighed and randomly assigned to one of three groups of ten animals each. The treatments comprised a control group (CON), in which saline was injected at day 31, day 33, and day 35, an LPS-treated group (LPS), in which LPS (0.5 mg/kg of BW) was injected at day 31, day 33, and day 35, and finally a GRAM and LPS-treated group, (G-L) in which a GRAM-treated diet (at GRAM 2 g/kg) was fed from day 21 to day 35 with LPS injection (0.5 mg/kg of BW) at day 31, day 33, and day 35. The results of diarrhea grade and serum antioxidant measurement showed that the LPS group had obvious diarrhea symptoms, serum ROS and MDA were significantly increased, and T-AOC was significantly decreased. The oxidative stress model of LPS was successfully established. The results of immune and antioxidant indexes showed that feeding GRAM significantly decreased levels of the pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (p < 0.05) and significantly increased levels of the anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and IL-10 and levels of the antioxidant enzymes GSH-Px and CAT (p < 0.05). GRAM resisted the influence of LPS on ileum morphology, liver, and immune organs and maintained normal index values for ileum morphology, liver, and immune organs. In summary, this study confirmed the antidiarrheal effect of GRAM, which improved the immune and antioxidant capacity of model animals by regulating inflammatory cytokine levels and antioxidant enzyme activity in poultry.

Real-world Chinese herbal medicine for Parkinson's disease: a hospital-based retrospective analysis of electronic medical records

BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. Chinese medicine therapies have demonstrated effectiveness for PD in controlled settings. However, the utilization of Chinese medicine therapies for PD in real-world clinical practice and the characteristics of patients seeking these therapies have not been thoroughly summarized.MethodThe study retrospectively analyzed initial patient encounters (PEs) with a first-listed diagnosis of PD, based on electronic medical records from Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine between July 2018 and July 2023.ResultsA total of 3,206 PEs, each corresponding to an individual patient, were eligible for analyses. Approximately 60% of patients made initial visits to the Chinese medicine hospital after receiving a PD diagnosis, around 4.59 years after the onset of motor symptoms. Over 75% of the patients visited the Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic at their initial visits, while a mere 13.85% visited PD Chronic Care Clinic. Rest tremor (61.98%) and bradykinesia (52.34%) are the most commonly reported motor symptoms, followed by rigidity (40.70%). The most commonly recorded non-motor symptoms included constipation (31.88%) and sleep disturbance (25.27%). Integration of Chinese medicine and conventional medicine therapies was the most common treatment method (39.15%), followed by single use of Chinese herbal medicine (27.14%). The most frequently prescribed herbs for PD included Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (gan cao), Astragalus mongholicus Bunge (huang qi), Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (bai zhu), Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (dang gui), Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC. (di huang), Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (bai shao), Bupleurum chinense DC. (chai hu), Citrus aurantium L. (zhi qiao/zhi shi/chen pi), Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (ren shen), and Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (fu ling). These herbs contribute to formulation of Bu zhong yi qi tang (BZYQT).ConclusionPatients typically initiated Chinese medical care after the establishment of PD diagnosis, ~4.59 years post-onset of motor symptoms. The prevalent utilization of CHM decoctions and patented Chinese herbal medicine products, underscores its potential in addressing both motor and non-motor symptoms. Despite available evidence, rigorous clinical trials are needed to validate and optimize the integration of CHM, particularly BZYQT, into therapeutic strategies for PD.

Fabrication of mesoporous silica nanoparticles for releasable delivery of licorice polysaccharide at the acne site in topical application

Glycyrrhizae Radix et rhizome/licorice is a precious herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM's polysaccharides are medicinally active. But herbal polysaccharides pose some limitations for topical applications. Therefore, this study aimed to utilize licorice polysaccharide via mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) for anti-acne efficacy in topical delivery. The polysaccharide (GGP) was extracted with a 10 % NaOH solution. Chemical characterization suggested that GGP possesses an Mw of 267.9 kDa, comprised primarily of Glc (54.1 %) and Ara (19.12 %), and probably 1,4-linked Glc as a backbone. Then, MSN and amino-functionalized MSN were synthesized, GGP entrapped, and coated with polydopamine (PDA) to produce nanoparticle cargo. The resulted product exhibited 76 % entrapment efficiency and an in vitro release of 89 % at pH 5, which is usually an acne-prone skin's pH. Moreover, it significantly increased Sebocytes' cellular uptake. GGP effectively acted as an anti-acne agent and preserved its efficacy in synthesized nanoparticles. In vivo, the results showed that a 20 % gel of MSN-NH2-GGP@PDA could mediate an inflammatory response via inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and regulating anti-inflammatory cytokines. The MSN-NH2-GGP@PDA inhibited TLR2-activated-MAPK and NF-κB pathway triggered by heat-killed P. acnes. In conclusion, fabricated MSN entrapped GGP for biomimetic anti-acne efficacy in topical application.

Combining metabolomics and transcriptomics to reveal the potential medicinal value of rare species Glycyrrhiza squamulose

Licorice is a well-known Chinese medicinal plant that is widely used to treat multiple diseases and process food; however, wild licorice is now facing depletion. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify and protect licorice germplasm diversity. In this study, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were conducted to investigate the biodiversity and potential medicinal value of the rare wild Glycyrrhiza squamulose. A total of 182 differentially accumulated metabolites and 395 differentially expressed genes were identified by comparing Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Glycyrrhiza squamulose. The molecular weights of the chemical component of G. squamulose were comparable with those of G. uralensis, suggesting that G. squamulose may have medicinal value. Differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), mainly flavonoids such as kaempferol-3-O-galactoside, kaempferol-3-O-(6ʺmalonyl) glucoside, and hispidulin-7-O-glucoside, showed potential vitality in G. squamulose. Comparative transcriptomics with G. uralensis showed that among the 395 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 69 were enriched in the isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathway. Multiomics analysis showed that the distinction in flavonoid biosynthesis between G. squamulose and G. uralensis was strongly associated with the expression levels of IF7GT and CYP93C. In addition to identifying similarities and differences between G. squamulose and G. uralensis, this study provides a theoretical basis to protect and investigate rare species such as G. squamulose.

Jiegeng decoction ameliorated acute pharyngitis through suppressing NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevanceJiegeng decoction (JGD), consisting of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Platycodonis Radix at the ratio of 2:1, is a classical Chinese medicine prescription firstly recorded in "Treatise on Febrile Diseases". JGD has been extensively utilized to treat sore throat and lung diseases for thousands of years in China. However, the pharmacological effect and mechanism of JGD on acute pharyngitis (AP) remain unclear. Aim of the studyOur research aimed to reveal the pharmacological effect of JGD on AP and its potential mechanisms. Materials and methodsThe chemical components of JGD were analyzed based on the UPLC-MS analysis. The anti-inflammatory effect of JGD was evaluated by NO production using the Griess assay in RAW.246.7 cells. The mRNA expression of iNOS, IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1 was determined by qRT-PCR in vitro. A 15% ammonia-induced AP model was established. The histopathology, the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and MCP-1 in serum and the apoptosis-related genes caspease-8 and caspease-3 were determined by H&E staining, ELISA and qRT-PCR, respectively. The expression levels of p-p65, p65, p-JNK, JNK, p-p38, p38, p-ERK1/2, ERK1/2, and COX2 were measured through western blotting. ResultsNine compounds, including liquiritin, liquiritin apiosde, liquiritigenin, platycodin D, platycoside A, licorice saponin J2, licorice saponin G2, glycyrrhizic acid, and licochalcone A, were identified. JGD significantly inhibited NO production and regulated the mRNA expression levels of cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The results of in vivo experiments confirmed that JGD ameliorated AP through improving the pathological state of pharyngeal tissue, decreasing the serum levels of IL-6 and MCP-1 and preventing the tissue mRNA expression of caspease-8 and caspease-3. Furthermore, JGD also inhibited the NF-κB and MAPK pathways in the AP model. ConclusionsThis study suggested that JGD could alleviate AP through its anti-inflammation via NF-κB and MAPK pathways, which supported the traditional application of JGD for the treatment of throat diseases.

Endophytic Bacillus pumilus G5 Interacting with Silicon to Improve Drought Stress Resilience in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. by Modulating Nitrogen Absorption, Assimilation, and Metabolism Pathways.

Drought stress has become the primary severe threat to global agriculture production, including medicinal plants. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and environmentally friendly element silicon (Si) have emerged as effective methods in alleviating drought stress in various plants. Here, the effects of the plant endophytic G5 interaction with Si on regulating nitrogen absorption, assimilation, and metabolism pathways were investigated in the morphophysiological and gene attributes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis exposed to drought. Results showed that G5+Si application improved nitrogen absorption and assimilation by increasing the available nitrogen content in the soil, further improving the nitrogen utilization efficiency. Then, G5+Si triggered the accumulation of the major adjustment substances proline, γ-aminobutyric acid, putrescine, and chlorophyll, which played an important role in contributing to maintaining balance and energy supply in G. uralensis exposed to drought. These findings will provide new ideas for the combined application of PGPR and Si on both soil and plant systems in a drought habitat.

Visualized electrochemiluminescence detection of trace copper in practical food samples

Copper as a widely applied element in food supply chain can cause serious contamination issues that threats food safety. In this research, we present a quick and visible method for trace copper ion (Cu2+) quantification in practical food samples. Polymer dots (Pdots) were firstly conjugated with a copper-specific DNA aptamer and then tailored with rhodamine B (RhB) to extinguish the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signal through a resonance energy transfer process. The selective release of RhB leads to signal restoration when exposed to trace Cu2+ levels, achieving remarkable linearity with the logarithm of Cu2+ concentration within the range of 1 ng/L to 10 μg/L with an impressively low limit of detection at 11.8 pg/L. Most notably, our device was also applicable on visualizing and quantifying trace Cu2+ (∼0.2 μg/g) in practical Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. samples, underscoring its potential as a tool for the early prevention of potential copper contamination in food samples.

Integrative physiology and transcriptome reveal salt-tolerance differences between two licorice species: Ion transport, Casparian strip formation and flavonoids biosynthesis

BackgroundGlycyrrhiza inflata Bat. and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. are both original plants of ‘Gan Cao’ in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and G. uralensis is currently the mainstream variety of licorice and has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Both of these species have shown some degree of tolerance to salinity, G. inflata exhibits higher salt tolerance than G. uralensis and can grow on saline meadow soils and crusty saline soils. However, the regulatory mechanism responsible for the differences in salt tolerance between different licorice species is unclear. Due to land area-related limitations, the excavation and cultivation of licorice varieties in saline-alkaline areas that both exhibit tolerance to salt and contain highly efficient active substances are needed. The systematic identification of the key genes and pathways associated with the differences in salt tolerance between these two licorice species will be beneficial for cultivating high-quality salt-tolerant licorice G. uralensis plant varieties and for the long-term development of the licorice industry. In this research, the differences in growth response indicators, ion accumulation, and transcription expression between the two licorice species were analyzed.ResultsThis research included a comprehensive comparison of growth response indicators, including biomass, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and total flavonoids content, between two distinct licorice species and an analysis of their ion content and transcriptome expression. In contrast to the result found for G. uralensis, the salt treatment of G. inflata ensured the stable accumulation of biomass and total flavonoids at 0.5 d, 15 d, and 30 d and the restriction of Na+ to the roots while allowing for more K+ and Ca2+ accumulation. Notably, despite the increase in the Na+ concentration in the roots, the MDA concentration remained low. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the regulatory effects of growth and ion transport on the two licorice species were strongly correlated with the following pathways and relevant DEGs: the TCA cycle, the pentose phosphate pathway, and the photosynthetic carbon fixation pathway involved in carbon metabolism; Casparian strip formation (lignin oxidation and translocation, suberin formation) in response to Na+; K+ and Ca2+ translocation, organic solute synthesis (arginine, polyamines, GABA) in response to osmotic stresses; and the biosynthesis of the nonenzymatic antioxidants carotenoids and flavonoids in response to antioxidant stress. Furthermore, the differential expression of the DEGs related to ABA signaling in hormone transduction and the regulation of transcription factors such as the HSF and GRAS families may be associated with the remarkable salt tolerance of G. inflata.ConclusionCompared with G. uralensis, G. inflata exhibits greater salt tolerance, which is primarily attributable to factors related to carbon metabolism, endodermal barrier formation and development, K+ and Ca2+ transport, biosynthesis of carotenoids and flavonoids, and regulation of signal transduction pathways and salt-responsive transcription factors. The formation of the Casparian strip, especially the transport and oxidation of lignin precursors, is likely the primary reason for the markedly higher amount of Na+ in the roots of G. inflata than in those of G. uralensis. The tendency of G. inflata to maintain low MDA levels in its roots under such conditions is closely related to the biosynthesis of flavonoids and carotenoids and the maintenance of the osmotic balance in roots by the absorption of more K+ and Ca2+ to meet growth needs. These findings may provide new insights for developing and cultivating G. uralensis plant species selected for cultivation in saline environments or soils managed through agronomic practices that involve the use of water with a high salt content.

Exploring a path of vegetation restoration best suited for a photovoltaic plant in the Hobq desert

To investigate the soil improvement effects of different vegetation restoration measures during the operation and maintenance of photovoltaic power plants in the Hobq Desert. This study determined the soil grain size composition and soil nutrient content of 0–5 cm under four vegetation restoration measures and within the mechanical sand barriers by laser diffraction techniques and chemical experiments. The results showed that: (1) Soil particle size composition in the study area is predominantly sandy, with 1.02%, 6.63%, 5.34% and 2.61% less sand in Leymus chinensis (YC), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (GC), Artemisia ordosica Krasch (YH) and Hedysarum scoparium (HB), respectively, compared to mechanical sand barriers (CK). Soil particle distributions of YC, GC, and HB showed better sorting and more concentrated patterns, and all four vegetation restoration measures had higher fractal dimensions than CK. (2) AN (Alkali-hydrolyzable Nitrogen) content performance: The content of YC, GC, and HB was significantly higher than that of YH and CK, AP (Available Phosphorus) content did not differ significantly between measures, AK (Available Potassium) content was higher than that of CK in all measures, with YC content being the highest and SOM content being the highest for GC. (3) Soil total nutrient is unstable across vegetation restoration measures. Overall, the performance showed that the three vegetation restoration measures, YC, GC, and HB, were more evident in the soil total nutrient content improvement. Each particle size characteristic parameter and soil nutrient response vegetation restoration measures ameliorate sandy soil in PV power plants during operation and maintenance. YC and GC have the most apparent effect on soil amelioration.

A synergistic mechanism of Liquiritin and Licochalcone B from Glycyrrhiza uralensis against COPD

BackgroundChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a refractory respiratory disease mainly attributed to multiple pathological factors such as oxidative stress, infectious inflammation, and idiopathic fibrosis for decades. The medicinal plant Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract (ULE) was widely used to control respiratory diseases in China. However, the regulatory mechanism of scientific evidence to support the therapeutic benefits of ULE in the management of COPD is greatly limited. PurposeThis study aims to discover the potential protection mechanism of ULE on COPD via a muti-targets strategy. Study design and methodsThe present study set out to determine the potential protective effects of ULE on COPD through a multi-target strategy. In vivo and in vitro models of COPD were established using cigarette smoke and lipopolysaccharide to assess the protective effects of ULE. It was evaluated by measuring inflammatory cytokines and assessing pulmonary pathological changes. HPLC was used to verify the active compounds of the potential compounds that were collected and screened using HERB, works of literature, and ADME tools. The mechanisms of ULE in the treatment of COPD were explored using transcriptomics, connectivity-map, and network pharmacology approaches. The relevant targets were further investigated using RT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The HCK inhibitor (iHCK-37) was used to evaluate the potential mechanism of ULE's active compounds in the prevention of COPD. ResultsULE effectively protected the lungs of COPD mice from oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis damage. After screening and verification using ADME properties and HPLC, 4 active compounds were identified in ULE: liquiritin (LQ), licochalcone B (LCB), licochalcone A (LCA), and echinatin (ET). Network pharmacology integrated with transcriptomics analysis showed that ULE mitigated oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in COPD by suppressing HCK. The combination of LCB and LQ was optimized for anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and anti-fibrosis activities. The iHCK-37 further validated the preventive treatment of LCB and LQ on COPD by inhibiting HCK to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects. The combination of LCB and LQ, in a 1:1 ratio, exerted synergistic antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects in the treatment of COPD by downregulating HCK. ConclusionThe combination of LCB and LQ performed a significant anti-COPD effect via downregulating HCK.

Exploring the effective components of honey-processed licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) in attenuating Doxorubicin-induced myocardial cytotoxicity by combining network pharmacology and in vitro experiments

Exploring the effective components of honey-processed licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) in attenuating Doxorubicin-induced myocardial cytotoxicity by combining network pharmacology and in vitro experiments

A novel combination against skin aging via promoting the synthesis of biological collagen

Supplementing collagen is considered to contribute to delaying skin aging. In this work, we developed a novel combination for improving skin aging by stimulating the biosynthesis of collagen. By screening a library of Chinese herbal medicines (CHM), we found that Angelicae Dahuricae Radix (Baizhi), Lilii bulbus (Baihe), Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma (Gancao), and Jujubae fructus (Dazao) substantially increased the mRNA expression levels of type I collagen, suggesting their potential anti-skin-aging activity. To keep the structural integrity of collagen, prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4H), a key enzyme in collagen synthesis, was recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli. In addition, the transfersome with added P-4H was prepared to improve the transdermal absorption of combination. Vitamin C (VC), the substrate required for the activity of P4H, was also incorporated into the combination. Eventually, an optimal combination, consisting of Baizhi, Baihe, Gancao, P4H transfersome and VC, was obtained by a series of combination experiments. Based on traditional CHM and modern biological agents, we developed a novel combination against skin aging by promoting the synthesis of collagen. Collectively, the combination show the high potential of application to delay skin aging

Investigating the effect of processing conditions on the content of glycyrrhizic acid in licorice (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae)

Licorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch or Glycyrrhizae inflata L. or Glycyrrhiziae glabra L. It was a familiar medicinal herb in traditional medicine, which was commonly used in two different forms raw licorice (Sinh Cam thao) and honey-fried licorice (Chich Cam thao), with completely different effects. The processing enhanced the impact on the Spleen and Stomach organs and tonified Qi but reduced the bioactivities of clearing heat, antitussive, and detoxifying. The purpose of this study was to propose a processing method that minimizes the degradation of the main bioactive compound, glycyrrhizic acid in licorice. Honey-fired licorice was processed according to the guidance of Circular 30/2017/TT-BYT of the Vietnamese Ministry of Health. The frying conditions such as frying temperature, honey soaking time, the ratio of honey to licorice, and the ratio of water to honey were investigated in order. The content of glycyrrhizic acid was determined according to the process of Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia V. Glycyrrhizic acid was least decomposed when processing honey-fired licorice under the following conditions: the frying temperature of 260°C, the honey soaking time of 1 hour, the ratio of honey to licorice was 1:10, and the ratio of water to honey was 1:1. The content of glycyrrhizic acid in licorice was influenced by the frying process, in which temperature was the most significant factor. Honey was an ingredient that altered the effects of licorice in traditional medicine, however, the presence of honey also contributed to the degradation of glycyrrhizic acid in this medicinal herb.

Investigating the effect of processing conditions on the content of glycyrrhizic acid in licorice (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae)

Licorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch or Glycyrrhizae inflata L. or Glycyrrhiziae glabra L. It was a familiar medicinal herb in traditional medicine, which was commonly used in two different forms raw licorice (Sinh Cam thao) and honey-fried licorice (Chich Cam thao), with completely different effects. The processing enhanced the impact on the Spleen and Stomach organs and tonified Qi but reduced the bioactivities of clearing heat, antitussive, and detoxifying. The purpose of this study was to propose a processing method that minimizes the degradation of the main bioactive compound, glycyrrhizic acid in licorice. Honey-fired licorice was processed according to the guidance of Circular 30/2017/TT-BYT of the Vietnamese Ministry of Health. The frying conditions such as frying temperature, honey soaking time, the ratio of honey to licorice, and the ratio of water to honey were investigated in order. The content of glycyrrhizic acid was determined according to the process of Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia V. Glycyrrhizic acid was least decomposed when processing honey-fired licorice under the following conditions: the frying temperature of 260°C, the honey soaking time of 1 hour, the ratio of honey to licorice was 1:10, and the ratio of water to honey was 1:1. The content of glycyrrhizic acid in licorice was influenced by the frying process, in which temperature was the most significant factor. Honey was an ingredient that altered the effects of licorice in traditional medicine, however, the presence of honey also contributed to the degradation of glycyrrhizic acid in this medicinal herb.

Beneficial Interaction between Isoliquiritigenin and Liquiritigenin in their Pharmacokinetics in Rats Following Oral Intake of Glycyrrhizae Radix Extract Compared with Oral Intake of an Individual Component

Beneficial Interaction between Isoliquiritigenin and Liquiritigenin in their Pharmacokinetics in Rats Following Oral Intake of Glycyrrhizae Radix Extract Compared with Oral Intake of an Individual Component

Exploring the dietary and therapeutic potential of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) sprouts.

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThis research substantiates the traditional use of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. for liver health, with scientific evidence of the non-toxic and lipid-lowering properties of licorice sprout extracts. The sprouts' rich mineral and amino acid content, along with their strong antioxidant activity, reinforce their value in traditional medicine. These findings bridge ancient herbal practices with modern science, highlighting licorice's potential in contemporary therapeutic applications. Aim of the studyThe study aimed to investigate the dietary and medicinal potential of G. uralensis sprouts by assessing their safety, nutritional content, and antioxidant properties using both plant and animal models. Specifically, the study sought to determine the effects of different sizes of licorice sprouts on lipid metabolism in human liver cancer cells and their overall impact on rat health indicators. Materials and methodsThe study examined the effects of aqueous and organic extracts from G. uralensis sprouts of varying lengths on the cytotoxicity, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant activity in HepG2 cells, alongside in vivo impacts on Sprague-Dawley rats, using MTT, ICP, and HPLC. It aimed to assess the potential health benefits of licorice sprouts by analyzing their protective effects against oxidative stress and their nutritional content. ResultsLicorice sprout extracts from G. uralensis demonstrated no cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells, significantly reduced lipid levels, and enhanced antioxidant activities, with the longest sprouts (7 cm) showing higher mineral, sugar, and arginine content as well as increased glycyrrhizin and liquiritigenin. In vivo studies with Sprague-Dawley rats revealed weight gain and improved antioxidant enzyme activities in blood plasma and liver tissues after consuming the extracts, highlighting the sprouts' dietary and therapeutic potential. ConclusionsThis study is the first to demonstrate that G. uralensis sprouts, particularly those 7 cm in length, have no cytotoxic effects, reduce lipids, and have high mineral and antioxidant contents, offering promising dietary and therapeutic benefits.

Antifungal activity of a methanolic extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. root against Fusarium oxysporum and Phytophthora capsici

In the present study, we investigated the antifungal activity of a methanolic extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensisFisch. root, which inhibited the growth of the plant pathogens Fusarium oxysporum and Phytophthora capsici. The EC50 values of the G. uralensis Fisch. extract three, six, and nine days after treatment were 113.4, 150.6, and 191.4 μg/ml for F. oxysporum and 84.7, 148.6, and 190.1 μg/ml for P. capsici, respectively, and the antifungal activity exhibited a dose-dependent response. The MIC value of G. uralensis Fisch. extract was found to be 100, 200, and 400 μg/ml at three, six, and nine days after treatment for F. oxysporum. In contrast, for P. capsici, the MIC value was 50, 100, and 100 μg/ml at three, six, and nine days after treatment. After three days of incubation with 400 μg/ml G. uralensis Fisch. extract, the hyphae of F. oxysporum exhibited abnormalities and atrophy, leading to mycelial collapse. In contrast, the hyphae of P. capsici displayed swelling with increased branching. These results furnish valuable insights into the antifungal metabolites present in G. uralensis Fisch. extract, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly products aimed at controlling the growth of pathogenic fungi.

Efficacy of botanical lozenges in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: In clinical practice, antibiotics and/or inhaled or oral hormone preparations are the first line of treatment for chronic pharyngitis. However, this therapeutic regimen is not satisfactory enough. At present, medicinal plants as dietary supplements or functional foods are widely recognized for the treatment and prevention of different diseases. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the botanical lozenge made from several medicinal plant extracts in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis and its effects on patients' illness perception and adherence to treatment. Methods: Patients with chronic pharyngitis were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 52) or the control group (n = 51). Patients were given botanical lozenges prepared from the extracts of medicinal plants such as Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey ex A.M.Lu and Zhi Y. Zhang [Cucurbitaceae; Siraitiae fructus], Lonicera japonica Thunb [Caprifoliaceae; Lonicerae japonicae flos], Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC [Campanulaceae; Platycodon radix], and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC [Fabaceae; Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma] or placebos made of starch for 15 days. The improvement of pharyngeal symptoms and signs, illness perception, and adherence to treatment were evaluated at the end of the intervention. Results: The total score of pharyngeal symptoms of patients in the experimental group (3.33 ± 2.33) was significantly lower than that in the control group (5.20 ± 2.93) (p < 0.01). In comparison to the control group (3.43 ± 1.43), the total pharyngeal signs score of patients in the experimental group (2.69 ± 1.59) was considerably lower (p < 0.01). The improvement rates of pharyngeal itching, dry throat, pharyngeal foreign body sensation, aggravation due to excessive speaking, and congestion of pharyngeal mucosa in the experimental group were 73.81%, 67.50%, 67.57%, 65.22% and 44%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, patients taking botanical lozenges had better illness perception and adherence to treatment than those taking placebos (p < 0.05). Patients with low adherence to treatment showed less personal control, concerns, and understanding of chronic pharyngitis (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Botanical lozenges not only aided patients in recovering from chronic pharyngitis but also improved their positive perceptions of the disease, which helped them adhere to their treatment regimen. Clinical Trial Registration: [https://www.chictr.org.cn/], identifier [ChiCTR2200062139].

Disposable and Sensitive Electrochemical Determination of Isoliquiritigenin in Licorice Using Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode Modified With Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Herein, a high-sensitive electrochemical sensor based upon a multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified screen-printed carbon electrode (MWCNTs-SPCE) was constructed for the determination of isoliquiritigenin (ISL). The electrochemical properties of ISL on the MWCNTs-SPCE were investigated systematically and a fast and cost-effective method for the determination of ISL was successfully established. A clear irreversible oxidation peak of the ISL was observed at 0.3 V (versus Ag/AgCl) on the MWCNTs-SPCE. The oxidation of ISL on MWCNTs-SPCE was an adsorption reaction accompanied by diffusion. Using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), we observed that the oxidation peak current of the ISL in phosphate buffer (pH 7) showed a linear relationship from 0.50 to 100 µg/mL and a detection limit of 0.10 µg/mL. This method displayed good repeatability and stability, as well as exhibited excellent selectivity for ISL. Also, we successfully applied the method to determine ISL in Chinese herbal medicine licorice. Validation of the analyses via spike assays showed a recovery rate ranging from 95.39 to 101.00%, which was consistent with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).