Licorice Research Articles

Out-of-set association analysis of lung cancer drugs and symptoms based on clinical case data mining.

There are 1.8 million lung cancer deaths worldwide, accounting for 18% of global cancer deaths, including 710,000 in China, accounting for 23.8% of all cancer deaths in China. To explore the out-of-set association rules of lung cancer symptoms and drugs through text mining of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment of lung cancer, and form medical case analysis to analyze the experience of TCM syndrome differentiation in its treatment. The medical records of all patients diagnosed with lung cancer in Nanjing Chest Hospital from January to December 2018 were collected, and the out-of-set association analysis was performed using the MedCase v5.2 TCM clinical scientific research auxiliary platform based on the frequent pattern growth enhanced association analysis algorithm. In terms of TCM treatment of lung cancer, the clinical symptoms with high correlation included cough, expectoration, chest distress, and white phlegm; and the drugs with high correlation included Pinellia ternata, licorice root, white Atractylodes rhizome, and Radix Ophiopogonis; with the prescriptions based on Erchen and Maimendong decoctions. This analytical study of the medical cases of TCM treatment for lung cancer was performed using data mining techniques, and the out-of-set association rules between clinical symptoms and drugs were analyzed, including the understanding of lung cancer in TCM. Moreover, the essence of experience in drug use was gathered, providing significant scientific guidance for the clinical treatment of lung cancer.

Development and validation of method of quantitative determination of flavonoids from the above-ground part of Glycyrrhiza glabra L.

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal extraction factors of flavonoids from the above-ground part of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) and to develop a method for their quantitative determination by differ-ential spectrophotometry. The object of the study was collected in the Volgograd region during flowering and dried samples of the herb of the medicinal plant. Ethyl alcohol 70% was chosen as the optimal extractant of flavonoids from the studied raw materials. It was found that the extraction of the maximum amount of flavonoid fraction is observed at three times extraction of plant raw material for 30 minutes each in the ratio with extractant 1:30. Quantitative determination of flavonoid compounds was performed by measuring the optical density of coloured complexes formed in extracts from the above-ground part of G. glabra L. with 2.5% aluminum chloride solution. Detection of the optical density of the tested solutions was conducted at a wave-length of 408 nm, corresponding to the maximum of the standard sample solution of rutin (Sigma, USA) after the addition of 2.5% aluminum chloride solution. Determined by differential spectrophotometry method the content of the sum of flavonoids in recalculation on rutin in extracts from the studied samples of plant raw materials of G. glabra L., obtained under the selected conditions, is 4.34±0.06%. The relative error of determination did not exceed 5%. A validation analysis was also conducted, the results of which showed the specificity, linearity and precision of the developed methodology. The studied validation parameters were within the acceptance criteria.

Therapeutic Alleviation and Mechanism of Glabridin Liposome on Histamine-induced Atopic Dermatitis

Background: One of the primary flavonoids found in the Glycyrrhiza glabra is called glabridin, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antineoplastic effects. However, the insolubility of glabridin in water limits its application. Liposomes can increase the solubility of insoluble drugs and improve their bioavailability. Objective: We examined the potential for the treatment of glabridin liposomes on histamine-induced atopic dermatitis. Materials and Methods: After GL treatment, histopathology, inflammatory cytokines, and atopic dermatitis-related proteins were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of GL. Results: Glabridin liposomes alleviated histamine-induced scratching behavior; reduced mast cell proliferation, infiltration, and degranulation; and restrained the expression of associated pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, glabridin liposomes restored nerve growth factor to normal levels and enhanced the expression of filaggrin to promote cuticle growth and repair skin damage caused by atopic dermatitis. Conclusion: Glabridin liposomes may relieve histamine-induced skin hypersensitivity and cortical hyperplasia by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines, demonstrating their potential for the clinical treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Quality Changes During the Storage of Ready to Eat Pumpkin Butter Prepared Using Terminalia arjuna and Glycyrrhiza glabra Powder

Quality Changes During the Storage of Ready to Eat Pumpkin Butter Prepared Using Terminalia arjuna and Glycyrrhiza glabra Powder

Anti-rheumatoid arthritis potential of Halodule pinifolia: development, characterization and in vivo evaluation of H. pinifolia-based oral suspension and lipid nano-emulsion.

For treating chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, herbal medicines are preferred due to their evident therapeutic effects and lesser side effects as compared to the long-term used conventional drugs. In this study, the anti-rheumatoid arthritis effect of an unexplored marine grass Halodule pinifolia (HP), and a combination of it with Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice; LQ), prepared as a conventional suspension (C1) and a lipid nano-emulsion (C1-N) was evaluated in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)- and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) models. Formulations C1 and C1-N contained standardized extract HP (100mg/kg) as major active ingredient and liquorice LQ (50mg/kg) as both active ingredient (anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer) and sweetening agent. Oral administration of HP and C1 to FCA-induced Sprague-Dawley rats significantly reduced the paw oedema, spleen index, controlled the haematological parameters, cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α estimated by ELISA), mRNA expression of cytokines and osteoclast markers (RANK, TRAP and cathepsin K measured by RTPCR). Histopathology and radiological scanning demonstrated lesser joint deterioration in sample-treated rats, as evident phenotypically. The downregulation of CD51 and MMP-3 (western blot) corroborated the anti-arthritic effect of HP and C1. HP showed better results among all. Further, under the CIA model, both C1 and C1-N were found to be potentially active as evidenced by their effect on rat paw oedema, spleen index, haematological parameters, rheumatoid factor, cytokines, osteoclast markers, histology and X-rays. The results proved the anti-arthritic effect of HP and the formulations, particularly the lipid nano-emulsion that showed improved stability as well as activity.

FORMULATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF GASTRORETENTIVE IN SITU GEL LOADED WITH GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA L. EXTRACT FOR GASTRIC ULCER

Objective: The study aimed to formulate and evaluate the gastroretentive in situ gelling system of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract to increase the gastric residence time and provide sustained release of the drug, thereby avoiding disadvantages such as frequent dosing, patient non-compliance and low bioavailability. Methods: The in-situ gel was prepared by pH-triggered gelation method by using sodium alginate and gellan gum as polymers, sodium citrate as a crosslinking agent, and calcium carbonate as a floating agent. Formulation and optimization of in situ gels were achieved by 32 factorial design by using Design-Expert Software to determine the influence of independent variables such as concentration of sodium alginate and gellan gum on viscosity, gel strength, the onset of flotation, and drug release at 12 h. Results: The viscosity, gel strength, onset of flotation and drug release at 12h of optimized formulation were found to be 568.89 cps, 42.91 sec, 53.17 sec and 82.69%, respectively. The floating duration of all in-situ gels was found to be more than 12 h. All the formulations showed drug content in the range of 83.55% to 95.28%. The in vitro release profile of the drug extract from all the formulations appeared to follow the Higuchi model, which concludes that the drug release was controlled by diffusion mechanism. The FTIR study indicates no chemical incompatibility between drug extract and other excipients. Conclusion: Hence, a novel gastroretentive in situ gelling system of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. could be prepared for sustained oral delivery to increase patient compliance with reduced dosing frequency and increased residence time of the drug in the stomach.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Glycyrrhizic Acid in Liver Implication in Dengue Infection: A Case Report

Dengue is one of the most common infectious diseases affecting humans. The virus is transmitted between humans by the Aedes mosquito. It occurs hyperendemically in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. Dengue infection can affect numerous organs, with the liver being the most frequently affected organ. The clinical spectrum of liver disorders ranges from mild elevation of transaminase enzymes to severe conditions such as acute liver failure. Several mechanisms have been proposed to describe hepatic dysfunction observed in dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever, such as immunological injury, hypoxic injury, and direct viral damage due to reduced hepatic perfusion during shock. Glycyrrhizic acid, extracted in the form of glycyrrhizin from the root of the licorice plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, is referred to as Stronger Neo-Minophagen-C (SNMC®). It has shown effectiveness in reducing serum aminotransferase and bilirubin levels, attenuating hepatocyte apoptosis, and producing endogenous interferon. The following is a case report of a 23-year-old woman with dengue fever and elevated liver enzyme level. The patient’s vital signs were stable. A physical examination revealed no abnormalities. A complete blood count test showed thrombocytopenia without an elevation of the hematocrit. AST level was 901 U/L after admission. Causes of other hepatitis infections, such as hepatitis A, B, and C, were excluded. The dengue IgM and IgG antibody levels were reactive. After several days of hospitalization, the patient experienced clinical improvement after supportive therapy and the administration of glicyrrhizic acid or SNMC®.

Solid-State Synthesis of Liquorice-Stabilized Copper-Based Nanoparticles: Structural and Catalytic Studies.

A large-scale quantity of copper oxalate nanoparticles were successfully obtained via a facile and green solid-state chemical reaction. Copper oxalate nanoparticles were obtained by ball-milling between copper chloride, Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and ascorbic acid at ambient conditions. The size and morphology of copper oxalate nanoparticles powder were studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The prepared nanoparticles were semi-spherical in shape and ranged from 5 to 15 nm in size. UV/Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements were carried out to characterize the prepared samples. Copper oxalate nanoparticles were evaluated as a catalyst in the catalytic degradation of 4-nitrophenol, bromophenol blue, reactive yellow, and a mixture of the three pollutants. The present study combined solid-state reaction and green requirements for the mass production of nanomaterials. The proposed reaction is performed in simple steps, inexpensive, low energy consuming, solvent-free, and minimizes the emission of secondary wastes.

The Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Analysis of an Ayurvedic Formulation Amruthadi Kashaya

Amruthadi Kashaya is a Ayurvedic formulation mentioned in the book Arogya Kalpadruma for the treatment of Pandu (anaemic syndrome), Kamala (jaundice) and Raktapitha (bleeding disorders). The Yoga contains six drugs namely Amrutha (Tinospora cordifolia), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Tiktha (Solanum anguivi), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Pichumantha (Azadirachta indica). This Kashaya is rich in phytoconstituents, such as phenolics, terpenoids, and lipids, which are known for their many biological benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant effects. The purpose of the current study is to use Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) analysis to identify the different types of bio molecules that are present in this Kashaya. Kashaya was prepared according to standard protocol. It was concentrated in the rotary vacuum evaporator, and the total soluble solid (TSS) obtained was used for GCMS analysis. The GCMS of Kashaya showed the presence of bio molecules such as 7 Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, Methyl tetradecanoate, Diethyl Phthalate, Dodecanoic acid, methyl ester, Methyl stearate, à-Terpineol, Methyl 8-methylnonanoate, 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol, à, à,4-trimethyl-, acetate, Decanoic acid, methyl ester, 1,6,10-Dodecatrien-3-ol,3,7,11-trimethyl-, (E)-, Ethyl iso-allocholate, Spiro [2,4] hepta-4,6-diene, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, 9-Hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester, (Z) etc. à-Terpineol, 7-Hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester, Butylated hydroxytoluene, Nerolidyl acetate have antioxidant activity likewise some of the bio molecules have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer activity. It is concluded that Ayurvedic formulation Amruthadi Kashaya contains many bio molecules having therapeutic actions.

Glycyrrhizic acid treatment ameliorates anxiety-like behaviour via GLT1 and Per1/2-dependent pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAs a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Glycyrrhiza. UralensisFisch. (licorice root, chinese name: Gancao) has a variety of medicinal values and is widely used clinically. Its main active ingredient, glycyrrhizic acid (GA), is believed to have a neuroprotective effect. However, the underlying biological mechanisms of GA on stress-induced anxiety disorders are still unclear. Aim of the studyTo investigate the anti-anxiety effect of GA and its underlying mechanism. MethodsWe selected the anxiety model induced by repeated chronic restraint stress (CRS) for 2 h on each of 7 consecutive days. GA (4, 20, 100 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally once daily for 1 week. The potential GA receptors were identified using whole-cell patches and computer-assisted docking of molecules. High-throughput RNA sequencing, adeno-associated virus-mediated gene regulation, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR were used to assess the underlying molecular pathways. ResultsGA alleviate depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors in CRS mice. GA decreased synaptic transmission by facilitating glutamate reuptaking in mPFC. Meanwhile, long-term GA treatment increased the expression of clock genes Per1 and Per2. Suppressing both Per1 and Per2 abolished the anxiolytic effects of GA treatment. ConclusionOur study suggests that GA may be developed for the treatment of stress-induced anxiety disorders, and its mechanism is related to GLT1 and Per1/2-dependent pathways. This presents a novel approach to discovering potent therapeutic drugs.

The Potential of Natural Products in the Management of Cardiovascular Disease.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, comprising a variety of disorders such as hypertension, heart attacks, Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), dyslipidemias, strokes, coronary heart disease, and cardiomyopathies. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that 22.2 million people will die from CVD in 2030. Conventional treatments for CVDs are often quite expensive and also have several side effects. This potentiates the use of medicinal plants, which are still a viable alternative therapy for a number of diseases, including CVD. Natural products' cardio-protective effects result from their anti-oxidative, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-ischemic, and platelet aggregation-inhibiting properties. The conventional therapies used to treat CVD have the potential to be explored in light of the recent increase in the popularity of natural goods and alternative medicine. Some natural products with potential in the management of cardiovascular diseases such as Allium sativum L., Ginkgo biloba, Cinchona ledgeriana, Ginseng, Commiphora mukul, Digitalis lanata, Digitalis purpurea L., Murrayakoenigii, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Polygonum cuspidatum, Fenugreek, Capsicum annuum, etc. are discussed in this article.

Efficacy of Kushmanda Benincasa hispida (thunb.) Cogn. and Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.) on Medha (intellectual capacity) in Malnourished School-Going Children: A Study Protocol of an Open-Label Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract BACKGROUND: Malnutrition adversely affects the intelligence quotient (IQ), with a more pronounced impact on short-term memory, visual perception, and visual-motor integration compared to verbal reasoning and understanding. The negative effects of malnutrition can be avoided by correcting mild to moderate undernutrition. Consequently, Kushmanda Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. and Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.) are chosen for the current study because they share similar properties as Medhya (nootropic), Balya (nutritive), Vrishya (aphrodisiac), Hridhya (cardiotonic), and Rasayana (rejuvenation). OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of Kushmanda and Yastimadhu granules on IQ in malnourished children of school-going age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is designed as a single-center, randomized, active-controlled, open-label clinical trial in which 240 IAP Grade 1 and Grade 2 undernutrition students between 11 and 12 years will be chosen from nearby primary schools for participation. Weschler’s Intelligence Scale (also known as Malin’s Intelligence Scale for Indian Children) will be used to measure IQ, and those with scores between 70 and 89 will be randomly divided into two groups of 120 participants each, with one group receiving Kushmanda granules and the other receiving Yastimadhu granules at a predetermined dosage may be added for a month. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It is anticipated that this will lead to an increase in IQ and weight gain in malnourished youngsters. A variety of factors influence IQ, and one of those is nutrition. This study will investigate the effect of nootropic and nutritional actions of Kushmanda and Yastimadhu granules on undernourished school-age children with borderline intelligence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial has been registered at the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI); the registration number for this trial is CTRI/2023/02/049381, on the date 01/02/2023.

Modern Treatment of Dry Post-viral Cough. Focus on Efficiency and Safety

Cough is the most common symptom of bronchopulmonary diseases, about which patients consult the doctors of both primary and secondary care. Cough can be caused by diseases of the respiratory tract, digestive tract, and cardiovascular diseases. However, cough most often develops during acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), which disrupts the patient’s normal activities and limits his work capacity. Since most respiratory infections are viral in nature, the use of antibacterial drugs will not only be of no benefit, but will also significantly worsen the patient’s condition. The objective: to analyze the effectiveness and tolerability of a combined antitussive agent, which includes codeine, thermopsis extract, licorice root and sodium bicarbonate, in the treatment of dry post-viral cough. Materials and methods. The study included 60 patients with a dry cough that caused by ARVI, namely: 49 (82%) men and 11 (18%) women. The average age of the patients was 46±4.7 years. Most of the subjects (90%) had smoking experience of more than 20 years. The research participants were divided into two groups of 30 people each. The groups were comparable by age, duration and severity of symptoms, as well as clinical manifestations of respiratory disease. The patients of the first group took a combined antitussive drug containing codeine, thermopsis extract, licorice root, and sodium bicarbonate for 5 days. Patients of the second group received alternative antitussive drugs. At the beginning and at the end of treatment, the severity of cough was determined on a visual analog scale and the physical, psychological and social conditions of patients in both groups were assessed using the Leicester Acute Cough Questionnaire. Results. As a result of the research, it was found that the patients of the first group, who received the combined antitussive drug, have achieved the desired treatment result much earlier and more effectively than the patients of the second group. The intensity of their cough decreased by 2.5 times during the treatment period. The patients of the first group also had better results of treatment, comparing indicators of physical, psychological and social conditions. In the control group, positive results of treatment were determined, although a less significant effect was found. Conclusions. The conducted study confirmed the high efficiency of the combined antitussive agent, which includes codeine, thermopsis extract, licorice root and sodium bicarbonate, in the treatment of dry debilitating cough caused by ARVI. Thanks to the use of this drug, the severity of cough significantly decreased, which led to a significant improvement in the general condition and quality of life of patients.

PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHARMACEUTICAL EVALUATION OF YASHTIMADHU (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN.)

Background: Yashtimadhu, botanically identified as Glycyrrhiza glabra L., is a well-known herb in Ayurveda. It is cultivated in India, mainly in Punjab and sub-Himalayan tracts. Root and stolon have been widely used in different formulations. Pancha Vidha Kashaya Kalpanas (Pharmaceutics) are mentioned primarily to achieve the maximum efficacy of the drug and to upgrade its palatability. Some kalpanas are also made to increase the shelf-life of a drug. In the conventional system, dosage forms are mainly preferred based on the solubility of a drug to enhance its bioavailability. Yashtimadhu, as per the literature, have been used in 22 dosage forms. Churna (powder), Kashaya (decoction), Phanta (infusion), Ksheerapaka (milk-based preparation), Taila (Oil-based preparation) and Gritha (ghee-based preparation) are mainly used to enhance its therapeutic utility. Aim: To analyse the pharmacognostic changes; this study evaluated Yashtimadhu and its pharmaceutics for its characteristic features. Method: The formulations were prepared using the classical methods and analysed based on the standard parameters. Result: The evaluation showed that the parameters were comparable to the standard references. Conclusion: The genuine authenticity and shelf-life of a drug remain an essential criterion for a drug to be fit for therapeutic consumption. Evaluation of Yashtimadhu in its different forms for various parameters revealed its significance.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-Composites of Polypropylene / Cr2O3 Nanoparticles Using Licorice Extract

In this work, biosynthesized nanoparticles (Cr2O3) NPs were extracted by licorice root and proven by AFM technique to have a particle diameter of 14.99 nm. These particles were superimposed on polypropylene, and nanocomposites were synthesizes and diagnosed using different techniques, such as FT-IR, SEM, EDS, XRD, TG, DTA, and DSC. To identify the shapes, sizes, and nature of the particles of nanocomposites synthesized in an environmentally friendly way using the mentioned techniques, inhibitory actions of microorganisms were studied using several types of bacteria and fungi. To identify the protective role of environmentally friendly nanoparticles, the antimicrobial activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was characterized by green methods. Antioxidant activity was calculated by DPPH, and acceptable results were obtained for scavenging free radicals.

The King of Chinese Medicine——Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): All-round Inquiry in its Chemical Composition, Pharmacodynamics, Traditional and Medicinal Value

Licorice, a perennial herb of Leguminosa, is one of the oldest and most widely used herbal medicines worldwide. Its distinct sweet flavor and rich medicinal value make it an integral component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations, which continue to be widely employed. The main chemical constituents of licorice include triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that various extracts and pure compounds derived from licorice exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, immune-regulatory, and neuroprotective activities. The bioactive constituents of licorice offer therapeutic benefits for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and liver disorders. This comprehensive review discusses the primary chemical constituents of licorice and their pharmacological activities, describes in vivo and in vitro models employed for studying licorice, and its potential targets and mechanisms of action. Furthermore, we discuss the toxicological profile, side effects, dosage recommendations, and clinical applications of licorice. This review aims to establish a foundation for further research on the safe and effective utilization of licorice while facilitating an in-depth exploration of its properties and fostering the development of novel therapeutic agents. Graphical abstract: http://links.lww.com/AHM/A102

18β-glycyrrhetinic acid suppresses Lewis lung cancer growth through protecting immune cells from ferroptosis.

18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), the main metabolite of glycyrrhizic acid extracted from the root of licorice, has been reported to possess anti-cancer and immunomodulatory activity, but the mechanisms are not well understood. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis of immune cells is involved in tumor-associated immune suppression. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the enhanced immune response via inhibiting immune cell ferroptosis contributed to the anticancer effect of 18β-GA. Lewis Lung carcinoma mouse model and Murine CD8+T cell culture model were used to examine the changes of immune response and ferroptosis of immune cells. We found that 18β-GA was effective against lung cancer accompanied by enhanced activation of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells in Lewis Lung carcinoma mouse model. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the boosted immune response by GA was attributed to its ability to inhibit arachidonic acid (AA)-mediated CD8+ T ferroptosis via suppressing CD36 expression. The findings of the present study unraveled a novel mechanism underlying the anti-cancer and immunomodulatory activity of 18β-GA and support that 18β-GA holds potential to be used as an immune enhancer for lung cancer prevention or treatment.

Comparative Teratogenic and Skin whitening effect of Herbal extract Glycyrrhiza glabra and Citrus sineus on Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Objective: To determine acute toxicity and Synergistic effect of the anti-melanogenic activity of methanolic extract Glycyrrhiza glabra and Citrus sineus on zebrafish. Materials and method: Fish embryo toxicity (FET) was studied as per OECD guidelines 236. The LC50 and maximum non-lethal concentration of both the extracts were calculated. The images of zebrafish larvae exposed to different concentrations of methanolic extracts and their combination were taken by using labomed digital microscope. The skin whitening effect of extract was studied by measuring integrated density of images by using imageJ software Result: LC50 Value and maximum non-lethal concentration of methanolic extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Citrus sineus were found to be 56.23ppm and 34.7ppm respectively. The result revealed significant reduction in percentage hatchability (p < 0.0014 for glycyrrhiza glabra and p<0.0011 for Citrus sinenus), dose dependant increased in percentage mortality and different developmental morphological abnormalities in zebrafish embryos exposed to the methanolic extracts Glycyrrhiza glabra and Citrus sineus. The synergistic effect of herbal extracts was found to be more effective in reducing the melanin content. Conclusion: Very High concentration of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Citrus Sineus showed teratogenic effect in zebrafish embryoes. However, based on OECD aquatic toxicity classification, both the extracts were found to be safe. Our study also revealed synergestic skin whitening effect of both the extracts in zebrafish larvae which might be due to reduction of melatonin content by these extracts.

Ammonium Glycyrrhizate: A natural biosurfactant for the design of innovative nanocarriers

In this paper, the surfactant properties of Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, a bioactive compound present in Licorice root were studied. Considering the ability of this bioactive molecule to form micelles, we investigated for the first time the self-assemble of Ammonium Glycyrrhizate in vesicle structures. The organization of Ammonium Glycyrrhizate in vesicles allows to increase its bioavailability and, so, efficacy but also to use them as carrier of other drugs for potential combination therapy. Niosomes made up of Ammonium Glycyrrhizate were prepared using thin layer evaporation technique without the use of additional excipients and characterized in term of size, polydispersion index, Zeta potential and colloidal stability. Moreover, the performance of these innovative vesicles as carriers of hydrophilic drug (Fluorescein sodium) or a lipophilic molecule (Curcumin), was evaluated. Nanocarriers showed nanometric sizes, hexagonal shape, high colloidal stability and ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules. These vesicles did not showed cytotoxicity nor antimicrobial activityMoreover, it was found that these niosomes enhanced skin permeation and diffusion in several media and an important ability to interact with mucin. Considering its antinflammatory nature, in vitro inhibition of albumin denaturation assay was also carried out to test if the drug maintains these properties also when organized in colloidal structures. The obtained results highlighted an important antinflammatory activity suggesting the potential role of these nanodevices alone or loaded with other therapeutic molecules for the treatment of inflammatory-based diseases.

Synthesis and Accumulation of Phytocompounds in Field-, Tissue-Culture Grown (Stress) Root Tissues and Simultaneous Defense Response Activity in Glycyrrhiza glabra L.

Harsh climates, i.e., drought, extreme temperatures, and toxic gases, pose issues to agriculture by altering plants’ growth and yield. Biotechnology with biochemical defense approaches is beneficial for generating new plants/varieties with extra resilience to adverse conditions. In response to stress, cultures show an enriched level of secondary metabolite synthesis. Here, an efficient in vitro propagation method using axillary shoot proliferation, along with callus formation, was established in Glycyrrhiza glabra L. The phytochemical composition of in vitro and in vivo grown tissues was analyzed using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) technique, and the biochemical attributes were measured and compared in different investigated tissues. Callus formation from root explants was achieved with a frequency of 88.89% on MS medium containing 2.0 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D. Axillary shoot proliferation was obtained from dormant buds when cultured onto MS supplemented with BAP alone, or in combination with, IAA. The maximum shoot proliferation (94.44%) was recorded on MS with 1.0 mg/L BAP with an average shoot length of 10.5 cm. The regenerated shoots were subcultured and transferred to the root induction medium, supplemented with various concentrations of IAA/IBA, wherein 2.0 mg/L IBA resulted in the best rooting frequency (88.89%). The GC–MS-based phytocompounds analysis of the methanolic extracts of root-derived callus and in vivo- and in vitro- grown root tissues was conducted. These samples revealed the presence of more than 35 therapeutically important bioactive compounds, such as methylglabridin, sitosterol, lupeol, squalene, stearic acid, linoleic acid, etc. The biochemical parameters, like total phenolic content, flavonoid content, DPPH scavenging activity, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activity were also measured. All the biochemical attributes were found to be higher in in vitro derived roots than the callus and in vivo grown root (donor) samples. These findings demonstrated that callus (root derived) and in vitro roots are a stable and potent source of multiple phytocompounds, encompassing medical significance with wide applications. This study may serve as an alternative opportunity in the sustained and continuous synthesis of important compounds without harming natural vegetation and normal environment.