Antioxidant status and immune activity of glycyrrhizin in allergic rhinitis mice

Bio-active metabolites from Chinese Medicinal Herbs for treatment of skin diseases

Skin diseases have become serious issues to human health and affect one-third of the world's population according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). These consist of internal (endogenous) and external (exogenous) factors referring to genetics, hormones, and the body's immune system, as well as environmental situations, UV radiation, or environmental pollution respectively. Generally, Western Medicines (WMs) are usually treated with topical creams or strong medications for skin diseases that help superficially, and often do not treat the root cause. The relief may be instant and strong, sometimes these medicines have adverse reactions that are too strong to be able and sustained over a long period, especially steroid drug type. Chinese Medicinal Herbs (CMHs) are natural resources and relatively mild in the treatment of both manifestation and the root cause of disease. Nowadays, CMHs are attractive to many scientists, especially in studying their formulations for the treatment of skin diseases.

METHODS

The methodology of this review was searched in nine electronic databases including WanFang Data, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link, SciFinder, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), without regard to language constraints. All eligible studies are analysed and summarised.

RESULTS

Based on the literature findings, some extracts or active metabolites divided from CMHs, including Curcumin, Resveratrol, Liquorice, Dandelions, Cortex Moutan, and Calendula officinalis L., are effective for the treatment and prevention of skin diseases because of a wide range of pharmacological activities, e.g. anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-virus, and anti-inflammation to enhance the body's immune system. It is also responsible for skin whitening to prevent pigmentation and premature ageing through several mechanisms, such as regulation or inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (IκB/NF-κB) signalling pathways.

CONCLUSION

This is possible to develop CMHs, such as Curcumin, Resveratrol, Liquorice, Dandelions, Cortex Moutan and Calendula officinalis L. The ratio of multiple CMH formulations and safety assessments on human skin diseases required studying to achieve better pharmacological activities. Nano formulations are the future investigation for CMHs to combat skin diseases.

Glycyrrhetinic acid interaction with solvated and free electrons studied by the CIDNP and dissociative electron attachment techniques

Electron transfer plays a crucial role in living systems, including the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxygen acts as the terminal electron acceptor in the respiratory chains of aerobic organisms as well as in some photoinduced processes followed by the formation of ROS. This is why the participation of exogenous antioxidants in electron transfer processes in living systems is of particular interest. In the present study, using chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (CIDNP) and dissociative electron attachment (DEA) techniques, we have elucidated the affinity of solvated and free electrons to glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)-the aglicon of glycyrrhizin (the main active component of Licorice root). CIDNP is a powerful instrument to study the mechanisms of electron transfer reactions in solution, but the DEA technique shows its effectiveness in gas phase processes. For CIDNP experiments, the photoionization of the dianion of 5-sulfosalicylic acid (HSSA2-) was used as a model reaction of solvated electron generation. DEA experiments testify that GA molecules are even better electron acceptors than molecular oxygen, at least under gas-phase conditions. In addition, the effect of the solvent on the energetics of the reactants is discussed.

The potential application and molecular mechanisms of natural products in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: A review

BACKGROUNDS

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a non-infectious chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa mainly mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) in atopic individuals after exposure to allergens. The application of AR guideline-recommended pharmacotherapies can rapidly relieve symptoms of AR but with poor long-term efficacy, and many of these therapies have side effects. Many natural products and their derivatives have shown potential therapeutic effects on AR with fewer side effects.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to expand understanding of the roles and mechanisms of natural compounds in the treatment of AR and to highlight the importance of utilizing natural products in the treatment of AR.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Clinical Trials. The search was performed using keywords including natural products, natural compounds, bioproducts, plant extracts, naturally derived products, natural resources, allergic rhinitis, hay fever, pollinosis, nasal allergy. Comprehensive research and compilation of existing literature were conducted.

RESULTS

This article provided a comprehensive review of the potential therapeutic effects and mechanisms of natural compounds in the treatment of AR. We emphasized that natural products primarily exert their effects by modulating signalling pathways such as NF-κB, MAPKs, STAT3/ROR-γt/Foxp3, and GATA3/T-bet, thereby inhibiting the activation and expansion of allergic inflammation. We also discussed their toxicity and clinical applications in AR therapy.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, natural products exhibit great potential in the treatment of AR. This review is also expected to facilitate the application of natural products as candidates for treating AR. Furthermore, drug discovery based on natural products has a promising prospect in AR treatment.

New Insights into Mechanisms Traditional Chinese Medicine for Allergic Rhinitis by Regulating Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Pathways

Allergy rhinitis (AR) is becoming more common and has serious medical and societal consequences. Sneezing, paroxysmal nasal blockage, nasal itching, mucosal edema, coughing, and rhinorrhea are symptoms of this type I allergic immunological illness. Immunoglobulin E-mediated inflammation is the cause of it. Because AR is prone to recurrent attacks, extended medication therapy may impair its effectiveness. In addition to negatively affecting the patients' physical health, this can also negatively impact their mental health. During AR development, there are inflammatory and oxidative stress responses that are linked to problems in a number of signal transduction pathways. By using the terms "allergic rhinitis", "traditional Chinese medicine", "inflammation", and "oxidative stress", we screened for pertinent research published over the previous five years in databases like PubMed. We saw that NF-KB, TLR, IL-33/ST2, PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and Nrf2 are some of the most important inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways in AR. Studies have revealed that antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapy reduced the risk of AR and was therapeutic; however, the impact of the therapy varies widely. The Chinese medical system places a high value on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which has been there for virtually all of China's 5000-year history. By influencing signaling pathways related to inflammation and oxidative stress, Chinese herbal medicine and its constituent compounds have been shown to prevent allergic rhinitis. This review will focus on this evidence and provide references for clinical treatment and scientific research applications.

Plausibility of natural immunomodulators in the treatment of COVID-19-A comprehensive analysis and future recommendations

The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted millions of deaths worldwide. Despite the availability of several vaccines and some special drugs approved for emergency use to prevent or treat this disease still, there is a huge concern regarding their effectiveness, adverse effects, and most importantly, their efficacy against the new variants. A cascade of immune-inflammatory responses is involved with the pathogenesis and severe complications with COVID-19. People with dysfunctional and compromised immune systems display severe complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, multiple organ failure etc., when they get infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Plant-derived natural immune-suppressant compounds, such as resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, berberine, luteolin, etc., have been reported to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Therefore, natural products with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential could be plausible targets to treat this contagious disease. This review aims to delineate the clinical trials status and outcomes of natural compounds with immunomodulatory potential in COVID-19 patients along with the outcomes of their in-vivo studies. In clinical trials several natural immunomodulators resulted in significant improvement of COVID-19 patients by diminishing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and breathlessness. Most importantly, they reduced the duration of hospitalization and the need for supplemental oxygen therapy, improved clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19, especially weakness, and eliminated acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. This paper also discusses many potent natural immunomodulators yet to undergo clinical trials. In-vivo studies with natural immunomodulators demonstrated reduction of a wide range of proinflammatory cytokines. Natural immunomodulators that were found effective, safe, and well tolerated in small-scale clinical trials are warranted to undergo large-scale trials to be used as drugs to treat COVID-19 infections. Alongside, compounds yet to test clinically must undergo clinical trials to find their effectiveness and safety in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Glycyrrhizin prevents 3-nitropropionic acid-induced neurotoxicity by downregulating HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB p65 signaling, and attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in rats

AIMS

Glycyrrhizin (Glyc) is a saponin triterpenoid that has signified its efficacy against Huntington's disease (HD). Nonetheless, its mechanism has not been fully clarified. Accordingly, this study was designed to evaluate the plausible mechanism of action of Glyc against 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP)-induced HD.

MAIN METHODS

Rats were treated with Glyc (50 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 weeks and 3-NP (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered at the latter 2 weeks alongside to induce HD.

KEY FINDINGS

Animals exposed to 3-NP revealed a reduction in body weight, neurobehavioral abnormalities, and various deleterious effects related to overexpression of HMGB1 such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. Promisingly, Glyc administration provided valuable effects by reversing the decline in body weight with improved neurobehavioral deficits. Ameliorating oxidative stress via restoring GSH, SOD, and Nrf2 alongside with MDA suppression was evident. Furthermore, Glyc switched the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB p65 signaling off, reduced IL-6, IL-β, TNF-α, caspase-3, and increased Bcl-2 as well as BDNF. All these beneficial effects were mirrored by a better histopathological picture upon using Glyc that suppressed gliosis by reducing GFAP expression as observed in the immunohistochemistry results.

SIGNIFICANCE

Accordingly, the current study demonstrated a promising neuroprotective effect of Glyc against experimentally induced HD through alleviating deleterious events by diverse mechanisms.

Glycyrrhizic acid alters the hyperoxidative stress-induced differentiation commitment of MSCs by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to prevent SONFH

This study aimed to examine the in vivo and in vitro therapeutic effects of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) on steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH), which is caused by the overuse of glucocorticoids (GCs). Clinically, we identified elevated oxidative stress (OS) levels and an imbalance in osteolipogenic homeostasis in SONFH patients compared to femoral neck fracture (FNF) patients. In vivo, we established experimental SONFH in rats via lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) combined with methylprednisolone (MPS). We showed that GA and Wnt agonist-S8320 alleviated SONFH, as evidenced by the reduced microstructural and histopathological alterations in the subchondral bone of the femoral head and the decreased levels of OS in rat models. In vitro, GA reduced dexamethasone (Dex)-induced excessive NOX4 and OS levels by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thereby promoting the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and inhibiting lipogenic differentiation. In addition, GA regulated the expression levels of the key transcription factors downstream of this pathway, Runx2 and PPARγ, thus maintaining osteolipogenic homeostasis. In summary, we demonstrated for the first time that GA modulates the osteolipogenic differentiation commitment of MSCs induced by excessive OS through activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thereby ameliorating SONFH.

Glycyrrhizin for treatment of CRS caused by CAR T-cell therapy: A pharmacological perspective

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T)-cell therapy promises to revolutionize the management of hematologic malignancies and possibly other tumors. However, the main side effect of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a great challenge for its clinical application. Currently, treatment of CRS caused by CAR T-cell therapy is limited to tocilizumab (TCZ) and corticosteroids in clinical guidelines. However, the theoretical risks of these two agents may curb clinicians' enthusiasm for their application, and the optimal treatment is still debated. CAR T-cell therapy induced-CRS treatment is a current research focus. Glycyrrhizin, which has diverse pharmacological effects, good tolerance, and affordability, is an ideal therapeutic alternative for CRS. It can also overcome the shortcoming of TCZ and corticosteroids. In this brief article, we discuss the therapeutic potential of glycyrrhizin for treating CRS caused by CAR T-cell therapy from the perspective of its pharmacological action.

Low Level of Advanced Glycation End Products in Serum of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus Infection at Different Stages of Virus Persistence

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed in a nonenzymatic reaction of the reducing sugars with amino groups of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids of different tissues and body fluids. A relatively small number of studies have been conducted on the role of AGEs in allergic inflammation. In this study, patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) were examined for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus and the content of fluorescent and nonfluorescent AGEs. We have also determined the level of a unique epitope (AGE10) which was recently identified in human serum using monoclonal antibodies against synthetic melibiose-derived AGE (MAGE). The levels of AGE10 determined with an immunoenzymatic method revealed no significant difference in the patients' blood with intermittent AR and chronic EBV persistence in the active and latent phases. It has been shown that there is a statistically significantly smaller amount of AGEs and pentosidine in groups of patients, both with and without viremia, than in healthy subjects. In turn, higher levels of immune complexes than of AGE10 were detected in the groups of patients, in contrast to the control group, which had lower levels of complexes than AGE10 concentration. In patients with active infection, there is even more complexes than of noncomplexed AGE10 antigen. The lower level of AGE in allergic rhinitis patient sera may also be due, besides complexes, to allergic inflammation continuously activating the cells, which effectively remove glycation products from the body.

Development of Highly Sensitive Chemiluminescence Enzyme Immunostaining Assay to Determine Glycyrrhizin Content Using Anti-glycyrrhizin Monoclonal Antibody

Licorice, the root of Glycyrrhiza spp., is used in a large number of herbal medicines, such as traditional Chinese medicines, Japanese Kampo medicines, and therapeutic drugs. Since glycyrrhizin (GL) is among the main components in licorice and exhibits numerous beneficial pharmacological activities, the content of GL directly affects biological activity. The quality control based on GL content is an important factor in ensuring biological activity; however, the content of GL in licorice varies depending on plant cultivation environment, genetic factors, and species type. Previously, we prepared an anti-GL monoclonal antibody (anti-GL mAb) and employed it in various immunochemical assays for quality control of licorice and licorice-based products. In this study, we employed the anti-GL mAb in chemiluminescence enzyme immunostaining (CLEIS) to develop a very simple, rapid, specific, and sensitive quality control assay for licorice products, with a limit of detection of 3.9 ng. Furthermore, the CLEIS assay enabled semiquantitative analysis of GL in Kampo medicines. Our results showed that multiple samples can be simultaneously analyzed using CLEIS, and it is a useful tool for determining GL content, as well as ensuring chemical quality control of licorice-containing products and herbal medicines.

Adera2.0: A Drug Repurposing Workflow for Neuroimmunological Investigations Using Neural Networks

Drug repurposing in the context of neuroimmunological (NI) investigations is still in its primary stages. Drug repurposing is an important method that bypasses lengthy drug discovery procedures and focuses on discovering new usages for known medications. Neuroimmunological diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and depression, include various pathologies that result from the interaction between the central nervous system and the immune system. However, the repurposing of NI medications is hindered by the vast amount of information that needs mining. We previously presented Adera1.0, which was capable of text mining PubMed for answering query-based questions. However, Adera1.0 was not able to automatically identify chemical compounds within relevant sentences. To challenge the need for repurposing known medications for neuroimmunological diseases, we built a deep neural network named Adera2.0 to perform drug repurposing. The workflow uses three deep learning networks. The first network is an encoder and its main task is to embed text into matrices. The second network uses a mean squared error (MSE) loss function to predict answers in the form of embedded matrices. The third network, which constitutes the main novelty in our updated workflow, also uses a MSE loss function. Its main usage is to extract compound names from relevant sentences resulting from the previous network. To optimize the network function, we compared eight different designs. We found that a deep neural network consisting of an RNN neural network and a leaky ReLU could achieve 0.0001 loss and 67% sensitivity. Additionally, we validated Adera2.0's ability to predict NI drug usage against the DRUG Repurposing Hub database. These results establish the ability of Adera2.0 to repurpose drug candidates that can shorten the development of the drug cycle. The workflow could be download online.

New Aspects of the Antioxidant Activity of Glycyrrhizin Revealed by the CIDNP Technique

Electron transfer plays a crucial role in ROS generation in living systems. Molecular oxygen acts as the terminal electron acceptor in the respiratory chains of aerobic organisms. Two main mechanisms of antioxidant defense by exogenous antioxidants are usually considered. The first is the inhibition of ROS generation, and the second is the trapping of free radicals. In the present study, we have elucidated both these mechanisms of antioxidant activity of glycyrrhizin (GL), the main active component of licorice root, using the chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (CIDNP) technique. First, it was shown that GL is capable of capturing a solvated electron, thereby preventing its capture by molecular oxygen. Second, we studied the effect of glycyrrhizin on the behavior of free radicals generated by UV irradiation of xenobiotic, NSAID-naproxen in solution. The structure of the glycyrrhizin paramagnetic intermediates formed after the capture of a solvated electron was established from a photo-CIDNP study of the model system-the dianion of 5-sulfosalicylic acid and DFT calculations.

Recent advances in glycyrrhizin metabolism, health benefits, clinical effects and drug delivery systems for efficacy improvement; a comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Glycyrrhizin (GL) is a major active constituent of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) that is considered one of the oldest and most frequently employed botanicals in Chinese medicine and worldwide, with most effects attributed to its rich GL content. Structurally, GL a triterpene saponin that is widely used as a flavoring agent in foodstuffs and cosmetics, and also proposed for various clinical applications with a myriad of health benefits. Pharmacological and biological activities of GL include antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities (in vitro and in vivo). Currently, there is no comprehensive review on GL biological effects and its action mechanisms.

PURPOSE

This review summarizes GL pharmacological actions from a molecular biology perception, presented on its metabolism and side effects based on in vitro, in vitro and clinical studies. Moreover, the potential of GL as a nanomedicine delivery system is also summarized. The progress in drug delivery research using GL presented herein is expected to provide a theoretical basis for developing other novel drugs formulations.

METHODS

A systematic review was carried out in several electronic databases (Science Direct, SpringerLink, CNKI, PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier, and Scopus), using the following key words: glycyrrhizin "AND" bioactivity "OR" clinic "OR" therapeutic "OR" drug delivery. This search included manuscripts published between 1989 and 2021.

RESULTS

126 researches were selected and summarized in this review. The analysis of these studies indicated that GL has antiviral activity against different viruses. Further, GL efficiently suppressed the respiratory manifestations associated with COVID-19 by reducing the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) that employed by the virus as an entry point. Otherwise, GL was found to induce antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory, and anticancer activity. Besides, diminution the particle size of GL to nanometer size significantly augments their action and biodistribution.

CONCLUSION

This article summarizes the pharmacological actions of GL. The potential of GL as a nanomedicine delivery system is also presented. Nevertheless, most studies reported provide no deep insight of GL health effects warranting for more future studies to elucidate its action mechanism and potential therapeutic benefits through preclinical and clinical trials.

Study on antioxidant potential, immunological response, and inflammatory cytokines induction of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) in silver carp against vibriosis

Effect of dietary with 100, 200, and 300 mg kg^-1 glycyrrhizic acid (GA) on growth enhancer, blood physiology, digestive-antioxidant enzyme ability, innate-adaptive defense, and inflammatory cytokines induction was studied in silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix against vibriosis caused by Vibrio alginolyticus. Significant weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and 100% survival rate (SR) was attained non-infected health (NiH) fish fed in control or all GA diets on 30, 45, and 60 days. Both NiH and V. alginolyticus challenged (VaC) fish treated with 200 mg GA diet significantly (P < 0.05) exhibited an enhancement in leucocytes value on 30, 45, and 60 days. Albumin (AB) or total proteins (TP) levels were significantly (P < 0.05) better in both groups fed 200 GA on 45 and 60 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were also substantial (P < 0.05) in both groups fed 200 mg GA on days 30, 45, and 60; whereas glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities were significantly (P < 0.05) better in both groups received 200 mg GA on days 45 and 60. Phagocytic (PC) and lysozyme (Lyz) activities significantly enhanced in both groups fed 200 or 300 mg GA on 45 and 60 days. Respiratory burst (RB), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and immunoglobulin (Ig) production significantly (P < 0.05) increased in both groups administered 200 or 300 mg GA. Growth hormone (GH) mRNA was up regulated in 200 mg GA trial on 45 days and in 200 or 300 mg GA treatments on 60 days. The IL-8 cytokine mRNA expression was up-regulated in both groups 200 and 300 mg GA on days 45 and 60, whereas TNF-α mRNA expression was increased in 200 mg GA. In addition, IL-10 cytokine mRNA expression was up regulated in 200 mg GA on 45 days whereas it was increased in both 200 mg and 300 mg GA trial on 60 days. The present study revealed that feeding fish 200 mg GA per kg diet demonstrated a better growth, digestive-antioxidant activity, innate-adaptive defense, and inflammatory cytokines induction than lower or higher dosage of GA in H. molitrix against V. alginolyticus.

Immunomodulatory properties of triterpenes

The immune system is one of the main defence mechanisms of the human body. Inadequacy of this system or immunodeficiency results in increased risk of infections and tumours, whereas over-activation of the immune system causes allergic or autoimmune disorders. A well-balanced immune system is important for protection and for alleviation of these diseases. There is a growing interest to maintain a well-balanced immune system, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Many biological extracts, as well as natural products, have become popular due to their wide array of immunomodulatory effects and influence on the immune system. Triterpenes, one of the secondary metabolite groups of medicinal plants, exhibit immunomodulatory properties by various mechanisms. Different triterpenes, including components of commonly consumed plants, can promote some protection and alleviation of disease symptoms linked with immune responses and thus enhance overall well-being. This review aims to highlight the efficacy of triterpenes in light of the available literature evidence regarding the immunomodulatory properties of triterpenes. We have reviewed widely investigated immunomodulatory triterpenes; oleanolic acid, glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, pristimerin, ursolic acid, boswellic acid, celastrol, lupeol, betulin, betulinic acid, ganoderic acid, cucumarioside, and astragalosides which have important immunoregulatory properties. In spite of many preclinical and clinical trials were conducted on triterpenes related to their immunoregulatory actions, current studies have several limitations. Therefore, especially more clinical studies with optimal design is essential.

An Update on Pharmacological Relevance and Chemical Synthesis of Natural Products and Derivatives with Anti SARS-CoV-2 Activity

Natural products recognized traditionally as a vital source of active constituents in pharmacotherapy. The COVID-19 infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly transmissible, pathogenic, and considered an ongoing global health emergency. The emergence of COVID-19 globally and the lack of adequate treatment brought attention towards herbal medicines, and scientists across the globe instigated the search for novel drugs from medicinal plants and natural products to tackle this deadly virus. The natural products rich in scaffold diversity and structural complexity are an excellent source for antiviral drug discovery. Recently the investigation of several natural products and their synthetic derivatives resulted in the identification of promising anti SARS-CoV-2 agents. This review article will highlight the pharmacological relevance and chemical synthesis of the recently discovered natural product and their synthetic analogs as SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. The summarized information will pave the path for the natural product-based drug discovery of safe and potent antiviral agents, particularly against SARS-CoV-2.

Chyawanprash, An Ancient Indian Ayurvedic Medicinal Food, Regulates Immune Response in Zebrafish Model of Inflammation by Moderating Inflammatory Biomarkers

The time-tested Ayurvedic medicinal food, Chyawanprash, has been a part of the Indian diet since ancient times. It is an extremely concentrated mixture of extracts from medicinal herbs and processed minerals, known for its immunity boosting, rejuvenating, and anti-oxidative effects. In this study, we have evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of Patanjali Special Chyawanprash (PSCP) using the zebrafish model of inflammation. Zebrafish were fed on PSCP-infused pellets at stipulated doses for 13 days before inducing inflammation through lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. The test subjects were monitored for inflammatory pathologies like behavioral fever, hyperventilation, skin hemorrhage, locomotory agility, and morphological anomaly. PSCP exerted a strong prophylactic effect on the zebrafish that efficiently protected them from inflammatory manifestations at a human equivalent dose. Expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), were also reduced in the LPS-stimulated zebrafish fed on PSCP-infused pellets. Skin hemorrhage, hyperventilation, and loss of caudal fins are characteristics of LPS-induced inflammation in zebrafish. PSCP prophylactically ameliorated skin hemorrhage, restored normal respiration, and prevented loss of caudal fin in inflamed zebrafish. Under in vitro conditions, PSCP reduced IL-6 and TNF-α secretion by THP-1 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner by targeting NF-κB signaling, as evident from the secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) reporter assay. These medicinal benefits of PSCP can be attributed to its constitutional bioactive components. Taken together, these observations provide in vivo validation of the anti-inflammatory property and in vitro insight into the mode-of-action of Chyawanprash, a traditionally described medicinal food.

Glycyrrhizic Acid Scavenges Reactive Carbonyl Species and Attenuates Glycation-Induced Multiple Protein Modification: An In Vitro and In Silico Study

The current study is aimed at studying the inhibitory effect of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) on D-ribose-mediated protein glycation via various physicochemical analyses and in silico approaches. Being a potent free radical scavenger and a triterpenoid saponin, GA plays a vital role in diminishing the oxidative stress and thus could be an effective inhibitor of the nonenzymatic glycation process. Our data showed that varying concentrations of GA inhibited the in vitro BSA-AGEs via inhibiting the formation of fructosamines, fluorescent AGEs, scavenging protein carbonyl and hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) content, and protection against D-ribose-induced modification of BSA as evident by increased free Arg and Lys residues in GA-treated Gly-BSA samples. Moreover, GA also attenuated D-ribose-induced alterations in the secondary structure of BSA by protecting the α-helix and β-sheet conformers and amide-I band delocalization. In addition, GA attenuated the modification in β-cross amyloid structures of BSA and in silico molecular interaction study too showed strong binding of GA with higher number of Lys and Arg residues of BSA and binding energy (ΔG) of -8.8 Kcal/mol, when compared either to reference standard aminoguanidine (AG)-BSA complex (ΔG: -4.3 Kcal/mol) or D-ribose-BSA complex (ΔG: -5.2 Kcal/mol). Therefore, GA could be a new and favorable inhibitor of the nonenzymatic glycation process that ameliorates AGEs-related complications via attenuating the AGE formation and glycation-induced multiple protein modifications with a reduced risk of adverse effects on protein structure and functionality; hence, it could be investigated at further preclinical settings for the treatment and management of diabetes and age-associated complications.

Ayurveda Rasayana as antivirals and immunomodulators: potential applications in COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization with rapid spread across 216 countries. COVID-19 pandemic has left its imprints on various health systems globally and caused immense social and economic disruptions. The scientific community across the globe is in a quest for digging the effective treatment for COVID-19 and exploring potential leads from traditional systems of healthcare across the world too. Ayurveda (Indian traditional system of medicine) has a comprehensive aspect of immunity through Rasayana which is a rejuvenation therapy. Here we attempt to generate the potential leads based on the classical text from Ayurveda in general and Rasayana in particular to develop effective antiviral and/or immunomodulator for potential or adjunct therapy in SARS-CoV-2. The Rasayana acts not only by resisting body to restrain or withstand the strength, severity or progression of a disease but also by promoting power of the body to prevent the manifestation of a disease. These Rasayana herbs are common in practice as immunomodulator, antiviral and protectives. The studies on Rasayana can provide an insight into the future course of research for the plausible development of effective management of COVID-19 by the utilization and development of various traditional systems of healthcare. Keeping in view the current pandemic situation, there is an urgent need of developing potential medicines. This study proposes certain prominent medicinal plants which may be further studied for drug development process and also in clinical setup under repurposing of these herbs.

Compound glycyrrhizin injection for improving liver function in children with acute icteric hepatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Compound glycyrrhizin injection (CGI) is a preparation with glycyrrhizin as the main active ingredient extracted from licorice. As clinical trials suggest that CGI is effective in improving liver function for acute icteric hepatitis in children (AIHC), this systematic review aimed to evaluate and verify its therapeutic effects and safety.

Methods

Six electronic databases were searched from their inception to 15 May 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing therapeutic effects and safety of CGI for AIHC were included. The risk of bias for each trial was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. Primary outcomes were indexes related to liver function, including total bilirubin (TBiL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). RevMan 5.4 software was used for data analyses. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the online GRADEpro tool.

Results

Six RCTs involving 608 children were included. The overall bias was assessed as having “high risk of bias” in all trials. All trials compared the combination of CGI and conventional western medicine (CWM) with CWM alone. Regarding the effects of CGI for AIHC, results showed that CGI plus CWM was superior to CWM alone in reducing the levels of TBiL (mean difference (MD) = -8.19 mmol/L, 95% CI -9.86 to -6.53), ALT (MD = -24.09 U/L, 95% CI -30.83 to -17.34) and AST (MD = -18.67 U/L, 95% CI -21.88 to -15.45). No trial reported adverse events. The certainty of the evidence for outcomes were all evaluated as low or very low.

Conclusion

CGI may have adjuvant therapeutic effects on improving the liver function of children with AIHC. There is no evidence to determine the safety of CGI for AIHC. As current evidence is weak, further well-designed RCTs are required for verification of the therapeutic effects of CGI.

The potential of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract in combating COVID-19 and associated conditions

BACKGROUND

Several recent studies have stated that glycyrrhizin and licorice extract are present in most traditional Chinese medicine formulas used against SARS-CoV-2 in China. Significant data are showing that glycyrrhizin and licorice extract have multiple beneficial activities in combating most features of SARS-CoV-2.

PURPOSE

The aim of current review was to highlight recent progresses in research that showed the evidence of the potential use of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract against COVID-19.

METHODOLOGY

We have reviewed the information published from 1979 to October 2020. These studies demonstrated the effects , use and safety of glycyrrhizin and icorice extract against viral infections,bacterial infections, inflammatory disorders of lung ( in vitro and in vivo).  These studies were collated through online electronic databases research (Academic libraries as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Egyptian Knowledge Bank).

RESULTS

Pooled effect size of articles provides information about the rationale for using glycyrrhizin and licorice extract to treat COVID-19. Fifty studies demonstrate antiviral activity of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract. The most frequent mechanism of the antiviral activity is due to disrupting viral uptake into the host cells and disrupting the interaction between receptor- binding domain (RBD) of SARS-COV2 and ACE2 in recent articles. Fifty studies indicate that glycyrrhizin and licorice extract have significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Twenty five studies provide evidence for the protective effect of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract against inflammation-induced acute lung injury and cardiovascular disorders.

CONCLUSION

The current study showed several evidence regarding the beneficial effects of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract in combating COVID-19. More randomized clinical trials are needed to obtain a precise conclusion.

Nasal irrigation with Glycyrrhiza glabra extract for treatment of allergic rhinitis - A study of in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Glycyrrhiza glabra, a family of licorice and a traditional Chinese medicine with sweet taste and favorable smell, has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and immunomodulatory functions.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We developed a licorice extract (LE) by using glycyrrhiza glabra and administered it through nasal irrigation to treat allergic rhinitis (AR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LE was prepared into extract powder, and the anti-inflammatory effect of the LE was evaluated by calcium ionophore-induced activated mast cell model (in vitro). Then, local passive anaphylaxis assays were applied to investigate the anti-IgE-mediated allergic reaction of the LE in mice (in vivo). A developed LE was administered through nasal irrigation to treat AR in clinic settings. A total of 60 participants diagnosed with AR were included in this clinical trial; they were randomly assigned to three interventions: licorice nasal irrigation (LNI), corticosteroid nasal irrigation (CNI), and saline nasal irrigation (SNI). They performed nasal irrigation once a day for 1 month. Both subjective questionnaires (22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test [SNOT-22] and visual analog scale [VAS]) and objective examinations (acoustic rhinometry and nasal endoscopy) were used for effectiveness assessments.

RESULTS

All three interventions could improve SNOT-22 scores, but the effects of LNI and CNI were more significant. According to VAS scores for nasal blockage, rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal pruritus, postnasal discharge, and olfactory disturbance, the effect of LNI was superior to those of CNI and SNI. The results of rhinometry revealed that LNI significantly improved nasal resistance. Endoscopic analysis showed that both LNI and CNI, but not SNI, could significantly improve turbinate hypertrophy. Moreover, the best procedural comfort was found for LNI, which had no side effects or complications during the trial.

CONCLUSIONS

LNI is a natural, safe, and innovative therapy that can effectively treat AR. Its effect is superior to those of CNI and SNI, and it has greatly improved procedural comfort.

Preclinical Evidence for the Pharmacological Actions of Glycyrrhizic Acid: A Comprehensive Review

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Family: Fabaceae) is one of the important traditional medicinal plant used extensively in folk medicine. It is known for its ethnopharmacological value in curing a wide variety of ailments. Glycyrrhizin, an active compound of G. glabra, possesses anti-inflammatory activity due to which it is mostly used in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment and management of chronic diseases. The present review is focused extensively on the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and potential effects of Glycyrrhizic Acid (GA). A thorough literature survey was conducted to identify various studies that reported on the GA on PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar.

An observational study on acceptability, palatability, and safety of Ayurveda immunity booster kit for the prevention of COVID-19 in frontline workers in Jaipur, India

Background

National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, India, had distributed Ayurveda immunity booster kit (AIBK) (prepared at own pharmacy and comprising Chyawanprasha - 300 g, Vyadhi Kshamatva Kwatha - 300 g, and Vyadhi Kshamatva capsule - 30 g) for 15 days among the health-care workers, sanitation workers, and security and police staff engaged in the containment zones for prevention of COVID-19.

Aim

The aim of present study was to explore the medication that may be effective in prevention of the COVID -19. Hence, this study was done to assess the compliance of these medicines and their effects in the prevention of COVID-19.

Methods

One thousand seven hundred and fourteen frontline workers were provided with the AIBK for 15 days from April 24, 2020, to June 27, 2020. Data of frontline workers who had participated in AIBK and completed the treatment regimen with 2 weeks of follow-up after treatment with complete available data for safety, palatability, efficacy, and compliance were included in the study. Any adverse event needing hospitalization or medication, drug compliance and palatability, and appearance of the symptoms of COVID-19 or testing positive for COVID-19 were the outcome measures.

Results

Out of 1714 participants, 1003 participants were found to be eligible for this analysis. The median age of these participants was 39 years (range, 19-70), and males accounted for 90.1% (904 of 1003). A total of 7.5% of participants (75 of 1003) reported having adverse events after taking the study treatment. None of the participants reported any serious adverse effects after the administration of the AIBK. The acceptability of the AIBK was as high as 97.4%. None of the participants reported positive for COVID-19 results or COVID-19 symptoms up to 2 weeks of follow-up after completion of the study treatment.

Conclusion

The acceptability of AIBK is good and indicates its role in the prevention of COVID-19-like illness, hence further randomized control trials or cohort studies can be done to assess the mechanism of action and efficacy of AIBK as the preventive strategy in COVID-19.

A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessing the efficacy of EGHB010, a standardized extract of Paeoniae radix and Glycyrrhizae radix, in patients with early age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND

EGHB010, a standardized extract of Paeoniae radix and Glycyrrhizae radix, inhibits choroidal neovascularization. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EGHB010 on early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progression inhibition.

METHODS

The study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, single-center, placebo-controlled study. Subjects were 50 years of age or older, and early AMD satisfied the criteria of more than 15 small (<63 µm) drusen, less than 20 intermediate (≥63, <125 µm) drusen, or pigment abnormalities. For 12 weeks, the treatment group received EGHB010 and the control received the placebo. The main outcomes were changes in macular pigment optical density (MPOD), central macular thickness (CMT), and central choroidal thickness (CCT). Subgroup analysis was performed on subjects with MPOD <0.75 at baseline.

RESULTS

Forty-eight subjects out of 94 were assigned to the treatment group, and 46 to the control group. At 12 weeks, mean MPOD of the treatment group increased by 0.04±0.27 (P=0.2730), and that of the control group decreased by 0.03±0.21 (P=0.7240), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.1234). There were no significant differences between the two groups in mean CMT and CCT (P=0.6718 and 0.6608, respectively). In subgroup analysis, there were 39 subjects with MPOD <0.75 in the treatment group and 36 in the control. Mean MPOD of the treatment group significantly increased by 0.09±0.25 (P=0.0218), and there was a significant difference in mean MPOD at 12 weeks between the two groups (P=0.0248). Adverse reactions were similar in both groups, and no subjects had serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

EGHB010 is expected to increase MPOD when administered to subjects with MPOD <0.75. EGHB010 is worth considering as a substance that inhibits the progression of early AMD.

Advances in Pharmacological Activities and Mechanisms of Glycyrrhizic Acid

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) is widely regarded as an important medicinal plant and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine because of its therapeutic properties. Studies have shown that metabolites isolated from licorice have many pharmacological activities, such as antiinflammatory, anti-viral, participation in immune regulation, anti-tumor and other activities. This article gives an overview of the pharmacological activities and mechanisms of licorice metabolites and the adverse reactions that need attention. This review helps to further investigate the possibility of licorice as a potential drug for various diseases. It is hoped that this review can provide a relevant theoretical basis for relevant scholars' research and their own learning.

A Validated Liquid Chromatographic Method for Berberine Analysis in Tissue and Application

Simple and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography methods were developed for the determination of berberine (BB) in various rat tissues so as to evaluate a P-gp inhibitor, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), on BB's oral bioavailability. Acetonitrile was used to extract BB from tissues and showed different extraction recoveries in diverse tissues. The intra- and interday precision and accuracy were less than 10%. Long-term stability, pre (post) -preparative stability, and freeze-thaw stability were evaluated, and the results showed it could meet the need of this study. The proposed methods were subsequently applied to investigate the possible drug-drug interaction of GA and BB in vivo from the aspect of tissue distribution. The results showed that no significant difference was found between the group of low dose and high dose at the same time point. The tissue distributions show a saturated model, i.e., the content of BB in tissue tends to be constant while its dose is more than 200 mg/kg. Besides, the contents of BB ranged from high to low according to the order of the liver, kidney, and spleen. The BB content in the liver is especially high as compared to other tissues.

Glycyrrhizin inhibits osteoarthritis development through suppressing the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a serious and frequently occurring disease in the elderly, characterized by cartilage degeneration and proliferation of bone structure. Glycyrrhizin, a compound extracted from licorice, has been reported to have various important biological activities, such as antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory action. However, it has not been reported whether glycyrrhizin has a positive effect on OA development. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of glycyrrhizin on human OA chondrocytes. In the present study, we discovered that glycyrrhizin remarkably suppressed the interleukin (IL)-1β-induced level of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the production of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs), metalloproteinase3 (MMP3), metalloproteinase13 (MMP13) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs5 (ADAMTS5). In addition, glycyrrhizin inverted the degradation of aggrecan and collagen II. Moreover, it significantly inhibited IL-1β-stimulated PI3K/AKT phosphorylation and NF-κB mobilization in human OA chondrocytes. In vivo, glycyrrhizin treatment prevented the destruction of cartilage in mice OA models. In summary, all the results demonstrate that glycyrrhizin may be a potential therapeutic approach for OA.

Use of a genetically engineered E. coli overexpressing β-glucuronidase accompanied by glycyrrhizic acid, a natural and anti-inflammatory agent, for directed treatment of colon carcinoma in a mouse model

Bacteria-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (BDEPT), is an emerging alternative directed and tumor-specific approach. The basis of this method is the conversion of a non-toxic prodrug by a bacterial enzyme to a toxic drug within the tumor-microenvironment (TME). In the present study, the therapeutic efficacy of BDEPT was investigated based on the ability of Escherichia coli DH5α-lux/βG in activation of glycyrrhizic acid (GL), a natural and non-toxic compound purified from licorice, to glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) only in TME. To do so, the anti-bacterial effects of GL on bacteria and the cytotoxic effects of the produced GA on survival rate of CT26 mouse colon carcinoma cells were evaluated. The IC₅₀ values of the produced GA and cisplatin were determined as 210 μM and 100 μM, respectively. Comparing these values to GL treatment (1305 μM) indicates that bacteria could have efficiently activated GL to GA to inhibit the growth of tumor cells. Afterward, the anti-cancer effects of bacteria used in combination with GL was investigated in a mouse model of colon carcinoma. Results were indicative of targeted homing and even proliferation of luminescent bacteria in TME. Moreover, combined treatment greatly inhibited tumor growth. Histopathological analysis of dissected tissues also demonstrated increased apoptosis rate in tumor cells after combined treatment and interestingly, showed no obvious damage to the spleen and liver of treated mice. Accordingly, this BDEPT approach could be considered as an effective alternative tumor-specific therapy utilizing prodrug-activating enzymes expressing from tumor-targeting bacteria to allow the development of new tumor-specific pharmacotherapy protocols.

The effect of glycyrrhizin acid on Bax and Bcl2 expression in hepatotoxicity induced by Titanium dioxide nanoparticles in rats

AIM

This research studied the effects of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) on apoptosis induced with by titanium dioxide (NTiO2) in the liver of rats.

BACKGROUND

It is widely accepted that the contamination resulting from nanoparticles (NPs) is an emerging dangerous issue. Metal oxide nanoparticles have high environmental stability and cause toxicity in the food chain. Thus, the present study investigated the anti-apoptotic effects of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) on the hepatotoxicity generated by titanium dioxide (NTiO2) NPs in the liver tissue.

METHODS

Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. NTiO2-treated rats were given 300 mg / kg of NTiO2 solution via gavage for 14 days; GA-treated were administered 100 mg/kg GA for 14 days; protection group was pre-treated with GA before NTiO2 administration for 7 days. Then, apoptotic index was evaluated through immunolocalization of Bax and Bcl-2 and TUNEL assay.

RESULTS

we found that HSCORE of Bax expression and apoptotic index experienced a significant increase with NTiO2 (P <0.001), while Bcl-2 expression significantly diminished in NTiO2-treated rats (P <0.001). The results revealed that the increased Bax expression and apoptotic index were reversed by GA and enhanced the activities of Bcl2.

CONCLUSION

The results revealed that GA effectively attenuated apoptosis against NTiO2 in rats.

HMGB1 mediates the development of tendinopathy due to mechanical overloading

Mechanical overloading is a major cause of tendinopathy, but the underlying pathogenesis of tendinopathy is unclear. Here we report that high mobility group box1 (HMGB1) is released to the tendon extracellular matrix and initiates an inflammatory cascade in response to mechanical overloading in a mouse model. Moreover, administration of glycyrrhizin (GL), a naturally occurring triterpene and a specific inhibitor of HMGB1, inhibits the tendon’s inflammatory reactions. Also, while prolonged mechanical overloading in the form of long-term intensive treadmill running induces Achilles tendinopathy in mice, administration of GL completely blocks the tendinopathy development. Additionally, mechanical overloading of tendon cells in vitro induces HMGB1 release to the extracellular milieu, thereby eliciting inflammatory and catabolic responses as marked by increased production of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in tendon cells. Application of GL abolishes the cellular inflammatory/catabolic responses. Collectively, these findings point to HMGB1 as a key molecule that is responsible for the induction of tendinopathy due to mechanical overloading placed on the tendon.

Regenerative effects of glycyrrhizin and/or platelet rich plasma on type-II collagen induced arthritis: Targeting autophay machinery markers, inflammation and oxidative stress

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic chronic autoimmune disease manifested by joint destruction and deformity, hence decreasing patient's life quality. The aim of the present work is to explore the mechanistic effects of glycyrrhizin (GL)and/or platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatment on collagen induced arthritis. 75 female Wistar rats were allocated into five equal groups. Group I: control group. Group II: arthritis group (A group); arthritis was induced by type-II collagen Group III: Glycyrrhizin treated group(A + GL group), Group IV: platelet rich plasma treated group(A + PRP group)and Group V: combined treatment group(A + GL + PRP group). Hind paw joint tissue levels of high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB-1), beclin-1 and nuclear factor (erythroid-2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) DNA binding activity were detected by ELISA. Activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and catalase enzymes were determined spectrophotometrically. mRNA expression levels of microtubule associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) was detected by quantitative real time PCR. After 8 weeks treatment, there was improvement of inflammation and autophagy biomarkers by the significant reduction of HMGB-1 and beclin-1 levels, down regulation ofLC3mRNA expression. On the other hand, we monitored restoration of the anti-oxidant status through the inhibited MPO activity besides induction of both catalase and Nrf2-DNA binding activities. It could be concluded that, the mutual use of both PRP and GL had a greater effect than each alone against arthritis which is considered a novel finding that can highlight the regenerative and ameliorative effects of this combined treatmentthus launching promising avenues for RA treatment.

A simple method for evaluation pharmacokinetics of glycyrrhetinic acid and potential drug-drug interaction between herbal ingredients

A simple validated high performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the evaluation of the effect of three kinds of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on the pharmacokinetics of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA),a kind of active component from the most commonly used TCM licorice. Our results revealed that all of the calibration curves displayed good linearity. Intra- and inter-day precision for GA ranged from 2.54 to 3.98% and from 4.95 to 7.08%, respectively. The recovery rates for GA were determined to be 96.3–106.4%. All the samples showed satisfactory precision and accuracy in various stability tests. Plasma pharmacokinetic parameters including area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), elimination half-life (t_1/2), time to peak concentration(T_max) and peak concentration C_max were calculated. No significant difference was found as compared the groups administrating GA with and without other ingredients from TCM.

The effects of methanolic extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra on the prevention and treatment of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rat: experimental study

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung disease characterized by dyspnea and progressive loss of lung function. In this study, the preventive and therapeutic effects of methanolic extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra on pulmonary fibrosis were investigated. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by administration of bleomycin (BLM) into the left lung of rats. Methyl-prednisolone (M-pred, 4 mg/kg) and methanolic extract of G. glabra (500 mg/kg) were injected intraperitoneally from the 1st to 14th days in the preventive group and from the 14th to 28th days in the therapeutic group once every day. Pulmonary inflammatory and fibrotic indices were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome, respectively. The level of hydroxyproline as an index of pulmonary fibrosis and malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidative stress biomarker and catalase were measured by the related ELISA Kits. Pulmonary inflammatory and fibrotic indices in the G. glabra and M-pred groups significantly reduced compared with BLM group. G. glabra decreased the level of hydroxyproline in pulmonary tissue similar to M-pred. MDA reduced in G. glabra and M-pred groups compared with BLM group. The activity of catalase increased in the G. glabra preventive group. According to the results, G. glabra prevented and treated pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation in rats. Therefore, G. glabra may be suggested for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation.

The In Vitro Impact of Glycyrrhizic Acid on CD4+ T Lymphocytes through OX40 Receptor in the Patients with Allergic Rhinitis

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), the major bioactive component of glycyrrhiza, possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and immunomodulatory activities. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro anti-allergic effect of GA through the OX40 receptor in patients with allergic rhinitis. Purified naive CD4+ T cells of patients with allergic rhinitis (n = 12) were activated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 with and without anti-OX40 agonist mAbs and then treated with 50, 100, and 200 μM GA and 0.1 μM dexamethasone. Cells were incubated (72 h) to measure cell proliferation. Expression of OX40 in anti-OX40 mAb stimulated CD4+ T cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. mRNA expression of the OX40 receptor and T-bet, GATA-3, and forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) transcriptional factors were measured by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were also measured. GA inhibited significantly the augmented T cell proliferation induced with anti-OX40 mAb. Protein and gene expression of OX40 was also decreased significantly. Dexamethasone and GA inhibited T-bet and GATA-3 genes expression, but this inhibition was only significant for GATA-3. In contrast, enhanced gene expression of FoxP3 was seen using 200 μM GA and dexamethasone. The levels of IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ decreased after treatment with both dexamethasone and GA, but the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 (Th1/Th2 balance) increased significantly due to 200 μM GA treatment. This study suggests that GA may have a therapeutic effect on allergic rhinitis, partly by modulation of the Th1/Th2 balance through suppression of OX40 and increasing the activity of regulatory T cells.

Glycyrrhizin attenuates histamine-mediated MUC5AC upregulation, inflammatory cytokine production, and aquaporin 5 downregulation through suppressing the NF-κB pathway in human nasal epithelial cells

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic respiratory inflammatory disease. Glycyrrhizin is a main bioactive component of the licorice root extract and exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. However, the role of glycyrrhizin in AR has not been studied. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of glycyrrhizin on histamine-induced human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs). Here, we found that glycyrrhizin (20 or 40 μM) inhibited histamine-induced the mRNA expression and secretion of mucin 5 subtype AC (MUC5AC), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in HNEpCs. The expression levels of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate-responsive element binding protein (p-CREB) were decreased by histamine in HNEpCs and increased in cells treated with glycyrrhizin. The glycyrrhizin treatment inhibited histamine-induced expressions of p-NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα in HNEpCs, indicating that glycyrrhizin inhibited the activation of NF-κB pathway in histamine-induced HNEpCs. In addition, inhibition of the NF-κB pathway exhibited the similar effect with glycyrrhizin on histamine-induced HNEpCs. In summary, the results showed that glycyrrhizin reversed the effect of histamine on MUC5AC expression, inflammatory cytokine production, and AQP5 expression in HNEpCs, and the NF-κB pathway was involved in the effect. Glycyrrhizin might be used for complementary and alternative therapeutics of AR.

Therapeutic potential of glycyrrhetinic acids: a patent review (2010-2017)

INTRODUCTION

Glycyrrhetinic acids (GAs) viz., 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid and 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid, are oleanane-type triterpenes having a carboxylic acid group at C-30, and are extracted from the Chines herbal medicine licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis). Although the pharmacological properties of GAs have long been known, attention to them has greatly increased in recent times due to their cytotoxic activity.

AREAS COVERED

This review represents the patents granted about natural and synthetic glycyrrhetinic acid analogs from January 2010 to December 2017, the advances made by research groups in conjunction with pharmaceutical companies in the discovery of new natural or synthetic glycyrrhetinic acid analogs.

EXPERT OPINION

GAs demonstrate excellent cytotoxic, antimicrobial, enzyme inhibitory, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and antiviral effects. It is interesting to note that the C-₃(OH) and C_30-CO₂H functional groups make GAs very attractive lead structures for medicinal scientists since these functionalities allow the generation of further chemical diversity for improved pharmacological effects. Moreover, various GA analogues have been prepared via modification of the C_30-CO₂H. It is noteworthy that the C-30 amide of GA demonstrated better cytotoxic effects compared to the parent compounds. In addition, GAs have the capability to conjugate with other anticancer drugs or be converted into their halo or amino analogs which is expected to stimulate medicinal chemist to synthesize new lead compounds in cancer drug discovery.

High-efficiency generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from human foreskin fibroblast cells using the Sagunja-tang herbal formula

Background

Sagunja-Tang (SGT-4) is a traditional herbal formula in Korean medicine that is used to treat anti-metabolic syndrome, and has antioxidant activity. In this study, we evaluated the effects of SGT-4 on the formation efficiency of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) by four reprogramming transcription factors: Oct4, Sox2, KIf4, and c-Myc (OSKM).

Methods

SGT-4 contained four different herbal medicines that are composed of Ginseng Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba, and Poria Sclerotium. The composition of SGT-4 was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HFFs were transfected with episomal vectors contained by four OSKM. Western blotting, RT-PCR, immunofluroescence, and in vitro differentiation were used to assess the pluripotency of the iPSC cells.

Results

SGT-4 exhibited antioxidant activity against the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as promoted the activation of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase, gluthathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), and glutathione (GSH). Moreover, the ATP level was not significantly fluctuated depending on the concentration of SGT-4 in the hiPSCs.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the SGT-4, herbal formula significantly increases the efficiency of human iPSC generation via the transcription factors (Oct4, Sox2, KIf4, and c-Myc).

Immunomodulatory basis of antioxidant therapy and its future prospects: an appraisal

Antioxidants are agents which can modulate oxidant-antioxidant profile of body system by neutralizing pro-oxidant molecules. The current scientific knowledge on mechanisms of antioxidant activity of biomolecules was critically reviewed with a special emphasis on immunomodulation. The immuno-oxidative wreckage of animals in various disease conditions and the role of biomodulators in curbing the oxidative stress through immune pathways were analyzed. The critical role of immunomodulatory mechanisms in controlling oxidative damage was identified. Selection of antioxidant therapy considering the immunopharmacology of the drug as well as immunological basis of disease may reduce treatment failure and adverse health effects. Hence, it is suggested that future studies on antioxidants may focus on the immuno-oxidative pathobiology to better understand its clinical effects and effective disease management.

Anti-allergic activity of glycyrrhizic acid on IgE-mediated allergic reaction by regulation of allergy-related immune cells

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), the major bioactive triterpene glycoside of glycyrrhiza, has been shown to possess a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. However, few studies have examined the anti-allergic activity and exact mechanism of action of GA. In the present work, the anti-allergic activity and possible mechanisms of action of GA on an immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated allergic reaction has been studied using three models of allergic reaction in vivo and in vitro. Active systemic allergic reaction in Balb/c mice showed that GA can suppress the increased level of IL-4 to restore the immune balance of TH1/TH2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, GA attenuated significantly the B cells producing allergen-specific IgE and IgG1 partly because of the low levels of TH2 cytokines. Both passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in vivo and an RBL-2H3 cell-based immunological assay in vitro indicated that GA acted as a "mast cell stabilizer", as it inhibited mast cell degranulation and decreased vascular permeability by inhibiting the expression of Orai1, STIM1 and TRPC1, which blocked extracellular Ca2+ influxes. The current study suggests that GA may serve as an effective anti-allergic agent derived from food for the prevention and treatment of IgE-mediated allergic reaction.

Biological synthesis of gold and silver chloride nanoparticles by Glycyrrhiza uralensis and in vitro applications

The current study highlights the rapid biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (Gu-AuNps) and silver chloride nanoparticles (Gu-AgClNps) by aqueous root extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, a medicinal plant. G. uralensis has been reported for anticancer and hepatoprotective effects. The reduction of chloroauric acid and silver nitrate by the Glycyrrhiza root extract prompted the formation of Gu-AuNps and Gu-AgClNps within 4 and 40 min at 80 °C, respectively. The complete reaction did not require supplemental reducing and stabilizing agents, which demonstrated green synthesis. Field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM) revealed the spherical shape of Gu-AuNps and Gu-AgClNps. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed face-centred cubic structure of Gu-AuNps and Gu-AgClNps with average crystallite size 12.25 nm and 8.01 nm, respectively. The biosynthesized Gu-AgClNps served as competent antimicrobial agent against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica. Additionally, Gu-AuNps and Gu-AgClNps were analyzed for their catalytic ability to reduce methylene blue as model test pollutant. Likewise, both nanoparticles possessed free radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrzyl (DPPH). Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity in murine macrophage (RAW264.7) and human breast cancer (MCF7) cells were evaluated. Thus, the study proposes a green synthesis of Gu-AuNps and Gu-AgClNps by G. uralensis extract and in vitro biological applications. [Formula: see text].

Intracellular HMGB1 as a novel tumor suppressor of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) driven by oncogenic K-Ras remains among the most lethal human cancers despite recent advances in modern medicine. The pathogenesis of PDAC is partly attributable to intrinsic chromosome instability and extrinsic inflammation activation. However, the molecular link between these two events in pancreatic tumorigenesis has not yet been fully established. Here, we show that intracellular high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) remarkably suppresses oncogenic K-Ras-driven pancreatic tumorigenesis by inhibiting chromosome instability-mediated pro-inflammatory nucleosome release. Conditional genetic ablation of either single or both alleles of HMGB1 in the pancreas renders mice extremely sensitive to oncogenic K-Ras-driven initiation of precursor lesions at birth, including pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasms, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, and mucinous cystic neoplasms. Loss of HMGB1 in the pancreas is associated with oxidative DNA damage and chromosomal instability characterized by chromosome rearrangements and telomere abnormalities. These lead to inflammatory nucleosome release and propagate K-Ras-driven pancreatic tumorigenesis. Extracellular nucleosomes promote interleukin 6 (IL-6) secretion by infiltrating macrophages/neutrophils and enhance oncogenic K-Ras signaling activation in pancreatic lesions. Neutralizing antibodies to IL-6 or histone H3 or knockout of the receptor for advanced glycation end products all limit K-Ras signaling activation, prevent cancer development and metastasis/invasion, and prolong animal survival in Pdx1-Cre;K-Ras^G12D/+;Hmgb1^−/− mice. Pharmacological inhibition of HMGB1 loss by glycyrrhizin limits oncogenic K-Ras-driven tumorigenesis in mice under inflammatory conditions. Diminished nuclear and total cellular expression of HMGB1 in PDAC patients correlates with poor overall survival, supporting intracellular HMGB1 as a novel tumor suppressor with prognostic and therapeutic relevance in PDAC.