Interfacial and emulsifying properties of purified glycyrrhizin and non-purified glycyrrhizin-rich extracts from liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Characterization and Emulsifying Ability of Cassava Peels Solubilized Using Hydrothermal Treatments

Cassava peels are rich in polysaccharides but highly unexplored and underutilized, as they could be used to meet the increasing demand for clean-label foods. This study investigated the effect of temperature on the solubilization of cassava peel during hydrothermal treatment to determine the emulsifying ability of solubilized cassava peel (SCP). Subcritical water conditions were employed via hydrothermal (120-200 °C; 2 MPa) or autoclave (127 °C; 0.2 MPa) treatments to solubilize cassava peels. The composition of the SCPs was determined, and their emulsifying ability was assessed using interfacial tension and zeta potential measurements. Under the best treatment conditions (140 °C at 2 MPa [hydrothermal]; 127 °C at 0.2 MPa [autoclave]), SCPs reduced interfacial tension against soybean oil to 12.9 mN/m and 13.4 mN/m, respectively. A strengthened co-emulsifier system was developed by incorporating SCPs with Quillaja saponins (QS) or Tween 20 to enhance the performance. Dynamic interfacial tension and zeta potential measurements revealed synergistic interactions, showing a remarkable reduction in interfacial tension from 12.94 to 5.33 mN/m. This suggests that the SCP has a surfactant-like structure owing to its amphiphilic structure and hydrophobic chains (nonpolar region) attached to the -OH functional group (polar region). Combining a second surface-active compound or co-emulsifier results in an additive effect, reducing the interfacial tension. These findings provide novel insights into carbohydrate-saponin binding and elucidate the impact of peel composition, concentration, and hydrothermal treatment conditions on co-emulsifier system performance, which will assist in the development of emulsifiers, contributing to the advancement of clean-label food technologies, effectively replacing synthetic emulsifiers in food formulations, and offering both sustainability and functionality. A systematic investigation of processing conditions and co-emulsifier interactions provides a practical framework for developing high-performance natural emulsifiers from agricultural waste.

Amphiphilic disodium glycyrrhizin as a co-former for ketoconazole co-amorphous systems: Biopharmaceutical properties and underlying molecular mechanisms

Co-amorphous systems (CAMs) have been extensively investigated to improve the dissolution of hydrophobic drugs. However, drug precipitation during the storage or dissolution of CAMs has still been a major challenge. Here, disodium glycyrrhizin (Na2GA) was first used as a co-former in CAMs based on its multiple hydroxyl groups and amphiphilic structure. Ketoconazole (KTZ), a BCS class II drug, was selected as a model drug. KTZ-Na2GA CAMs at mass ratios of 1:1, 1:2.5, 1:5 and 1:10 were prepared by the spray drying method and further characterised by PXRD and DSC. The 1:2.5, 1:5 and 1:10 groups exhibited significantly enhanced Cmax (all approximately 26.67-fold) and stable maintenance of supersaturation compared to the crystalline KTZ and the corresponding physical mixtures in non-sink dissolution tests, while the 1:1 group exhibited an unstable medium Cmax (all approximately 14.67-fold). The permeability tests revealed that the permeation rate of KTZ in KTZ-Na2GA CAMs under the concentration of Na2GA in solution above the critical micelle concentration (CMC) showed a significant downwards trend compared to that below CMC. The underlying molecular mechanisms were involved in molecular miscibility, hydrogen bond interactions, solubilisation and crystallisation inhibition by Na2GA. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that the AUC0-∞ of KTZ in 1:1, 1:2.5, 1:5 and 1:10 groups were significantly higher than those of the crystalline KTZ group with 2.13-, 2.30-, 2.16- and 1.86-fold, respectively (p < 0.01). In conclusion, Na2GA has proven to be a promising co-former in CAMs to enhance hydrophobic drug dissolution and bioavailability. Its effect on intestinal permeation rate of drugs also deserves attention.

Extraction, physicochemical properties, bioactivities and application of natural sweeteners: A review

Natural sweeteners generally refer to a sweet chemical component directly extracted from nature or obtained through appropriate modifications, mainly secondary metabolites of plants. Compared to the first-generation sweeteners represented by sucrose and the second-generation sweeteners represented by sodium cyclamate, natural sweeteners usually have high sweetness, low-calorie content, good solubility, high stability, and rarely toxic side effects. Historically, researchers mainly focus on the function of natural sweeteners as substitutes for sugars in the food industry. This paper reviews the bioactivities of several typical natural sweeteners, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-hyperglycemic activities. In addition, we have summarized the extraction, physicochemical properties, and application of natural sweeteners. The article aimed to comprehensively collate vital information about natural sweeteners and review the potentiality of tapping bioactive compounds from natural products. Hopefully, this review provides insights into the further development of natural sweeteners as therapeutic agents and functional foods.

Foam and fluid properties of purified saponins and non-purified water extracts from Camellia oleifera cake (by-product)

The physicochemical and foam properties of non-purified water extracts (WE) and purified tea saponins (TS) from Camellia oleifera cake (byproduct) were compared. WE showed different fluid properties at equal saponin concentrations (1.0 wt%) compared to TS. Particularly, it exhibited limited micelle size (average 434.1 nm), effective viscosity (0.15 Pa·s), and surface tension (43.9 mN/m) independently of pH. Moreover, the foam properties of WE were comparable to TS and better than sodium caseinate, especially foam stability. WE foam was more stable than TS foam under pH (3-7) and heating (40-80 °C). In the presence of NaCl, sucrose, and ethanol (5-20 wt%), WE and TS were effective and had similar foam behavior. Low concentrations of sucrose (<10 wt%)/ethanol (<20 wt%) significantly increased the foam capacity, while ethanol over 30 wt% was unfavorable. WE/TS foam contributes significantly to the desired physicochemical and sensory attributes (taste, texture, and appearance) of foods.

Emulsion for stabilizing β-carotene and curcumin prepared directly using a continuous phase of polysaccharide-rich Schizophyllum commune fermentation broth

In this study, we examined the effect of Schizophyllum commune fermentation broth (SCFB) rich in polysaccharides (SCFP) on the stability and bioaccessibility of β-carotene and curcumin. An SCFB-stabilized oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion (SCFBe) was prepared using SCFB as the continuous phase, and then evaluated for storage stability using an SCFP-based emulsion (SCFPe) as the control. The findings revealed that SCFBe is more stable at 60 °C than SCFPe, and stratification or droplet size varied at differing pH levels (3-9) and concentrations of Na+ (0.1-0.5 M) and Ca2+ (0.01-0.05 M). Since the absolute value of the zeta potential of SCFBe is much lower at 60 °C than that at 4 °C and 25 °C, a higher temperature (60 °C) may enhance the reactivity of polysaccharides and proteins in SCFB to improve the stability of SCFBe. Both the protective impact of SCFB on functional food molecules and their capacity to block lipid oxidation increased as polysaccharide content improved. The bioaccessibility of β-carotene after in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion is 11.18 %-12.28 %, whereas that of curcumin is 31.64 %-33.00 %. By fermenting edible and medicinal fungi in liquid, we created a unique and environmentally friendly approach for getting food-grade emulsifiers without extraction.

Self-stabilizing performance of γ-oryzanol in oil-in-water emulsions and solid dispersions

The surface activity of γ-oryzanol was evaluated by the pendant drop method (PDM), and its self-stabilizing properties were investigated by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) and solvent displacement method (SDM). Emulsions prepared by HPH were highly unstable due to the poor surface-active character of γ-oryzanol as identified by the PDM. In contrast, solid dispersions fabricated by SDM had comparable particle size to those prepared using Tween 80 (T80) as surfactant, and were stable up to 30 days of storage at 4 °C. The self-stabilizing properties of γ-oryzanol were attributed to the mechanism of spontaneous particle formation in SDM and to the ability of γ-oryzanol molecules to prevent particles aggregation by electrostatic repulsion. The outcome of this study indicates the potential of encapsulating selected bioactive compounds, such as γ-oryzanol, in stable colloidal systems by SDM without adding emulsifier(s), regardless of their surface-active character.

Microfluidic fabricated bisdemethoxycurcumin thermosensitive liposome with enhanced antitumor effect

Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) is the main active ingredient that is isolated from Zingiberaceae plants, wherein it has excellent anti-tumor effects. However, insolubility in water limits its clinical application. Herein, we reported a microfluidic chip device that can load BDMC into the lipid bilayer to form BDMC thermosensitive liposome (BDMC TSL). The natural active ingredient glycyrrhizin was selected as the surfactant to improve solubility of BDMC. Particles of BDMC TSL had small size, homogenous size distribution, and enhanced cultimulative release in vitro. The anti-tumor effect of BDMC TSL on human hepatocellular carcinomas was investigated via 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method, live/dead staining, and flowcytometry. These results showed that the formulated liposome had a strong cancer cell inhibitory, and presented a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on migration. Further mechanistic studies showed that BDMC TSL combined with mild local hyperthermia could significantly upregulate B cell lymphoma 2 associated X protein levels and decrease B cell lymphoma 2 protein levels, thereby inducing cell apoptosis. The BDMC TSL that was fabricated via microfluidic device were decomposed under mild local hyperthermia, which could beneficially enhance the anti-tumor effect of raw insoluble materials and promote translation of liposome.

Fast and convenient delivery of fluidextracts liquorice through electrospun core-shell nanohybrids

Introduction: As an interdisciplinary field, drug delivery relies on the developments of modern science and technology. Correspondingly, how to upgrade the traditional dosage forms for a more efficacious, safer, and convenient drug delivery poses a continuous challenge to researchers. Methods, results and discussion: In this study, a proof-of-concept demonstration was conducted to convert a popular traditional liquid dosage form (a commercial oral compound solution prepared from an intermediate licorice fluidextract) into a solid dosage form. The oral commercial solution was successfully encapsulated into the core-shell nanohybrids, and the ethanol in the oral solution was removed. The SEM and TEM evaluations showed that the prepared nanofibers had linear morphologies without any discerned spindles or beads and an obvious core-shell nanostructure. The FTIR and XRD results verified that the active ingredients in the commercial solution were compatible with the polymeric matrices and were presented in the core section in an amorphous state. Three different types of methods were developed, and the fast dissolution of the electrospun core-shell nanofibers was verified. Conclusion: Coaxial electrospinning can act as a nano pharmaceutical technique to upgrade the traditional oral solution into fast-dissolving solid drug delivery films to retain the advantages of the liquid dosage forms and the solid dosage forms.

Adaptation of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. to water deficiency based on carbohydrate and fatty acid quantity and quality

Water deficit affects agricultural systems negatively globally. This research objective was to mitigate drought's detrimental effects on plants metabolite profiling by utilizing biofertilizers and mineral nutrition. The carbohydrate content and fatty acid profile of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) were assessed under Silicon (Si) nutrition, Claroiedoglomus etunicatum inoculation (F), and drought stress (100, 80, 60, 40, and 20% of field capacity (FC)). Results showed that Si application increased total sugar content under severe drought levels (20 and 40% FC) and made it reach 12.41 and 12.63 g/100 g _DW, respectively. Sucrose, as the predominant sugar of licorice, was at its highest level (13.1 g/100 g _DW) in response to integrated values of F and Si (60% FC). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that the majority of fatty acid components in plants were 9-Octadecenoic acid (8.72-71.27%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (0.1-56.43%), Hexadecanoic acid (12.84-30.59%), Octadecanoic acid (6.9-15.3%), Docosanoic acid (0.57-2.77%), Eicosanoic acid (1.07-2.64%), and 7-Hexadecenoic acid (0.26-2.62%). Since a lower omega6/omega3 ratio represents a healthier product, the lowest ratio (0.25%) was observed in well-watered inoculated plants. Also, severe drought-treated plants under integrated Si and F applications showed a low omega6/omega3 ratio (1.88%). In conclusion, Si and F improved synergistically the carbohydrate content and fatty acid profile in plants, despite the drought stress.

New Butyroside D from Argan Press Cake Possess Anti-Melanogenesis Effect via MITF Downregulation in B16F10 and HEM Cells

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition where patches of skin become darker in color due to excess melanin production upon UV exposure leading to melasma, which are lentigines or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation that psychologically affecting a great number of people. The present study investigates the anti-melanogenic effect of Butyroside D and the underling mechanism. After the confirmation of the non-cytotoxic effect of Butyroside D on B16F10 cells, we proceeded with analyzing the impact of the treatment at low and high concentration (i.e., 0.2 μM and 2 μM) using gene profiling analysis and examined the differentiation in gene expression. Our results identify cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), Wnt/β-catenin and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways to be downregulated upon treatment with Butyroside D. These pathways were targeted to further validate the effect of Butyroside D on membrane receptors melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) and receptor tyrosine kinase (c-Kit), related microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and consequently tyrosinase (TYR), and tyrosine-related protein-1 (TYRP-1) that were all shown to be downregulated and, therefore, leading to the repression of melanin biosynthesis. Finally, the anti-melanogenic effect of Butyroside D was confirmed on human epidermal melanocytes (HEM) cells by inhibiting the activation of cAMP pathway generally mediated through α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and MC1R. Overall, this study suggests the potential applicability of this purified compound for the prevention of hyperpigmentation conditions.

Saponins as Natural Emulsifiers for Nanoemulsions

The awareness of sustainability approaches has focused attention on replacing synthetic emulsifiers with natural alternatives when formulating nanoemulsions. In this context, a comprehensive review of the different types of saponins being successfully used to form and stabilize nanoemulsions is presented, highlighting the most common natural sources and biosynthetic routes. Processes for their extraction and purification are also reviewed altogether with the recent advances for their characterization. Concerning the preparation of the nanoemulsions containing saponins, the focus has been initially given to screening methods, lipid phase used, and production procedures, but their characterization and delivery systems explored are also discussed. Most experimental outcomes showed that the saponins present high performance, but the challenges associated with the saponins' broader application, mainly the standardization for industrial use, are identified. Future perspectives report, among others, the emerging biotechnological processes and the use of byproducts in a circular economy context.

Excipient-free nanodispersions dominated by amphiphilic glycosides for bioavailability enhancement of hydrophobic aglycones, a case of glycyrrhetinic acid with diammonium glycyrrhizinate

Natural aglycones, a major ingredient accompanied by glycosides in plants, have played an important role in the treatment of various diseases. However, their bioavailability is limited by their poor water solubility. In contrast to previous efforts that required the use of new exotic materials which may raise concerns about biocompatibility, we report the first case of excipient-free nanodispersions in which an insoluble glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) assembled with its amphiphilic parent drug diammonium glycyrrhizinate (DG) into water-dispersible nanodispersions (130.8 nm for particle size and 91.74% for encapsulation efficiency). This strategy largely increased GA's water apparent solubility by hundreds of times to 549.0 μg/mL with a high cumulative dissolution percentage in vitro greater than 80% in 5 min. The study on the formation mechanism showed that the OH, C-O and C=O group stretching peaks shifted in the FTIR spectra of GA-DG nanodispersions, while the COOH peak (δ _COOH 12.19 ppm) disappeared in the ¹H NMR spectrum of GA-DG nanodispersions, indicating that carboxyl groups on GA may interact with the hydroxyl groups of DG in solution. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that both hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen-bond interactions contribute to the coassembly of GA and DG molecules in aqueous solution. Oral pharmacokinetic studies in rats demonstrated that such nanodispersions have a significant increase in C_max and AUC_0-t of 2.45- and 3.45-fold compared with those for GA, respectively. Therefore, this strategy, employing amphiphilic glycosides as excipients to prepare nanodispersions, not using new materials, paves the way for the further application of hydrophobic aglycone drugs.

Emulsion Formation and Stabilizing Properties of Olive Oil Cake Crude Extracts

The surface-active and emulsifying properties of crude aqueous ethanolic extracts from untreated olive oil cake (OOC) were investigated. OOC extracts contained important concentrations of surface-active components including proteins, saponins and polyphenols (1.2–2.8%, 7.8–9.5% and 0.7–4.5% (w/w), respectively) and reduced the interfacial tension by up to 46% (14.0 ± 0.2 mN m−1) at the oil–water interface. The emulsifying ability of OOC extracts was not correlated, however, with their interfacial activity or surface-active composition. Eighty percent aqueous ethanol extract produced the most stable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions by high-pressure homogenization. The emulsions had average volume mean droplet diameters of approximately 0.4 µm and negative ζ-potentials of about −45 mV, and were stable for up to 1 month of storage at 5, 25 and 50 °C. They were sensitive, however, to acidic pH conditions (<5) and NaCl addition (≥25 mM), indicating that the main stabilization mechanism is electrostatic due to the presence of surface-active compounds with ionizable groups, such as saponins.

Rheological Behavior of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Extract as a Function of Concentration and Temperature: A Critical Reappraisal

In the present study, rheological properties of twelve different licorice root extracts were evaluated using a rotational viscometer as a function of soluble solids content (15–45 °Bx) and temperature (30–70 °C). Response Surface Methodology was used to understand the relationships between the parameters. The experimental data were then fit into mathematical models. The results, for the first time, revealed that the licorice solutions had non-Newtonian shear-thinning behaviors with flow behavior indexes of 0.24 to 0.91, depending on the licorice extract samples, temperature, and °Bx. These observations were different from those reported in the literature and the present study elaborated on reasons for such observations. Further, the shear-thinning behavior generally increased by increasing the °Bx and decreasing the temperature. In addition, the power-law model was found to be suitable for predicting the experimental data. The newly revealed information can be particularly important in designing the unit operations for licorice extract processing.