Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy for Elucidating the Molecular Basis Forthe Pharmacologic Effects of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.)

In Silico Analysis of Selected Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Constituents: Exploring Their Modulatory Effects on Human Superoxide Dismutase, Human Phosphodiesterase-9 and Human Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4

Background Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) has been known for its various biological activities. In the current investigation, we aimed to evaluate 11 (10 natural and one synthetic) selected constituents of G. glabra as potent modulatory agents of human superoxide dismutase (hSOD), human phosphodiesterase-9 (hPDE 9) and human dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (hDPP 4) using in silico method. Methodology The 11 selected constituents of G. glabra (Licorice) were investigated on the docking behaviour of hSOD, hPDE 9 and hDPP 4 by using the PatchDock method. In addition to docking, toxicity analysis was also carried out using the pkCSM free online server (University of Melbourne, Melbourne, AUS). Results Toxicity analysis has shown that four ligands (36%) of G. glabra (Licorice) are predicted to have human ether-a-go-go-related gene-2 (hERG 2) inhibition activity. The docking analysis showed that glabridin (-224.13 kcal/mol) has shown the highest atomic contact binding energy with the hSOD enzyme, whereas carbenoxolone has shown the maximum atomic contact binding energy with both the hPDE 9 and hDPP 4 enzymes (-239.57 and -173.50 kcal/mol) respectively. Conclusion Thus the present finding provides new information about 11 selected ligands of G. glabra (Licorice) as potent modulatory agents of hSOD, hPDE 9 and hDPP 4.

A quality-comprehensive-evaluation-index-based model for evaluating traditional Chinese medicine quality

BACKGROUND

Evaluating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) quality is a powerful method to ensure TCM safety. TCM quality evaluation methods primarily include characterization evaluations and separate physical, chemical, and biological evaluations; however, these approaches have limitations. Nevertheless, researchers have recently integrated evaluation methods, advancing the emergence of frontier research tools, such as TCM quality markers (Q-markers). These studies are largely based on biological activity, with weak correlations between the quality indices and quality. However, these TCM quality indices focus on the individual efficacies of single bioactive components and, therefore, do not accurately represent the TCM quality. Conventionally, provenance, place of origin, preparation, and processing are the key attributes influencing TCM quality. In this study, we identified TCM-attribute-based quality indices and developed a comprehensive multiweighted multi-index-based TCM quality composite evaluation index (QCEI) for grading TCM quality.

METHODS

The area of origin, number of growth years, and harvest season are considered key TCM quality attributes. In this study, licorice was the model TCM to investigate the quality indicators associated with key factors that are considered to influence TCM quality using multivariate statistical analysis, identify biological-evaluation-based pharmacological activity indicators by network pharmacology, establish real quality indicators, and develop a QCEI-based model for grading TCM quality using a machine learning model. Finally, to determine whether different licorice quality grades differently reduced the inflammatory response, TNF-α and IL-1β levels were measured in RAW 264.7 cells using ELISA analysis.

RESULTS

The 21 quality indices are suitable candidates for establishing a method for grading licorice quality. A computer model was established using SVM analysis to predict the TCM quality composite evaluation index (TCM QCEI). The tenfold cross validation accuracy was 90.26%. Licorice diameter; total flavonoid content; similarities of HPLC chromatogram fingerprints recorded at 250 and 330 nm; contents of liquiritin apioside, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, and liquiritigenin; and pharmacological activity quality index were identified as the key indices for constructing the model for evaluating licorice quality and determining which model contribution rates were proportionally weighted in the model. The ELISA analysis results preliminarily suggest that the inflammatory responses were likely better reduced by premium-grade than by first-class licorice.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, traditional sensory characterization and modern standardized processes based on production process and pharmacological efficacy evaluation were integrated for use in the assessment of TCM quality. Multidimensional quality evaluation indices were integrated with a machine learning model to identify key quality indices and their corresponding weight coefficients, to establish a multiweighted multi-index and comprehensive quality index, and to construct a QCEI-based model for grading TCM quality. Our results could facilitate and guide the development of TCM quality control research.

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Potential of Selected Extracts from Betula alba var. pendula Roth., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., and Avena sativa L

The aim of the present study was to obtain, characterize, and evaluate the antioxidant potential of some extracts obtained from the bark of Betula alba var. pendula Roth., the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., and the green herb of the Avena sativa. The results revealed that the lowest IC50 value, determined by all three methods, was obtained for Betulae extractum (BE) (73.6 µg/mL-DPPH method, 11.2 µg/mL-ABTS method, and 58.7 µg/mL-FRAP method), followed by Liquiritiae extractum (LE) (805.6 µg/mL, 92.1 µg/mL, and 722 µg/mL) and Avenae extractum (1.13 mg/mL-DPPH method, 99.7 µg/mL-ABTS method, and 135.1 µg/mL-FRAP method). These results correlate with total polyphenols content (expressed in g tannic acid/100 g dry extract), with BE having more polyphenols than LE and AE (47.96 ± 9.7083 for BE, compared with 9.31 ± 0.9913 for LE and 40.55 ± 6.3715 for AE). The total flavonoid content (expressed as g rutoside/100 g dry extract) is similar for BE and LE (3.75 ± 0.3140 and 3.44 ± 0.3037) and smaller for AE (1.95 ± 0.0526). Therefore, Betulae extractum has the strongest antioxidant action, with an IC50 value very close to the standard used as a reference (ascorbic acid-16.5 μg/mL solution). The FT-ICR-MS analysis confirmed the presence of the major compounds in all three extracts. The antioxidant properties of the studied extracts were further supported by molecular docking experiments that revealed the potential of the analyzed phytochemicals to act as both noncovalent and covalent activators of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, with promising benefits in treating various skin disorders.

Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics to Explore the Potential Immunomodulatory Mechanisms of Deer Antler

The use of deer antlers dates back thousands of years in Chinese history. Deer antlers have antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties and can be used in treating neurological diseases. However, only a few studies have reported the immunomodulatory mechanism of deer antler active compounds. Using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation techniques, we analyzed the underlying mechanism by which deer antlers regulate the immune response. We identified 4 substances and 130 core targets that may play immunomodulatory roles, and the beneficial and non-beneficial effects in the process of immune regulation were analyzed. The targets were enriched in pathways related to cancer, human cytomegalovirus infection, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, human T cell leukemia virus 1 infection, and lipids and atherosclerosis. Molecular docking showed that AKT1, MAPK3, and SRC have good binding activity with 17 beta estradiol and estrone. Additionally, the molecular dynamics simulation of the molecular docking result using GROMACS software (version: 2021.2) was performed and we found that the AKT1-estrone complex, 17 beta estradiol-AKT1 complex, estrone-MAPK3 complex, and 17 beta estradiol-MAPK3 complex had relatively good binding stability. Our research sheds light on the immunomodulatory mechanism of deer antlers and provides a theoretical foundation for further exploration of their active compounds.

Prospects for the application of traditional Chinese medicine network pharmacology in food science research

There has always been a particular difficulty with in-depth research on the mechanisms of food nutrition and bioactivity. The main function of food is to meet the nutritional needs of the human body, rather than to exert a therapeutic effect. Its relatively modest biological activity makes it difficult to study from the perspective of general pharmacological models. With the popularity of functional foods and the concept of dietary therapy, and the development of information and multi-omics technology in food research, research into these mechanisms is moving towards a more microscopic future. Network pharmacology has accumulated nearly 20 years of research experience in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and there has been no shortage of work from this perspective on the medicinal functions of food. Given the similarity between the concept of 'multi-component-multi-target' properties of food and TCM, we think that network pharmacology is applicable to the study of the complex mechanisms of food. Here we review the development of network pharmacology, summarize its application to 'medicine and food homology', and propose a methodology based on food characteristics for the first time, demonstrating its feasibility for food research. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Liquiritin alleviates alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate-induced intrahepatic cholestasis through the Sirt1/FXR/Nrf2 pathway

Liquiritin (LQ) is an important monomer active component in flavonoids of licorice. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of LQ in cholestatic mice. LQ (40 or 80 mg/kg) was intragastrically administered to mice once daily for 6 days, and mice were treated intragastrically with a single dosage of ANIT (75 mg/kg) on the 5th day. On the 7th day, mice were sacrificed to collect blood and livers. The mRNA and protein levels were determined by qRT-PCR and western blot assay. We also conducted systematical assessments of miRNAs expression profiles in the liver. LQ ameliorated ANIT-induced cholestatic liver injury, as evidenced by reduced serum biochemical markers and attenuated pathological changes in liver. Pretreatment of LQ reduced the increase of malondialdehyde, TNF-α, and IL-1β induced by ANIT. Moreover, ANIT suppressed the expression of Sirt1 and FXR in liver tissue, which was weakened in the LQ pre-treatment group. LQ enhanced the nuclear expression of Nrf2, which was increased in the ANIT group. LQ also increased the mRNA expressions of bile acid transporters Bsep, Ntcp, Mrp3, and Mrp4. Furthermore, a miRNA deep sequencing analysis revealed that LQ had a global regulatory effect on the hepatic miRNA expression. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly related to metabolic pathways, endocytosis, and MAPK signaling pathway. Collectively, LQ attenuated hepatotoxicity and cholestasis by regulating the expression of Sirt1/FXR/Nrf2 and the bile acid transporters, indicating that LQ might be an effective approach for cholestatic liver diseases.

Pharmacological activities and pharmacokinetics of liquiritin: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Liquiritin is a flavonoid derived from Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae, which is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with the effects of invigorating spleen qi, clearing heat, resolving toxins, and dispelling phlegm to stop coughs.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this review,the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological activities of liquiritin have been summarized.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information on liquiritin up to 2021 was collected from PubMed, Web of Science, Springer Link, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. The key words were "liquiritin", "nerve", "tumor", "cardiac", etc. RESULTS: The absorption mechanism of liquiritin conforms to the passive diffusion and first-order kinetics while with low bioavailability. Liquiritin can penetrate the blood-brain-barrier. Besides, liquiritin displays numerous pharmacological effects including anti-Alzheimer's disease, antidepressant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protection, antitussive, hepatoprotection, and skin protective effects. In addition, the novel preparations, new pharmacological effects,and cdusafty of liquiritin are also discussed in this review.

CONCLUSION

This review provides a comprehensive state of knowledge on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological activities of liquiritin, and makes a forecast for its research directions and applications in clinic.

Integrate UPLC-QE-MS/MS and Network Pharmacology to Investigate the Active Components and Action Mechanisms of Tea Cake Extract for Treating Cough

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the active components and mechanisms of tea cake extract (TCE) for treating cough.

METHODS

The components of TCE were tentatively identified by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-Exactive MS/MS (UPLC-QE-MS/MS), whose targets were obtained from databases of Swiss Target Prediction and traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP). Cough-related targets were retrieved from databases of Gene cards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). After intersection targets were obtained, enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway was performed, and protein-protein interactions (PPI) network and active compound-intersection target-KEGG pathway network was constructed. Core active compounds and their targets were validated with molecular docking.

RESULTS

Total of 78 compounds were identified from TCE, including 24 flavonoids, 17 phenolic acids, 10 alkaloids, 7 organic acids, 5 triterpenes, 5 amino acids, 5 coumarins, 3 carbohydrates, 1 anthraquinone and 1 other. 347 intersection targets were obtained. The top 5 GO terms with most significant P-values were response to oxygen-containing compound, response to organic substance, response to chemical, cellular response to chemical stimulus, and regulation of biological quality. The top 5 KEGG pathways with most significant P-values were: PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis, human cytomegalovirus infection, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and proteoglycans in cancer. The top 5 core active compounds were: quercetin, genistein, luteolin, kaempferol and emodin. The top 5 core targets were: protein kinase B (Akt1), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/3 (MAPK1/3), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1). The top 5 core active compounds could stably bind to their targets with LibDockScore higher than 100.

CONCLUSION

TCE plays the antitussive role by multiple components and targets. Core targets (AKT1, MAPK1, MAPK3 and PIK3R1) and core components (quercetin, genistein, luteolin and kaempferol) involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway are worth more attention in subsequent validation experiments.

The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)-Derived Compounds in Intestinal Disorders

Intestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and colorectal cancer (CRC), are a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epidemiological data have shown that IBD patients are at an increased risk for the development of CRC. IBD-associated cancer develops against a background of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, and their products contribute to cancer development and progression. Therefore, the discovery of novel drugs for the treatment of intestinal diseases is urgently needed. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been largely used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. Licorice and its derived compounds possess antiallergic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. These pharmacological properties aid in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss the pharmacological potential of bioactive compounds derived from Licorice and addresses their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We also discuss how the mechanisms of action in these compounds can influence their effectiveness and lead to therapeutic effects on intestinal disorders.

Dynamic Changes in Endophytic Microorganisms and Metabolites During Natural Drying of Licorice

The method of drying licorice is an important factor affecting the quality of the final product. To determine the best processing method of licorice postharvest, we investigated the interaction of increasing aridity between the endophytic microorganisms and the accumulation of metabolites. Samples from the roots of licorice growing along an aridity gradient during the natural drying process were collected, and the metabolic components, the content of the main active substances and the dynamic changes of the endophytic microbial community were assessed. The glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritin contents decreased slightly or remained flat during natural drying, whereas those of liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin increased slightly. Moreover, the Shannon index of endophytic microbial diversity of licorice was the highest in the fresh period and showed a downward trend during the drying process. When the licorice were fresh, Cladosporiaceae and Burkholderiaceae were the dominant family present, but after drying, Nectriaceae and Enterobacteriaceae were the dominant families. A similar trend was also found in which the differential metabolites of licorice were reduced during natural drying. Furthermore, correlation analysis between dominant families and differential metabolites showed that there was a correlation between the two. Therefore, fresh processing is an effective drying method to ensure the quality of licorice. This study revealed the relationship of endophytic microbiota and changes in the licorice metabolites during different stages of drying, which provided a scientific basis for the drying method of licorice.