Licorice Root Extract Research Articles

Development and evaluation of sildenafil/glycyrrhizin-loaded nanofibers as a potential novel buccal delivery system for erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a growing health condition that needs safe and effective therapy. One of the main common treatments is sildenafil which is used in clinics for managing erectile dysfunction by enhancing the blood supply to the penis. In the current study, sildenafil was formulated as nanofibers and mixed with the root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (glycyrrhizin) as a natural sweetener to be administrated in the buccal cavity for enhanced drug bioavailability, rapid drug absorption and improved patient compliance. The formulated dual-loaded nanofibers were evaluated by measuring diameter, disintegration, drug loading efficiency, drug release profile, and in vitro cell viability assessment. The results showed that the sildenafil/glycyrrhizin-loaded fibers had a diameter of 0.719 ± 0.177 μm and lacked any beads and pores formation on their surfaces. The drug loading and encapsulation efficiency for sildenafil were measured as 52 ± 7 µg/mg and 67 ± 9 %, respectively, while they were 290 ± 32 μg/mg and 94 ± 10 %, respectively, for glycyrrhizin. The release rate of sildenafil and glycyrrhizin demonstrated a burst release in the first minute, followed by a gradual increment until a complete release after 120 min. The in vitro cell viability evaluation exhibited that the application of sildenafil and glycyrrhizin is safe upon 24-hour treatment on human skin fibroblast cells at all used concentrations (i.e., ≤ 1,000 and 4,000 μg/mL, respectively). However, the application of sildenafil-glycyrrhizin combination (in a ratio of 1:4) demonstrated more than 80 % cell viability at concentrations of ≤ 250 and 1000 μg/mL, respectively, following 24-hour cell exposure. Therefore, sildenafil/glycyrrhizin dual-loaded PVP nanofibers showed a potential buccal therapeutic approach for erectile dysfunction management.

Anti-inflammatory ability of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract in cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme inhibition: In silico study

Background: Inflammation represents the body's natural response to injury, which can be induced by chemical, physical, or biological agents. Current approaches to managing inflammatory conditions involve addressing the primary etiological factors and administering anti-inflammatory medications like Nonsteroid Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in inhibiting cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). However, data from 2021 reveals that 78.8% of patients experience gastritis as a side effect of such treatment. Licorice root extract (LRE)-an ayurvedic plants emerges as a promising alternative due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties attributed to the presence of glycyrrhizin, constituting between 2% to 25% of its dry weight. Objectives: To find out and determine the molecular inhibition of compound in LRE against COX-2 enzyme. Method: The process involves isolating the active constituents of LRE using pubchem and BioVia application, isolation active site of COX-2 by exploring RCSB PDB and isolate it using PyMol and engaging in molecular docking simulations using PyRx. Results and discussions: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) emerges as a pivotal enzymatic orchestrator intricately woven into the fabric of the inflammatory cascade. Licorice root extract stands at the forefront of prospective candidates in the realm of anti-inflammatory drug development, buoyed by its remarkable anti-inflammatory attributes. Regarding to ∆Gbind value, molecular docking tests show LRE compounds inhibit COX-2 better than arachidonic acid and mefenamic acid. Six LRE compounds outperform reference compounds, indicating potential anti-inflammatory capabilities. Other compounds show anti-inflammatory activity, and RMSD values affirm the accuracy of in silico predictions. Conclusion: LRE had potential as oral topical anti-inflammatory drugs through COX-2 inhibition with the best anti-inflammation ability is 18β‐glycyrrhetic acid.

Production of a functional confectionary cream containing licorice root extract and double coated Lactobacillus plantarum by alginate and malva mucilage

Due to the increasing interest in the healthy foods, in this research, a dietary and functional confectionary cream (DFCC) was produced having licorice powder and encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic bacteria. Licorice extract (LE) had a total phenolic content of 1.97 mg/mL, composed mainly of 7 phenolic, flavonoid, and quercetin compounds including gentisic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, luteolin, apigenin, and sinapic acid at the same concentration (20 µg/mL). Incorporation of LE and malva mucilage (MM) resulted in the improvement of physicochemical properties (pH, overrun, syneresis, and texture) of DFCC. The viability of encapsulated probiotics was higher (compared to the free probiotics) in the functional product during 60 days of storage. Sensory evaluation results displayed that the elevated rates of LE (15 %), and MM (15 %) were not favorably accepted by the panelists; however, favorable scores were given to the samples having 10 % LE, 10% MM, and microcapsules.

Efficacy of dietary supplements of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) and maduramicin alone or in combination with Eimeria tenella infected chicks: A clinical study and molecular docking.

Coccidiosis is one of the most economically significant poultry diseases worldwide, caused by the pathogenic Eimeria species, and is characterized by decreased weight gain (WG) and failure to grow due to malabsorption, low feed conversion rate, bloody diarrhea, and dehydration. This study investigated the effectiveness of licorice root extract (LRE) in controlling cecal coccidiosis to determine whether its combination with maduramicin could help alleviate the pathological, biochemical, and histopathological effects of cecal coccidiosis in Sasso broiler chicks. A total of 125 one-day-old Sasso broiler chicks were categorized into five equal groups (n = 25), each consisting of five replicates (n = 5 per replicate). G1-LE received a basal diet supplemented with LRE (3 g/kg); G2-ME received a basal diet containing maduramycin (0.5 g/kg); and G3-LME received a basal diet containing LRE and maduramicin together with the same rates. G4-E (positive control) and G5-N (negative control) received no additives in their feed. Birds in groups (G1-4) were challenged on day 14 of the experiment by orally intercropping a 1 ml suspension of Eimeria tenella sporulated oocysts. Groups of birds fed on LRE and maduramicin separately or together appeared to be in good condition where no deaths or clinical abnormalities were observed, based on the analysis of clinicopathological examination. Compared with the G4-E positive control, the dropping scoring and oocyst shedding of groups G1-LE, G2-ME, and G3-LME along the 10th-day post-challenge (dpc), as well as macroscopic and microscopic lesions scoring at the 7th dpc, was considerably lower. The dual supplementation use of LRE and maduramicin in G3-LME's reduced the harmful effects of coccidian, which appeared only as a mononuclear cellular infiltration and a small number of oocysts invading the intestinal glands. Molecular docking revealed that LRE and maduramicin interacted with E. tenella DNA polymerase, E. tenella apical membrane antigen 1, and microneme protein binding sites resulting in reduced E. tenella replication and invasion. The inclusion of LRE and maduramicin, individually or in combination, in the diet might effectively mitigate the detrimental effects of coccidiosis.

Development and Characterization of Polyherbal Anti-acne face gel using Liquorice and Palash extract

Anti-acne herbal formulations are used to treat acne vulgaris and also have the added benefit of not having any side effects, unlike synthetic medications. Acne is a bacterial-induced inflammatory skin disease caused by blockages in the pilosebaceous and inflammation. Antibiotics, both topical and systemic, are always used to treat acne, however antibiotic resistance can impair the success rate of acne treatment. The creation of effective therapeutic medicines relies heavily on medicinal plants. So, natural medicines are more acceptable because they are believed to be safer and have fewer adverse effects than manufactured ones. In the global market, herbal formulations are in high demand. The goal of this study is to produce and characterise herbal anti-acne face gel that contains neem (Azdirachta indica) extract, liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) extract, orange peel (Citrus aurantium var. sinensis) extract, and palash (Butea monosperma) flower extract. Although there are a variety of topical herbal formulations for acne on the market, we recommend creating a polyherbal formulation using a variety of herbal and synthetic ingredients. The plant has been found to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in the literature. The prepared extract was screened to identify the presence or absence of various active principles like phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, flavanoids, glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, protein and amino acid. Polymers in various proportions were used to create several formulations ranging from F1 to F8. Colour, appearance, consistency, washability, pH, and spreadability and stability of prepared formulations (F1 to F8) were all examined.

STUDY OF THE PSYCHOTROPIC EFFECT OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA ROOT EXTRACT UNDER CONDITIONS OF DAPSONE-INDUCED EXPOSURE

Relevance. Dapsone (4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone) is used as a powerful antibacterial agent in the treatment of infectious diseases. Despite the com-plex pharmacological effect and high efficacy, dapsone has a number of negative properties, one of which is the occurrence of severe neuropsychiatric pathology with long-term use in the presence of predisposing factors. In this connection, correction of dapsone-induced changes on the part of various systems, including the nervous system, is an urgent task. As a means of correcting dapsone-induced neuropsychiatric changes, an extract of licorice naked horses can act. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of licorice root extract on dapsone–induced changes in behavioral reactions and the severity of the psychomodulatory effect of licorice extract. Material and methods. All experiments were carried out on white mongrel rats (6-8 months), which were divided into groups (n= 10): group 1 con-sisted of control rats receiving an equiobject of water for injection; group 2 - individuals receiving intragastric dapsone (Novartis; Switzerland) at a dose of 25 mg/kg for 28 days; group 3 – animals receiving intragastric dapsone at a dose of 25 mg / kg and licorice extract naked through a probe at a dose of 50 mg / kg for 28 days. The effect of licorice root extract on the behavioral reactions of rats under the conditions of course use of dapsone was evaluated using the "Porsolt" and "Open Field" tests. Results. Against the background of intragastric administration of licorice root extract, there was a restoration of the ratio of immobilization time, active and passive swimming in the Porsolt test, an increase in horizontal and specific mink activity of animals, a decrease in the number of boluses, groom-ing and freezing in the "Open Field" test compared with the group of animals receiving intragastric dapsone. Conclusions. Evaluation of the effect of licorice root extract on dapsone-induced changes in behavioral reactions showed the presence of an antide-pressant and psychomodulatory effect in the extract, which can be used in the development of a psychocorrective agent based on this medicinal plant

The effect of Iranian licorice root extract on prostate volume and clinical signs of disease in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Background and aims: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common benign tumor in men, and its prevalence increases with age. This study aimed to determine the effect of Iranian licorice root extract on prostate volume and clinical signs of BPH disease. Methods: Sixty BPH patients over 40 years old with prostate volume above 30 mL, with symptoms of this disease without drug intervention, were included in the study. First, the Symptom Score AUA (AUASS) questionnaire was completed for all individuals, and then an ultrasound was performed on them. They were then randomly divided into two equal groups. For three months, the intervention group received two capsules of 250 mg of licorice extract daily, and the other group received two placebo capsules. After the study, sonography was performed, and the AUASS questionnaire was completed. Results: 25 and 21 men with BPH in the intervention and placebo groups fully cooperated. At the beginning of the study, prostate volume (P=0.14) and AUASS were not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.88). Eventually, prostate volume decreased in the two groups, but the difference between the two groups was not significant (P=0.33). The AUASS score in the intervention group was significantly lower than the placebo group (P<0.001). Conclusion: In the present study, the dose of licorice root extract reduced the symptoms of BPH. But further studies with a larger statistical population are needed for this extract to enter the clinic as a drug.

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.

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.

ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ СОЗДАНИЯ ПРОФИЛАКТИЧЕСКИХ ПРЕПАРАТОВ С АНТИОКСИДАНТНОЙ АКТИВНОСТЬЮ ИЗ РАСТЕНИЙ КАСПИЙСКОГО РЕГИОНА

The antioxidant activity of root extracts and seeds of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. was studied using a physi-cochemical method using a spectrophotometer; preparation “licorice extract “Glycirfite”, containing a group of flavonoid compounds, saponins, terpenoids, resins; Sophora japonica L. fruit extract con-taining 8 flavonoids, rutin, kaempferol-3-sophoroside, quercetin-3-rutinoside and genistein-4-sophorabioside, Juglans regia L. pericarp extract containing phenolic acids, ascorbic acid flavonoids (up to 3%) , tannins. Antioxidant activity was assessed using a method based on the DPPH inhibition reaction. The control drugs were a 5% aqueous-salt solution of ascorbic acid (50 mg/ml) and a 10% solution of α-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) in oil. The greatest antioxidant activity was demonstrated by extracts of the fruits of Glycyrrhiza glabra, the fruits of Sophora japonica and the drug “GLYCIRFITE”, which, in our opinion, contained the largest amount of antioxidant components. A high degree of inhibition of free radical processes was demonstrated by an aqueous extract of licorice root and an extract of the pericarp Juglans regia. Studies have shown low AOA of ascorbic acid and vitamin E drug solutions in this experiment.

Soil-borne microbes, natural stimulants, and post-harvest treatments alter quality and phytochemicals of tomato fruit

ABSTRACT Various approaches have been used to improve the quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum. L.) fruit. Studies on the impact of soil-born microbe and natural stimulant inoculum on tomato fruit are limited. Concentrations of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and licorice root extract (LRE) were applied to the soil under greenhouse conditions. How post-harvest period affected quality of tomato fruit was tested by storing fruit after harvest. All treatments reduced weight loss compared to the control. The LRE applications increased fruit hardness, cohesiveness, and total sugar. Integrated AMF with LRE treatments improved fruit hardness, springiness, and cohesiveness increased. Overall, pH, total soluble solids, total sugar, total phenol, and chlorophyll contents of the fruit were increased, however, total acidity and vitamin C decreased. The AMF and LRE applications can be used to improve tomato fruit quality and yield.

Anti-spot Effects of Developed Brightening Cream Composed of Three Active Ingredients (Resorcinol, Arbutin and Licorice Root Extract) in Comparison with the Hydroquinone Cream

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the brightening effects of a complex composed of Resorcinol, Arbutin, and Licorice root extract (RAL complex) in patients faced with skin spots compared to a potential hydroquinone compound. Background: Skin spots are defined as excessive accumulation of melanin pigment in different layers of the skin caused by extravagant sun exposure, pregnancy, and other hormonal and genetic factors. Therefore, it is necessary to use appropriate products to treat these types of spots. Objective: To evaluate skin brightness after using the RAL complex, this study was designed in a double-blind randomized trial and the removal of melanin pigment and skin spots was evaluated by different methods. Methods: In this study, the brightening cream formulated with actives comprising the RAL complex in 2.1% w/w concentration and a hydroquinone cream was applied in two groups of 20 women with a mean age of 48 years showing the severity scale 3 of skin pigmentation, separately. This study was conducted to evaluate the brightening effect of this complex compared to a hydroquinone compound after 4, 8, and, 12 weeks of application to the entire face. Results: The results showed the highest percentage of skin brightness 12 weeks after applying the cream, reported at 93% and 89% for RAL complex and hydroquinone compound, respectively. Skin pigmentation rate was measured before and after applying the RAL complex cream with a mexameter device. The highest amount of dark spot removal was seen after using this cream in different areas of the skin. Conclusion: The results showed that the RAL complex was more effective than the hydroquinone compound in removing skin blemishes without any side effects compared to products containing hy-droquinone.

Biorational Approaches for Purple Blotch Disease of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Incited by Alternaria porri (Ellis) Cif

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is the second most important bulb crop after onion. It is a major spice crop. Garlic is attacked by many diseases, one of which is Purple blotch. This study was aimed to determine the effect of botanicals and bio-agent on purple blotch disease of garlic caused by Alternaria porri. The research work was undertaken at Central Research Farm (CRF) Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, SHUATS, Naini, Prayagraj during Rabi in 2022-23. A randomized block design with eight treatments was employed including T0 (Control - untreated) , T1 ( Azoxystrobin @0.1% as treated check), T2 (Trichoderma harzianum @10g/litre) , T3 (Lantana camara leaf extract @10%), T4 (Azadirachta indica leaf extract @10%), T5 (Henna leaf extract @2% + Licorice root extract @2% + Rosemary leaf extract @2% ), T6 (Licorice root extract @10%) and T7 (Neem cake @50g/m2). The treatments led to significant decrease in purple blotch severity in garlic.The results revealed that among the treatments, T7 showed minimum disease intensity (4.33, 18.74 and 26.35%) at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS) respectively; while maximum disease intensity was recorded in T0 (10.42, 25.52 and 34.68%). T7 also recorded maximum plant height (24.02, 34.01 and 45.71cm) at 30, 60 and 90 DAS, respectively and highest yield of 4.46t/ha. Maximum number of leaves were recorded with T3 (5.53, 7.5 and 9.4) at 30, 60 and 90 DAS respectively. Fungicide usage is increasing day by day that can lead to negative effect on human and soil health in the long run, so there is need to find effective and economic alternatives preferably some bio-agents and botanicals.

Effect of Stimulating Maize Seeds with Potassium Nitrate and Licorice Extract on the Seed Viability and Vigor

Germination and field emergence are delayed and their duration is prolonged due to the declining soil temperature during the spring season, which is reflected in the subsequent stages of crop growth, therefore, this study aimed to improve germination. Under a wide range of environmental conditions, a laboratory factorial experiment was carried out to study the effect of seed stimulation with potassium nitrate (distilled water only (0), 2, 4, and 6 mg L-1) and with an aqueous extract of licorice roots (distilled water only (0), 3, 6, and 9 g L-1) on the seed viability and vigor. The laboratory experiment was carried out according to the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four repetitions. The results showed the superiority of the interaction treatment between the two concentrations 6 gm L-1 and 6 mg L-1 for each of licorice root extract and potassium nitrate by giving the highest average of the final germination 99%, the seedling vigor index reached 3846, the germination percentage at accelerating age test of 75%, and the germination percentage at the cold test of 76%. We can conclude that there was a response to soaking the seeds in licorice root extract at specific concentrations, with a clear response to potassium nitrate, and the response could be better when soaking in potassium nitrate at concentrations higher than 6 mg L-1. We also recommend that the soaking duration in any of the two factors is 18 hours to improve germination under a wide range of environmental conditions.

OBTAINING DRY EXTRACTS FROM LICORICE ROOTS (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA) AND ITS STANDARDIZATION

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root has long been used in traditional medicine due to its various therapeutic properties. One of the main active components in licorice root is glycyrrhizin, which has been shown to possess numerous pharmacological effects. Glycyrrhizin, one of the major compounds present in licorice root, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor propertiesas well as antiviral properties against influenza virus and coronavirus COVID-19. The demand for licorice root extracts is increasing, particularly for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, the quality and consistency of licorice extracts can vary depending on the extraction method used. Therefore, the aim of this study was to optimise the technology for obtaining dry extracts from licorice roots and standardise the process for increased consistency and quality of the final product. In this study, two different methods for extraction were compared: ultrasound-assisted extraction using water and alcohol-water solvents. The extracted samples were then subjected to various quality control tests, including glycyrrhizin content and moisture content. The content of glycyrrhizin in the obtained dry extracts was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The standardisation of the dry extract was performed according to the Pharmacopoeia of the Eurasian Economic Union. The results showed that the optimised technology for obtaining dry extracts from licorice roots was water extraction with ultrasound, as it yielded a higher content of glycyrrhizin compared to ethanol extraction with ultrasoundand the optimal conditions for ultrasound-assisted extraction were an extraction time of 60 minutes, frequency of ultrasound bath at 40 kHz, an extraction temperature of 30°C, and a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:6. The standardisation process confirmed the presence of glycyrrhizic acid and purity of the obtained dry extract.

A rapid, high-yield and bioinspired synthesis of colloidal silver nanoparticles using Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract and assessment of antibacterial and phytostimulatory activity.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as highly effective antimicrobial agents against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. This study aims to employ green chemistry principles for AgNP synthesis involving phytochemical-rich extract from Glycyrrhiza glabra roots. The approach highlights using renewable feedstocks, safer chemicals, minimum byproducts, and process scale-up. The synthesis of AgNPs was assessed using a surface plasmon resonance band at 420 nm, and structural properties were characterized using TEM, x-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This method enables the production of high-yield dispersions of AgNPs with desired physicochemical characteristics, including dark yellow solution, size (~20 nm), spherical to an oval shape, crystal structure, and stable colloidal properties. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs was investigated against the MDR bacteria strains of gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli). This work reveals that the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs can be influenced by bacterial cell wall components. The results demonstrate the strong interaction between AgNPs and E. coli, exhibiting a dose-dependent antibacterial response. The green approach facilitated the safer, facile, and rapid synthesis of colloidal dispersions of AgNPs, providing a sustainable and promising alternative to conventional chemical and physical methods. Furthermore, the effect of AgNPs on various growth parameters, including seed germination, root and shoot elongation, and dry weight biomass, was assessed for mung bean seedlings. The results revealed phytostimulatory effects, suggesting the promising prospects of AgNPs in the nano-priming of agronomic seeds. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract enabled rapid, high-yield, and eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Spectrophotometric analysis examined the optical properties, scalability, and stability of AgNPs. Transmission electron microscopy provided insights into the size, shape, and dispersity of AgNPs. Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant damage to gram-negative bacterial cell morphology and membrane integrity. AgNPs were found to enhance seed germination, seedling growth, and biomass yield of Vigna radiata.

Development and Optimization of Culture Medium for the Production of Glabridin by Aspergillus eucalypticola: An Endophytic Fungus Isolated from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae)

Glabridin is a well-known active isoflavone found in the root of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) that possess a wide range of biological activity. Plant cells, hairy roots, and fungal endophytes cultures are the most important alternative methods for plant resources conservation and sustainable production of natural compounds, which has received much attention in recent decades. In the present study, an efficient culture condition was optimized for the biomass accumulation and glabridin production from fungal endophyte Aspergillus eucalypticola SBU-11AE isolated from licorice root. Type of culture medium, range of pH, and licorice root extract (as an elicitor) were tested. The results showed that the highest and lowest biomass production was observed on PCB medium (6.43 ± 0.32 g/l) and peptone malt (5.85 + 0.11 g/l), respectively. The medium culture PCB was produced the highest level of glabridin (7.26 ± 0.44 mg/l), while the lowest level (4.47 ± 0.02 mg/l) was obtained from the medium peptone malt. The highest biomass (8.51 ± 0.43 g/l) and glabridin (8.30 ± 0.51 mg/l) production were observed from the PCB medium adjusted with pH = 6, while the lowest value of both traits was obtained from the same medium with pH = 7. The highest production of total glabridin (10.85 ± 0.84 mg/l) was also obtained from the culture medium treated with 100 mg/l of the plant root extract. This information can be interestingly used for the commercialization of glabridin production for further industrial applications.

CORRECTION OF DAPSONE-INDUCED CHANGES IN LIVER FUNCTIONS BY EXTRACT OF LICORICE ROOTS NAKED

Relevance. To date, much attention is paid to an important aspect of pharmacotherapy aimed at improving the safety of drugs used in various diseases, as well as the search for means of correcting complications that have arisen as a result of the therapy. Antimicrobials occupy one of the leading places in the development of drug disorders on the part of various systems and organs, including the liver. In this regard, it is necessary to use means that correct functional disorders and improve metabolic processes in the liver. Licorice extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra) can be considered as such a remedy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of licorice extract on dapsone–induced changes in liver function. Material and methods. All studies were conducted on non-linear white male rats (7 months) weighing 410.0 ± 20.0. The animals in the experiment were divided into groups (n=10): "control" - received purified intragastric water; "dapsone" – rats receiving intragastric dapsone (Novartis; Switzerland) once at a dose of 25 mg/kg for 30 days; "dapsone+licorice" – rats receiving oral dapsone in in the same mode and extract of licorice roots naked at a dose of 50 mg / kg intragastrically 1 time a day for 30 days. After the animals were removed from the experiment, the development of toxic liver damage and the degree of its correction were evaluated by determining the liver weight coefficient, the activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin. Results. An analysis of the biochemical parameters of experimental animals with the use of licorice root extract under conditions of dapsone admin-istration for 30 days showed a decrease in the weight coefficient of the liver, levels of total protein and albumin, as well as a significant increase in transaminase activity, an increase in the level of bilirubin. Conclusion. The results obtained with the use of licorice root extract indicate the presence of hepatoprotective properties, manifested by correction of violations by biochemical parameters (reduced liver weight ratio, total protein and albumin levels, as well as significantly increased transaminase activity and increased bilirubin levels), indicating the development of hepatocellular disorders under the conditions of course administration of dapsone.

Response of Broccoli to Mulching and Foliar Application of Licorice Root Extract and their Effects on Yield and Macronutrient Contents

The research was done in the vegetables research farm at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences at University of Dohuk, Kurdistan region of Iraq, during the growing season in (2021-2022). The reason behind the study was to investigate the response of two cultivars of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica.) Ajjasi and Wisdom cv. to different types of mulching (without, black plastic and straw) and also the different concentrations levels of licorice root extract (0, 6, 12 and18g.L-1) on productivity and some nutrients content of Broccoli curd. The results showed that Wisdom cultivar performed better than Ajjassi in terms of early yield and nutrients content. Throughout the research season, both cultivars were considerably improved in all examined attributes. Additionally, it was shown that all features in both cultivars were noticeably enhanced in plastic mulch. There was an observed increase in the majority of features of the interactions between licorice root extract and straw. Early yield in Wisdom cultivar was meaningfully different from Ajjasi (27.814 and 24.138) ton. ha-1 respectively. Most of the measurements were greatly influenced by black plastic mulch, while the best overall outcome was achieved in black plastic mulch and 18g.L-1 concentration of licorice root extract in Ajjassi cultivar. In both cultivars, there were noticeable changes in the nutrient’s contents of (Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium %). In general, the combination among treatments was significantly enhanced in the all studied traits.

Widely target metabolomics analysis of the differences in metabolites of licorice under drought stress

Plants have abundant species and extensive distribution. They also have outstanding advantages in terms of nutritional health and functional ecology. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) is an important plant that is both medicinal and edible. Studying the drought resistance adaptability of licorice's economic organs (roots) and the changes in its metabolites is of great significance for the sustainable utilization of licorice resources. In this study, licorice seedlings were used as materials, and natural drought was maintained at different treatment levels. Soil moisture content was controlled by weighing and replenishing the water, including normal water supply (CK), light stress (LS), moderate stress (MS), and severe stress (SS). We examined the changes in licorice metabolites under different drought stresses, mainly through widely targeted metabolomics techniques. Analysis of licorice root extracts by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) resulted in the detection of 831 metabolites. These included 177 flavonoids, 140 lipids, 113 phenolic acids, 70 organic acids, 66 amino acids and derivatives, 53 nucleotides and derivatives, 50 terpenoids, 31 alkaloids, 25 lignans and coumarins, and 7 quinones. A total of 18 differentially expressed metabolites were screened out after different drought treatments compared with CK, including three phenolic acids (2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropionic acid, 3-[(1-carboxyvinyl)oxy]benzoic acid, Methyl 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate), five flavonoids (kaempferol-3-O-(6''-malonyl)glucoside-7-O-glucoside, 6,7-dihydroxyflavone, rhamnocitrin (7-Methylkaempferol), licoflavone A, licorice glycoside B), three sugars and alcohols (sucrose-6-phosphate, D-fructose, ribulose-5-phosphate), one nucleotide and its derivatives (5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine), two lipids (LysoPE 22:5, Choline Alfoscerate), three amino acids and their derivatives (L-proline, N-acetyl-L-glutamic acid, N-monomethyl-L-arginine) and one organic acid (N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid). In conclusion, the results provide valuable information for a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of drought resistance in licorice and also provide useful clues for the development and utilization of licorice resources.