Licorice Research Articles

PREPARATION OF NEW GLYCYRRETIC ACID DERIVATIVES WITH NITROGEN-CONTAINING LIGANDS

This article presents the results of a study of obtaining new derivatives of glycyrrhizic acid aglycone with nitrogen-containing ligands. Natural compounds isolated from plant materials are relatively low toxic, can exhibit unique physical and chemical properties, and have a wide range of biological activity. One of these natural compounds is 3β-hydroxy-11-oxo-12-en-18βН, 20β-olean-30 acid, 3-О-(2҆-О-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl)-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (glycyrrhizic acid, GK) is the main active principle of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.), which grows on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan and is a renewable natural source. With the ability to self-organize and recognize other particles and molecules, natural biologically active compounds are the subject of current chemical research aimed at modeling various biochemical processes. One of such widespread natural compounds are plant triterpenoids, glycyrrhizic (GA), glycyrrhetic (GlK), oleanolic, betulinic and ursalic acids, etc.
 The article also presents the results of a study of the dependence of the complex formation of GlK with nitrogen-containing ligands depending on the structural changes in the guest molecule. New supramolecular derivatives of GlK with some nitrogen-containing ligands were obtained by the liquid phase method, their physicochemical and spectral (UV, IR) characteristics of the synthesized compounds were determined, and the chemical structure was analyzed on the basis of mass spectrometry data.

Review of Antiviral Medicinal Herbs with Special Emphasis on COVID-19

The Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has engulfed the whole world, and it looks difficult to end this worldwide health crisis without actual medication. Natural products have been utilized since ancient times and have been beneficial over time. The outcome of various research work revealed that pure compounds isolated from medicinal plants, such as Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera, Ocimum sanctum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Piper longum, Curcuma longa, Allium sativum, Zingiber officinalis, Coriandrum sativum, Azadirachta indica, Emblica officinalis, etc. have excellent Coronavirus (CoV) inhibitory effect. Several molecules, including glabridin, liquiritin, flavonoids, triterpene, glycyrrhizin, aliphatic compounds, sesquiterpenoids, β-sesquiphellandrene, zingerone, β-phellandrene, citral, zingiberene, bisabolene, shogaols, cineol, farnesene, gingerols, withasomniferols A-C, withanone, withasomniferin-A, withasomidienone, withanolides A, linalool, flavonoids, camphor, eugenol, estragole, methyl chavicol, tannins, glycyrrhizic acid, alkaloids, saponins, fatty acids, glycosides, and essential oils, etc. isolated from plants might serve as potential candidates in the treatment of COVID-19.

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.

Phytochemical Evaluation of Extracts and Pharmacological Activity of Polyherbal Emulgel

Ocimum sanctum, Rubia cordifolia, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Punica granatum are all used to treat various diseases and conditions in Ayurvedic medicine. In this study, we aimed to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal emulgel containing extracts from four different medicinal plants: O. sanctum, R. cordifolia, G. glabra, and P. granatum. Different gel formulations were created by combining a base component with extracts from O. sanctum, R. cordifolia, G. glabra, and P. granatum. pH, viscosity, rheology, appearance, and homogeneity were some of the criteria examined for each formulation. They were tested for evaporation and irritation of the epidermis with patches. The cup plate method was used to examine the antibacterial-antifungal activity of formulations against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aspergillus niger. Results showed that the inhibition zones produced by all formulations were greater than those produced by the control. Antimicrobial characteristics can be found in polyherbal gels. Synergy between the plant components in the blend produced the desirable outcome.

Comparison of Efficacy of Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice Extract) and Vitamin E in Decreasing Fibrosis Score in patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Aim: To compare the efficacy of Glycyrrhiza glabra and vitamin E in decreasing fibrosis score in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Method: This randomized controlled trial was carried out in the Medical Wards of Mayo Hospital/King Edward Medical University, Lahore. Two hundred and twelve patients with NAFLD were divided via random assignment into Group A that was given 800IU of vitamin E per day and Group B that received Glycyrrhiza Glabra in a dose of 10 mg per day. Both groups received treatment for 3 months and were re-evaluated monthly for improvement in fibrosis scores and liver transaminases. Data was analyzed using version 26.0 of SPSS. Results: Out of 212 patients, 53.4% were male and 46.6% were female. Mean age of patients in Group A was 35.8±14.26 and 41.93±14.2 in Group B. Fibrosis score in Group A decreased from 0.19± 1.02 to -0.14± 1.09 while reduction in Group B was from 0.29± 0.93 to -0.67± 0.97 (p-value <0.000). Only patients in Group B showed significant reduction in alanine transaminase (ALT 62.3± 15.3 to 57.2± 14.58, p-value <0.000). In lowering fibrosis score, vitamin E was effective in 11.3% of patients, whereas Glycyrrhiza glabra was effective in 34% patients (p-value 0.000). Practical Implication: With the global increase in the cases of NAFLD, it has become imperative to devise new treatment strategies to overcome this burden. No definitive treatment modality provides an ultimate cure for these patients. This study proves a superior role of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice extract) in terms of lowering fibrosis score and reduction of ALT levels. Conclusion: Both Glycyrrhiza glabra and vitamin E were effective in lowering fibrosis scores in patients with NAFLD, however, Glycyrrhiza glabra was more superior in terms of efficacy than vitamin E and also caused a considerable decrease in ALT levels. Keywords: Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitamin E, Fibrosis Score, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Plant Against Representative Oral pathogens

Introduction: Oral health is important for general health because, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections. Pathogens' resistance to traditional antibiotic products available on the market represents a point of common interest to the scientific community throughout the world and has led to a pressing need to develop new and innovative antimicrobial agents, and among the potential sources of new agents, plants have represented a good alternative. This research is looking at the biological activities of the licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) plant as an antimicrobial agent for oral infections. Method: The antimicrobial activities of various extract fractions prepared from methanol, chloroform, and cyclohexane were evaluated against selected oral pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candia albicans, using the agar-well diffusion method. Results: The results indicated that methanolic extract had antimicrobial activity against the selected isolates, with a zone of inhibition equal to 23mm for S. aureus, 14mm for E. coli, 15mm for P. aeruginosa, and 22mm for C. albicans. Regarding sensitivity, the results showed that S. aureus and C. albicans were the most sensitive isolates toward the tested licorice extracts. The results also showed that licorice extract in chloroform and cyclohexane had no activity against the tested isolates of Gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study provides further evidence of the antimicrobial activity of G. glabra, especially against the selected isolates, and encourages the use of this plant in a suitable dosage form to treat the oral cavity infection that could possibly be caused by the tested microbes.

An approach to standardization of licorice herb (<i>glycyrrhiza glabra</i> l.)

Aim to develop a method for standardization of licorice herb.
 Material and methods. The material for the study was licorice herb harvested in Alekseevka settlement of the Samara Region (2021), Tatarskaya Kargala village of Sakmarskiy area of the Orenburg Region (2017), Derzhavinsk city of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2018), Bol'shaya Chernigovka village of Bol'shchernigovsk area of the Samara Region (2019), and a commercial sample of licorice root raw material from AO "Krasnogorskleksredstva". In addition, the reference standards (RS) were used: pinostrobin, licuraside, quercetin, rutin, luteolin and glycyram. The authenticity was determined by the thin layer chromatography (qualitative analysis). For the quantitative analysis, we used the differential spectrophotometry, conducted in accordance with Pharmacopoeial monograph 1.2.1.1.0003.15 "Spectrophotometry in ultraviolet and visible spectra". The spectral characteristics of water-alcohol extracts were evaluated on spectrophotometer "Specord 40" (Analytik Jena AG, Germany).
 Results. The dominant flavonoid substance, pinocembrin, was detected. This compound in chloroform-ethanol (4:1) solvent system had blue fluorescence at 365 nm. During the development of the chromatogram with an alkaline solution of diazobenzene sulphonic acid, a light green stain (pinoсembrin) was detected practically at the level of the pinostrobin stain. It is reasonable to determine the diagnostic flavonoid pinocembrin of licorice herb using pinostrobin as the reference standard. The flavonoids pinocembrin and pinostrobin have similar spectral characteristics and are similar in chemical structure. A method has been developed for quantitative determination of the total flavonoids in terms of pinocembrin in water-ethanol extract of licorice herb (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) using the differential spectrophotometry. The total flavonoid content in the licorice herb varies from 0.390.002% to 3.480.015% (in terms of pinocembrin).

Examination of a Theoretical Model for Drainage of Foams Prepared from Licorice Root Extract Solution

The root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is rich in natural surfactants, called saponins. The beneficial properties of this plant have led to different applications, including its use as a foaming agent. In this research, a theoretical model and its validity are discussed for the liquid drainage of foams made from licorice root extract solutions. After stating the important characteristics in the free drainage of foam, a relationship of the drained liquid volume based on effective parameters was obtained via a simplification of the governing equation. The theoretical model is applied to experimental foam drainage data measured at different concentrations of licorice root extract solutions. A comparison of theoretical and experimental results shows good agreement for the volume of drained liquid as a function of time. The characteristics obtained from the combination of effective parameters allows for a quantification of the drainage rate. In addition, the drainage rate at the beginning of the foam decay process, as a measure of stability, can be estimated using measurable properties.

Forecasting of potential anti-inflammatory targets of some immunomodulatory plants and their constituents using in vitro, molecular docking and network pharmacology-based analysis

Most synthetic immunomodulatory medications are extremely expensive, have many disadvantages and suffer from a lot of side effects. So that, introducing immunomodulatory reagents from natural sources will have great impact on drug discovery. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehend the mechanism of the immunomodulatory activity of some natural plants via network pharmacology together with molecular docking and in vitro testing. Apigenin, luteolin, diallyl trisulfide, silibinin and allicin had the highest percentage of C-T interactions while, AKT1, CASP3, PTGS2, NOS3, TP53 and MMP9 were found to be the most enriched genes. Moreover, the most enriched pathways were pathways in cancer, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, relaxin signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway. Additionally, Curcuma longa, Allium sativum, Oleu europea, Salvia officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra and Silybum marianum had the highest number of P-C-T-P interactions. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis of the top hit compounds against the most enriched genes revealed that silibinin had the most stabilized interactions with AKT1, CASP3 and TP53, whereas luteolin and apigenin exhibited the most stabilized interactions with AKT1, PTGS2 and TP53. In vitro anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity testing of the highest scoring plants exhibited equivalent outcomes to those of piroxicam.

Development of a full-scale wastewater treatment plant for licorice root processing factories: A hybrid biodegradation-lime-alum-ozonation process

Liquorice is a perennial legume that grows principally in Asia, the Middle East and some parts of Europe. The sweet root extract is mainly used in the pharmaceutical, food and confectionary industries. It contains 400 compounds, including triterpene saponins and flavonoids, which are responsible for liquorice's bioactivities. The wastewater (WW) arising from the processing of liquorice can have negative environmental effects and must be treated before being discharged into the environment. Different WW treatment solutions are available. In the last years, increasing attention has been paid to the environmental sustainability of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).The present article discusses a hybrid biological (anaerobic-aerobic) and post-biological (lime-alum-ozone) WWTP, designed to treat 105 m3/day complex liquorice root extract WW for agricultural purposes. The influent chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD5) were found to be 6000–8000 mg/L and 2420–3246 mg/L, respectively. With a biological hydraulic retention time of 8.2 days and no addition of extra nutrients, the WWTP reached a stable condition after 5 months. Over the course of 16 months, its highly efficient biological treatment reduced COD, BOD5, total suspended solids (TSS), phosphate, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate and turbidity by 86–98 %. However, the WW's colour proved resilient: only 68 % of the colour was removed by the biological treatment, necessitating a combination of biodegradation-lime-alum-ozonation processes in order to reach 98 % efficiency. Thus, this study reveals that liquorice root extract WW can successfully be treated and reused for crop irrigation.

Mechanisms of glabridin inhibition of integrin αIIbβ3 inside-out signals and NF-κB activation in human platelets

BackgroundPlatelets play a crucial role in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and are activated by endogenous agonists like collagen. These agonists initiate signal transduction through specific platelet receptors, resulting in platelet aggregation. Glabridin, a prenylated isoflavonoid found in licorice root, is known for its significance in metabolic abnormalities. Glabridin has been observed to inhibit collagen-induced platelet aggregation, but the precise mechanisms, specifically concerning NF-κB activation and integrin αIIbβ3 signaling, are not yet fully understood.MethodsIn this study, platelet suspensions were prepared from healthy human blood donors, and the aggregation ability was observed using a lumi-aggregometer. The inhibitory mechanisms of glabridin in human platelets were evaluated through immunoblotting and confocal microscopy. The anti-thrombotic effects of glabridin were assessed by histological analysis of lung sections in acute pulmonary thromboembolism and by examining fluorescein-induced platelet plug formation in mesenteric microvessels in mice.ResultsGlabridin inhibited integrin αIIbβ3 inside-out signals such as Lyn, Fyn, Syk, and integrin β3 activation and NF-κB-mediated signal events, with similar potency to classical inhibitors BAY11-7082 and Ro106-9920. Glabridin and BAY11-7082 inhibited IKK, IκBα, and p65 phosphorylation and reversed IκBα degradation, while Ro106-9920 only reduced p65 phosphorylation and reversed IκBα degradation. BAY11-7082 reduced Lyn, Fyn, Syk, integrin β3, phospholipase Cγ2 and protein kinase C activation. Glabridin reduced platelet plug formation in mesenteric microvessels and occluded vessels in thromboembolic lungs of mice.ConclusionOur study revealed a new pathway for activating integrin αIIbβ3 inside-out signals and NF-κB, which contributes to the antiplatelet aggregation effect of glabridin. Glabridin could be a valuable prophylactic or clinical treatment option for CVDs.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Thioamide and Bromo Derivatives of 1,3-Diphenylpropane-1,3-dione as 5α-Reductase Inhibitors.

1,3-Diphenylpropane-1,3-dione (1) is an acetylacetone β-diketone in which both of the methyl groups have been replaced with phenyl groups. It is a component of licorice root extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and has anti-mutagenic and anti-cancer properties. It functions as a metabolite, an anti-mutagen, and an anti-neoplastic agent. It is an aromatic ketone and a β-diketone. 1,3-Diphenylpropane-1,3-dione (1) is primarily used in PVC hard and soft materials, including plates, films, profiles, pipes, and fittings. This research aims to examine the utility of 1,3-diphenylpropane-1,3-dione (1) for the synthesis of a variety of new heterocyclic compounds, such as thioamide, thiazolidine, thiophene-2-carbonitrile, phenylthiazole, thiadiazole-2-carboxylate, 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives, 2-bromo-1,3-diphenylpropane-1,3-dione, new substituted benzo[1,4]thiazines, phenylquinoxalines, and imidazo[1,2-b][1,2,4]triazole derivatives of potential biological activity Methods: 1,3-Diphenylpropane-1,3-dione (1) was used as a starting compound for the synthesis of 3-oxo-N,3-diphenyl-2-(phenylcarbonyl)propanethioamide (3) and 2-bromo-1,3-diphenylpropane-1,3-dione (25), which can be used for further preparations. The 5α-reductase inhibitor activity of some of the synthesized compounds was also tested in vivo; the ED50 and LD50 data were established, Results: Using IR, 1H-NMR, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analysis, the structures of all produced compounds were elucidated. Some of these prepared compounds were reported as 5α-reductase inhibitors. New heterocyclic compounds can be formed via 1,3-diphenylpropane-1,3-dione (1), and some of these compounds can act as 5α-reductase inhibitors.

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.

Application of Amine Salts of Glycyrrhizinic Acid for Prevention of Grape Rot during Storage Period

Rots of various origins account for a significant part of the losses of grapes both during the growing season and during long-term storage. Along with traditional methods, to prevent damage to grapes during storage, environmentally friendly preparations were tested, the raw materials for which were licorice roots (Glycyrrhiza). The corresponding salts of glycyrrhizic acid were synthesized by the interaction of glycyrrhizic acid with o-phenylenediamine and methyl ester of p-aminobenzoic acid in a medium of dry acetone. The universal grape variety Moldova was chosen as the object of the study, and the storage was carried out in a refrigerator at a temperature of 5°C for 4 months. To prevent the development of pathogenic microflora, granules of sodium metabisulfite (Na2S2O5) were used at the rate of 20 g per 7–8 kg of grapes and in the same dose granules of o-phenylenediamine glycyrrhizic acid and methyl ether of p-aminobenzoic acid, as well as granules of dried crushed licorice root. It was revealed that when using Na2S2O5, to protect against the effects of harmful microflora, there were no losses either from rotting or from tearing the berries from the crest of the bunch, the color and consistency of the berries remained the same as during storage. The effectiveness of the tested drugs with the same method of application was somewhat less: in the variant with licorice root granules, losses amounted to more than half, with o-phenylenediamine glycyrrhizic acid (compound 2) – about half of the product, with methyl ester of p-aminobenzoic acid (compound 3), the yield of standard products was slightly more than 70% of the batch stored.

A Global Perspective on Medicinal Plants and Phytochemicals with Antiviral Potentials in the Respiratory System

Introduction: Drug development has a great deal to gain from the therapeutic and preventative actions of medicinal plants and their derivatives. In order to introduce active medicinal herbs and phytochemicals against viral infections of the respiratory system, we tried to focus on a vast amount of data. Methods: From 2000 to the present, articles from Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar were taken into consideration. A combination of respiratory viral infection with keywords of medicinal plants, phytochemicals, flavonoids, saponins, phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, and natural products has been used, as well as keywords of antiviral medicinal plants, and antiviral phytochemicals. Pure antiviral compounds and plants with activity against viruses other than respiratory viruses were disregarded and excluded from consideration. Results: More than eighty phytochemicals and sixty herbs that were subjected to in vitro and in vivo investigations were documented. The current study collects information on multiple medicinal plants, including Camellia sinensis, Sambucus nigra, Pelargonium sidoides, Echinacea purpurea, and Glycyrrhiza glabra, which have been shown to have effective antiviral properties through experimental research. The main antiviral phytochemicals were terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Additionally, chemicals including resveratrol, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, amentoflavone A, biochanin, and glycyrrhizin demonstrated efficacy against many viral infections. Conclusion: For the management of viral infections, the current review on the development of novel antiviral medications is strongly advised. It also provides a possibility to discover anti-Covid-19 lead compounds and can offer supportive treatment in this pandemic situation.

18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid Alleviates P. multocida-Induced Vascular Endothelial Inflammation by PARP1-Mediated NF-κB and HMGB1 Signalling Suppression in PIEC Cells.

At present, the treatment and prevention of Pasteurella multocida infections in pigs mainly rely on antibiotics and vaccines, but inflammatory injury cannot be eliminated. The compound 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid extracted from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. root (liquorice) and with a chemical structure similar to that of steroidal hormones, has become a research focus because of its anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects, but its potential for the treatment of vascular endothelial inflammatory injury by P. multocida infections has not been evaluated. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of GA intervention in the treatment of vascular endothelial inflammatory injury by P. multocida infections. Putative targets of GA intervention in the treatment of vascular endothelial inflammatory injury by P. multocida infections were identified using network pharmacological screening and molecular docking simulation. The cell viability of PIEC cells was investigated via the CCK-8 assay. The mechanism of GA intervention in the treatment of vascular endothelial inflammatory injury by P. multocida infections were investigated using cell transfection and western blot. Through network pharmacological screening and molecular docking simulation, this study found that PARP1 may be a core target for GA to exert anti-inflammatory effects. Mechanistically, GA alleviates P. multocida-induced vascular endothelial inflammation by PARP1-mediated NF-κB and HMGB1 signalling suppression. These findings, for the first time, demonstrate the potential therapeutic relationship among GA, PARP1 and inflammatory injury, providing a candidate drug, therapeutic targets and explanation for treating vascular endothelial inflammatory injury caused by P. multocida infection.

Flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins loaded polycaprolactone nanofibers (NF) for wound dressing applications

Triphala is one of the commonly used ayurvedic formulations for gastrointestinal disorders. In Ayurveda, Triphala water has been used to wash wounds as an antimicrobial agent for wound healing. In this study, the wound healing property of Triphala was further enhanced by mixing equal proportions of medicinal plants like Acacia catechu, Glycyrrhiza glabra Azadirachta indica, and Coscinium fenestratum. The polyherbal extract was prepared from the new polyherbal formulation using a methanol-chloroform solvent mixture and analysed for its quality and quantity of phytochemicals. Then, the polyherbal extract at 1%, 3%, and 5% concentration was mixed with 10% polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer and converted into poly-herbal extract-loaded nanofibers using an electrospinning technique. The prepared nanofibers were characterized by FTIR, XRD, FESEM, contact angle, and water absorption. Further, the biological properties like antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility were also analysed. Finally, the in-vivo wound healing efficiency was studied using an animal model. The FTIR analysis reveals the presence of unique phytochemicals of plant extracts. Further, the FESEM confirms the presence of the drug on the surface of nanofibers. From the XRD, the reduction in crystallinity was observed due to herbal drug incorporation. Further, contact angle, water absorption also proved the absorbing ability of polyherbal-loaded nanofibers. The polycaprolactone-polyherbal (PCL-PHF) formulation of 3% and 5% loaded nanofibers shows faster wound healing compared to the control and standard. In addition, the polyherbal drug-loaded polycaprolactone shows faster granulation tissue formation and collagen synthesis compared to the standard group. The antioxidant property of the patch protects the wound from lipid peroxides and myeloperoxidase. Overall, the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory property of polyherbal extract aids in faster wound healing. This finding suggests that the polyherbal drug-loaded polycaprolactone nanofibrous mats could be used as an effective candidate for the treatment of open wounds.

Chalcone derivatives from licorice inhibit human and rat gonadal 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases as therapeutic uses

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn traditional Chinese medicine, licorice (the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra and G. inflata) has been used to treat inflammation and sexual debility for over 1000 years. Pharmacological studies have identified many biologically active chalcone derivatives from licorice. Aim of the studyHuman 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (h3β-HSD2) catalyzes the formation of precursors for sex hormones and corticosteroids, which play critical roles in reproduction and metabolism. We explored inhibition and mode action of chalcones of inhibiting h3β-HSD2 and compared it with rat 3β-HSD1. Materials and methodsWe investigated the inhibition of 5 chalcones on h3β-HSD2 and compared species-dependent difference with 3β-HSD1. ResultsThe inhibitory strength on h3β-HSD2 was isoliquiritigenin (IC50, 0.391 μM) > licochalcone A (0.494 μM) > licochalcone B (1.485 μM) > echinatin (1.746 μM) >chalcone (100.3 μM). The inhibitory strength on r3β-HSD1 was isoliquiritigenin (IC50, 0.829 μM) > licochalcone A (1.165 μM) > licochalcone B (1.866 μM) > echinatin (2.593 μM) > chalcone (101.2 μM). Docking showed that all chemicals bind steroid and/or NAD+-binding site with the mixed mode. Structure-activity relationship analysis showed that strength was correlated with chemical's hydrogen bond acceptor. ConclusionSome chalcones are potent h3β-HSD2 and r3β-HSD1 inhibitors, possibly being potential drugs to treat Cushing's syndrome or polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Assessment on the photocatalytic and phytotoxic activities using ecobenevolently synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles from the root extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra.

The present study is the first attempt to utilize the root extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra as a novel biological route for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3NPs) under optimized conditions. The process variables namely concentration of ferric chloride, root extract ofG. glabra and temperature were optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to obtain high yield. Phytochemicals mediated the reduction process and served as capping and stabilizing agent. The biosynthesized Fe2O3NPs characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy exhibited a prominent peak at 350nm. The crystallinity and valence state of Fe2O3NPs was confirmed by XRD and XPS. The surface functionalization of the nanoparticles was confirmed from the presence of functional groups in the FT-IR spectrum. The FESEM analysis revealed the biosynthesized Fe2O3NPs are irregular and the EDX spectrum recorded the presence of iron and oxygen in the synthesized nanoparticles. The biosynthesized Fe2O3NPs exhibited an appreciable photocatalytic activity against methylene blue under sunlight with a maximum decolorisation efficiency of 92% within 180min of reaction time. The experimental data of adsorption studies well fitted with Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model. The thermodynamic study proved to be spontaneous, feasible and endothermic in nature. The phytotoxicity study revealed 92% germination and increased seedling growth in the green gram seeds exposed to Fe2O3NPs. Hence the study established the efficiency of biosynthesized of Fe2O3NPs in photocatalytic and phytotoxic activities.