Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of licorice extract against CCl₄-induced oxidative damage in rats

A synergistic mechanism of Liquiritin and Licochalcone B from Glycyrrhiza uralensis against COPD

BACKGROUND

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a refractory respiratory disease mainly attributed to multiple pathological factors such as oxidative stress, infectious inflammation, and idiopathic fibrosis for decades. The medicinal plant Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract (ULE) was widely used to control respiratory diseases in China. However, the regulatory mechanism of scientific evidence to support the therapeutic benefits of ULE in the management of COPD is greatly limited.

PURPOSE

This study aims to discover the potential protection mechanism of ULE on COPD via a muti-targets strategy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The present study set out to determine the potential protective effects of ULE on COPD through a multi-target strategy. In vivo and in vitro models of COPD were established using cigarette smoke and lipopolysaccharide to assess the protective effects of ULE. It was evaluated by measuring inflammatory cytokines and assessing pulmonary pathological changes. HPLC was used to verify the active compounds of the potential compounds that were collected and screened using HERB, works of literature, and ADME tools. The mechanisms of ULE in the treatment of COPD were explored using transcriptomics, connectivity-map, and network pharmacology approaches. The relevant targets were further investigated using RT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The HCK inhibitor (iHCK-37) was used to evaluate the potential mechanism of ULE's active compounds in the prevention of COPD.

RESULTS

ULE effectively protected the lungs of COPD mice from oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis damage. After screening and verification using ADME properties and HPLC, 4 active compounds were identified in ULE: liquiritin (LQ), licochalcone B (LCB), licochalcone A (LCA), and echinatin (ET). Network pharmacology integrated with transcriptomics analysis showed that ULE mitigated oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in COPD by suppressing HCK. The combination of LCB and LQ was optimized for anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and anti-fibrosis activities. The iHCK-37 further validated the preventive treatment of LCB and LQ on COPD by inhibiting HCK to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects. The combination of LCB and LQ, in a 1:1 ratio, exerted synergistic antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects in the treatment of COPD by downregulating HCK.

CONCLUSION

The combination of LCB and LQ performed a significant anti-COPD effect via downregulating HCK.

18Beta-Glycyrrhetinic Acid Attenuates H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage and Apoptosis in Intestinal Epithelial Cells via Activating the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Oxidative stress causes gut dysfunction and is a contributing factor in several intestinal disorders. Intestinal epithelial cell survival is essential for maintaining human and animal health under oxidative stress. 18beta-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is known to have multiple beneficial effects, including antioxidant activity; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been well established. Thus, the present study evaluated the therapeutic effects of GA on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in intestinal porcine epithelial cells. The results showed that pretreatment with GA (100 nM for 16 h) significantly increased the levels of several antioxidant enzymes and reduced corresponding intracellular levels of reactive oxidative species and malondialdehyde. GA inhibited cell apoptosis via activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway, as confirmed by RNA sequencing. Further analyses demonstrated that GA upregulated the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt and the protein level of B cell lymphoma 2, whereas it downregulated Cytochrome c and tumor suppressor protein p53 levels. Moreover, molecular docking analysis predicted the binding of GA to Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 1, a primary membrane receptor, to activate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Collectively, these results revealed that GA protected against H2O2-induced oxidative damage and cell apoptosis via activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, suggesting the potential therapeutic use of GA to alleviate oxidative stress in humans/animals.

The attenuation effect of licorice on the hepatotoxicity of Euodiae Fructus by inhibiting the formation of protein conjugates and GSH depletion

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As a traditional Chinese medicine and food, Euodiae Fructus (EF) is widely used in clinics to relieve pain and prevent vomiting and for making tea for more than a thousand years. In recent years, hepatotoxic reactions to EF have been reported. The intermediates produced by evodiamine and rutaecarpine metabolism in vitro were captured by glutathione (GSH), suggesting that the toxicity of EF may be related to metabolic activation. Whether licorice can inhibit the metabolic activation of EF has not been reported, which needed an effective strategy to clarify the correlation between protein conjugates and hepatotoxicity and the attenuation mechanism of licorice processing.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to explore the toxic components and mechanisms of EF based on metabolic activation and the detoxification of licorice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The content and toxicity index of protein conjugates in the liver were determined by orally administering mice and rats with EF. The attenuation mechanism of licorice was examined in cell and enzymology experiments.

RESULTS

The change in evodiamine-cysteinylglycine (EVO-Cys-Gly) and evodiamine-cysteine (EVO-Cys) levels was consistent with the change in hepatotoxicity. Licorice inhibited the formation of the protein conjugates of EF and increased the content of GSH in L02 cells.

CONCLUSION

EF mediated by P450 enzymes produced toxic intermediates, which combined with cysteine residues in animal liver and inactivate them, leading to hepatotoxicity. Interestingly, licorice can alleviate the GSH depletion caused by EF and inhibit the production of protein conjugates by inhibiting P450 enzymes.

Hepatoprotective effect of methanol extract of Agave americana leaves on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats

BACKGROUND

Ethiopians locally treat liver illnesses with A. Americana. Available literature demonstrates this. However, there are few in-vivo investigations that provide supporting data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of methanolic extract of Agave americana leaves on rat liver damage caused by paracetamol.

METHODS

The acute oral toxicity test was conducted in accordance with OECD-425 recommendations. The approach outlined by Eesha et al. (Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 4:466-469,  2011) was used to test the hepatoprotective activity. Wistar male rats weighing between 180 and 200 g were used, and six groups with seven animals each were formed. Group I received treatment with gum acacia (2%) at a dose of 2 ml/kg p.o. daily for 7 days. Rats in group II were treated with 2% gum acacia orally daily for seven days along with a single dose of paracetamol (2 mg/kg) p.o. on 7^th day. Silymarin (50 mg/kg) was given orally to Group III for 7 days. Plant extract doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg were administered orally to Groups IV -VI for seven days, respectively. All rats in groups III-VI were treated with paracetamol (2 mg/kg) 30 min following extract administration. Blood samples were obtained from the cardiac puncture after paracetamol had been used for 24 h to induce toxicity. Serum biomarkers (AST, ALT, ALP, and total bilirubin) were estimated. A histopathological investigation was also done.

RESULTS

No toxicity symptoms or animal fatalities were recorded during the acute toxicity study. The values of AST, ALT, ALP, and total bilirubin were all substantially raised by paracetamol. Significant hepatoprotective effects were obtained by pretreatment with A. americana extract. Histopathological examination of the liver tissues of paracetamol control group represented the presence of marked foci of mononuclear infiltration in the hepatic parenchyma tissue, sinusoid, and around central vein, as well as disorganization of hepatic plates, necrosis, and fatty changes of hepatocytes. Pretreatment with A. americana extract reversed these alterations. Results of the methanolic extract of A. americana were comparable to Silymarin.

CONCLUSION

The current investigation supports the hepatoprotective properties of Agave americana methanolic extract.

Saponins of Selected Triterpenoids as Potential Therapeutic Agents: A Review

Saponins represent important natural derivatives of plant triterpenoids that are secondary plant metabolites. Saponins, also named glycoconjugates, are available both as natural and synthetic products. This review is focused on saponins of the oleanane, ursane, and lupane types of triterpenoids that include several plant triterpenoids displaying various important pharmacological effects. Additional convenient structural modifications of naturally-occurring plant products often result in enhancing the pharmacological effects of the parent natural structures. This is an important objective for all semisynthetic modifications of the reviewed plant products, and it is included in this review paper as well. The period covered by this review (2019–2022) is relatively short, mainly due to the existence of previously published review papers in recent years.

Peritoneal lavage with Glycyrrhiza glabra is effective in preventing peritoneal adhesion in a rat model

BACKGROUND

Intraperitoneal adhesion formation is a significant problem following surgeries, resulting in substantial clinical and economic consequences. Glycyrrhiza glabra has several pharmacological properties consisting of anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory activities.

AIM

Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impacts of G. glabra on the development of post-operative abdominal adhesion in a rat model.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were divided into six groups (n = 8): Group 1: normal group (non-surgical), and the surgical groups including Group 2: control group received the vehicle, Group 3: G. glabra 0.5% w/v, Group 4: G. glabra 1% w/v, Group 5: G. glabra 2% w/v, and Group 6: dexamethasone, 0.4% w/v. The intra-abdominal adhesion was performed utilizing soft sterilized sandpaper on one side of the cecum, and the peritoneum was slightly washed with 2 ml of the extract or vehicle. In addition, macroscopic examination of adhesion scoring and the levels of inflammatory mediators [interferon (IFN)-γ, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂)], fibrosis markers [interleukin (IL)-4, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ꞵ], and oxidative factors [malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide metabolites (NO), and reduced glutathione (GSH)] were evaluated. In vitro toxicities were also done on mouse fibroblast L929 and NIH/3T3 cell lines.

RESULTS

We found higher levels of adhesion (P < 0.001), IFN-γ(P < 0.001), PGE₂(P < 0.001), IL-4(P < 0.001), TGF-β(P < 0.001), MDA(P < 0.001), and NO(P < 0.001), and lower levels of GSH(P < 0.001) in the control group. In contrast, G. glabra concentration dependent and dexamethasone alleviated the levels of adhesion (P < 0.05), inflammatory mediators (P < 0.001-0.05), fibrosis (P < 0.001-0.05), and oxidative (P < 0.001-0.05) factors, while propagating the anti-oxidant marker (P < 0.001-0.05) in comparison to the control group. Results also showed that the extract did not significantly reduce cell viability up to 300 µg/ml (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

G. glabra could concentration-dependently mitigate peritoneal adhesion formation through its anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis, and anti-oxidant properties. However, further clinical investigations are required to approve that G. glabra may be a promising candidate against post-surgical adhesive complications.

The Combined Effect of Licorice Extract and Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Cisplatin-Induced Hepatocellular Damage in Rats

Drug-induced liver damage is a life-threatening disorder, and one major form of it is the hepatotoxicity induced by the drug cisplatin. In folk medicine, Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra (is used for detoxification and is believed to be a potent antioxidant. Currently, the magically self-renewable potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) has prompted us to explore their hepatoregenerative capability. The impact of G. glabra extract (GGE) and BM-MSCs alone and, in combination, on protecting against hepatotoxicity was tested on cisplatin-induced liver injury in rats. Hepatic damage, as revealed by liver histopathology and increased levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and malondialdehyde (MDA), was elevated in rats by received 7 mg/kg of cisplatin intraperitoneally. The combination of GGE and BM-MSCs returned the enzyme levels to near the normal range. It also improved levels of liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) and reduced MDA levels. Additionally, it was found that when GGE and BM-MSCs were used together, they significantly downregulated caspase9 (Casp9), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), which are involved in severe proinflammatory and apoptotic signaling cascades in the liver. Moreover, combining GGE and BM-MSCs led to the normal result of hepatocytes in several examined liver histological sections. Therefore, our findings suggest that GGE may have protective effects against oxidative liver damage and the promising regenerative potential of BM-MSCs.

Biological Screening of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. from Different Origins for Antidiabetic and Anticancer Activity

BACKGROUND

Geographical variation may affect the phytochemistry as well as the biological activities of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root. Herein, a series of biological activities were performed to evaluate the impact of geographical origin on the biological potential of eight different licorice samples.

METHODOLOGY

Cell culture studies were performed for cytotoxicity (MCF7, HCT116, HepG2, and MRC5), glucose uptake assay (HepG2), and glutathione peroxidase activity (HepG2), whereas α-amylase inhibition activity was tested for antidiabetic potential.

RESULTS

The Indian sample was observed to be more cytotoxic against MCF7 (22%) and HCT116 (43%) with an IC₅₀ value of 56.10 (±2.38) μg/mL against the MCF7 cell line. The glucose uptake was seen with a mean value of 96 (±2.82) and a range of 92-101%. For glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), the Syrian (0.31 ± 0.11) and Pakistani samples (0.21 ± 0.08) revealed a significant activity, whereas the Palestinian (70 ± 0.09) and Indian samples (68±0.06) effectively inhibited the α-amylase activity, with the lowest IC₅₀ value (67.11 ± 0.97) μg/mL for the Palestinian sample. The statistical models of PCA (principal component analysis) and K-mean cluster analysis were performed to correlate the geographical origin, extract yield, and biological activities for the eight licorice samples of different origins.

CONCLUSION

The licorice samples exhibited significant cytotoxic, GPx, and α-amylase inhibitory activity. The samples with higher extract yield showed more potential in these biological activities.

Liquorice root extract and isoliquiritigenin attenuate high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis and damage in rats by regulating AMPK

Objective: This study compared the ability of Liquorice roots aqueous extract (LRE) and its ingredient, isoliquiritigenin (ISL), in alleviating high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hepatic steatosis and examined if this effect involves activation of AMPK.Materials and methods: Control or HFD-fed rats were treated with the vehicle, LRE (200 mg/kg), or ISL (30 mg/kg) for 8 weeks orally.Results: ISL and LRE reduced HFD-induced hyperglycaemia, improved liver structure, lowered serum and hepatic lipids, and attenuated hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation. In the control and HFD-fed rats, ISL and LRE significantly stimulated the muscular and hepatic mRNA and protein levels of AMPK, improved oral glucose tolerance, reduced hepatic mRNA levels of SREBP1/2, and upregulated hepatic levels of PPARα and Bcl2. These effects were comparable for ISL and LRE and were prevented by co-administration of compound C, an AMPK inhibitor.Discussion and conclusion: ISL and LRE provide an effective theory to alleviate hepatic steatosis through activating AMPK.

Dietary licorice flavonoids powder improves serum antioxidant capacity and immune organ inflammatory responses in weaned piglets

Weaning often induces oxidative stress and inflammatory response in piglets. This study investigated the effects of dietary licorice flavonoids powder (LFP) supplementation on antioxidant capacity and immunity in weaned piglets. Notably, 96 Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc (DLY) weaned piglets were randomly allocated to four treatments with 6 replicates (4 animals per replicate) and fed with diet supplementation with 0, 50, 150, and 250 mg/kg LFP, respectively. The trial lasted for 5 weeks. The results showed that dietary LFP supplementation effectively increased the liver index (P < 0.05). In addition, dietary LFP supplementation reduced serum aspartate aminotransferase activity (P < 0.01). Piglets fed with 50 mg/kg LFP decreased total cholesterol and HDL-C content in serum (P < 0.05) and increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity (P < 0.01). Similarly, supplementation with 150 mg/kg LFP elevated the activity of total antioxidant capability (T-AOC) in serum (P < 0.01) and dietary with 150 and 250 mg/kg LFP increased T-AOC activity in spleen (P < 0.01). Moreover, dietary with 150 mg/kg LFP addition enhanced (P < 0.05) the serum IgG content of piglets. Additionally, compared with the control group, dietary 250 mg/kg LFP supplementation upregulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA abundance of Interleukin (IL)-1β and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in the spleen. Meanwhile, dietary 150 and 250 mg/kg LFP supplementation downregulated (P < 0.05) mRNA abundance of IL-10, and MCP-1 and 250 mg/kg LFP upregulated (P < 0.05) the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in the thymus. In conclusion, LFP supplementation improved the immune function of piglets by regulating the activity of serum biochemical enzymes, improving the antioxidant capacity, and alleviating inflammation of immune organs. This study indicated that LFP is potential alternative protection against early weaned stress in piglets.

Licorice Extract Supplementation Affects Antioxidant Activity, Growth-Related Genes, Lipid Metabolism, and Immune Markers in Broiler Chickens

The objective of this study was to evaluate the Glycyrrhiza glabra effect on growth performance, blood parameters, antioxidant and lysosomal activity, histology and immunohistochemistry of liver and intestine, and the gene expression profile of broiler chickens. A total of 180 Cobb500 broiler chicks (one-week-old) were used in this study. Chicks were distributed randomly into three treatment groups; the first group received drinking water without any supplementation (control group). In contrast, birds in groups 2 and 3 received licorice supplementation in drinking water with 0.4 and 0.8 g licorice/liter, respectively. Results revealed that licorice at a 0.4 g/L of water level improved body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and FCR. Licorice also exhibits a broad range of biological activities such as hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, immunostimulant, and antioxidant effects. The morphometric analysis of different parameters of the intestine revealed a significant increase in the intestinal villi length, width, and villi length/crypt depth in the group supplemented with licorice 0.4 gm/L compared to other groups. The number of CD3 positive in both duodenum and ileum was increased in the licorice 0.4 gm/L group compared to other groups. The expression of growth-related genes was significantly increased with licorice supplementation and modulation of the lipid metabolism genes in the liver and upregulated to the mRNA expression of both superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and Catalase (CAT). Our results revealed that licorice supplementation increased the growth performance of broiler chickens and impacted the birds' antioxidant activity through modulation of the growth-related genes, lipid metabolic markers, and antioxidant-related pathways.

Isoliquiritigenin alleviates diabetic symptoms via activating AMPK and inhibiting mTORC1 signaling in diet-induced diabetic mice

PURPOSE

To determine the effects of isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a chalcone compound isolated from licorice, on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

8-week-old C7BL/6 mice were used to establish the T2DM animal model by feeding with high-fat-high-glucose diet (HFD) combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The animals were treated with ISL for 3 weeks. Blood glucose levels, oral glucose tolerance, and insulin tolerance were examined, serum parameters were determined, histologic sections were prepared, activities of enzymes related to glucolipid metabolism were analyzed, and the mitochondrial function was investigated to evaluate effects of ISL on metabolism. The underlying mechanisms of ISL alleviating insulin resistance and restoring metabolic homeostasis were analyzed in HepG2 and INS-1 cells.

RESULTS

ISL exhibits a potent activity in relieving hyperglycemia of type 2 diabetic mice. It alleviates insulin resistance and restores metabolic homeostasis without obvious adversary effects in HFD-induced diabetic mice. The metabolic benefits of ISL treatment include promoting hepatic glycogenesis, inhibiting hepatic lipogenesis, reducing hepatic steatosis, and sensitizing insulin signaling. Mechanistically, ISL activates adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). It also suppresses mitochondrial function and reduces ATP production.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that ISL is able to significantly reduce blood glucose level and alleviate insulin resistance without obvious side effects in diabetic mice, hence uncovering a great potential of ISL as a novel drug candidate in prevention and treatment of T2DM.

Medicinal Uses of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.): A Comprehensive Review

Innumerable plants have been used widely as integral medicinal sources since the start of human civilization. The demand for herbal medicines is constantly increasing with time overtime. Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra family Leguminosae) is one of the most used herbal plants in foods, in medicinal forms, and substantially researched on a worldwide scale. It was used as traditional and complementary medicine against innumerable ailments including allergies, liver toxicity, gastric ulcer, lung diseases, skin disorders, oral health problems including tooth decay, and inflammation. The constituents of licorice include various essential oils, sugars, inorganic salts, resins, amino acids, and nucleic acids. Biological activity has been observed to be portrayed by active compounds of licorice including triterpene, flavonoids, and saponins. In recent years, licorice has been widely researched to discover its benefits, constituents, and its mechanism of action. The review summarizes the therapeutic and pharmacological benefits of licorice and its uses in different health-related conditions along with its toxicity and maximum levels of licorice consumption.

Glycyrrhizic Acid and Its Hydrolyzed Metabolite 18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid as Specific Ligands for Targeting Nanosystems in the Treatment of Liver Cancer

Glycyrrhizic acid and its hydrolyzed metabolite 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, obtained from the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, have numerous pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerative, antiallergic, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antitumor, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects, and others. In addition to the pharmacological activities, in the 1980s, an interaction and uptake of these molecules by the liver was verified, which was later confirmed by other studies through the discovery of specific receptors in the hepatocytes. The presence of these specific receptors in the liver led to vectorization and delivery of drugs, by the introduction of glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhetinic acid on the surface of nanosystems, for the treatment of liver diseases. This review describes experimental evidence of vectorization by conjugating glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhetinic acid to nanosystems and delivery of antitumor drugs for the treatment of liver cancer and also describes the techniques used to perform this conjugation. We have shown that due to the existence of specific receptors for these molecules, in addition to the targeting of nanosystems to hepatocytes, nanosystems having glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhetinic acid on their surface had the same therapeutic effect in a significantly lower dose compared to the free drug and unconjugated nanosystems, with consequent reduction of side effects and toxicity.

Olive oil cake extract stabilizes the physiological condition of lipopolysaccharide-challenged piglets by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses and modulating the ileal microbiome

Olives are a rich source of compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study was designed to investigate whether a standardized olive cake extract was able to alleviate oxidative stress, inflammation and intestinal villus damage in a model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged piglets. Thirty weaned piglets (6.9 ± 0.9 kg) were assigned to five groups using a randomized complete block design. Piglets were fed a basal diet before intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of physiological saline (C); fed a basal diet alone (CL) or fed a basal diet plus an olive cake extract (OL), antibiotics (AL), or olive cake extract plus antibiotics (OAL) before i.p. injection of LPS. The feeding period lasted for 2 weeks. Piglets were euthanized 4 h after the LPS injection. Systemic oxidative and inflammatory status and intestinal morphology were evaluated. LPS challenge significantly lowered the serum levels of GSH-Px, SOD and ALB and increased the serum concentration of MDA, NO, LDH, ALT, AST, TNF-α, IL-6, DAO and D-xylose (P < 0.05), as extracted from the comparison of piglets in the C and CL groups. Intestinal morphology was altered in the duodenum and ileum, displaying that the CL group had significantly lower villus height (VH), higher crypt depth (CD) and lower VH/CD compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, feed supplementation was able to partially mitigate the negative effects of LPS challenge in all groups (OL, AL, and OAL), as evidenced by the significantly increased serum levels of GSH-Px, SOD, ALB and IL-10 and decreased concentration of MDA, NO, LDH, ALT, AST, TNF-α, IL-6, DAO and D-xylose, compared with the CL group (P < 0.05). Alterations in intestinal morphology were also prevented and the OL, AL, and OAL groups had significantly lower CD and higher VH/CD compared with the CL group (P < 0.05), both in the ileum and duodenum. Furthermore, the positive effect in the relative abundance of intestinal Lactobacillus and Clostridium at the genus level was also observed for the OL group compared to the CL group. In summary, dietary supplementation with an olive cake extract stabilized the physiological condition of piglets subjected to an acute LPS challenge by reducing oxidative stress and the inflammatory status, improving intestinal morphology and increasing the abundance of beneficial intestinal bacteria. This trial was registered at Zhejiang University (http://www.lac.zju.edu.cn) as No. ZJU20170529.

Evaluating the protective role of Deglycyrrhizinated licorice root supplement on bleomycin induced pulmonary oxidative damage

The goal of this study was to investigate the protective effect of licorice supplements in a rat model of Bleomycin-induced lung oxidative damage over a duration of one month. The rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10 per group). Control group; Bleomycin group (B): rats were IP injected with bleomycin 5 mg/kg twice weekly. Licorice group (L): rats received orally 300 mg/kg licorice extract. Bleomycin and a low dose of Licorice group (BLLG): rats received orally 75 mg/kg licorice daily and injected as the B group. Bleomycin and a middle dose of Licorice group (BMLG): rats received orally 150 mg/kg licorice daily and injected as the Bleomycin group. Bleomycin and a high dose of Licorice group (BHLG): rats received orally 300 mg/kg licorice daily and injected as the Bleomycin group. Treatment with Bleomycin induced inflammation and oxidative damage to the lungs expressed in the disturbance of the measured parameters in the blood serum, the lung tissue, and the broncholavage fluid. In addition to the decreased expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and catalase (CAT) in the lung tissues. Bleomycin caused deformative changes in the histopathological and cellular examination of the lungs especially in the alveolar cells and the interstitial space. On the other hand, treated the bleomycin group with different doses of licorice supplement activates the antioxidant defense mechanism and attenuates the oxidative damage and damage induced to the lung. In conclusion, Deglycyrrhizinated licorice root supplement provided strong antioxidant and protective effects on Bleomycin-induced lung damage.

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.

Ameliorative impacts of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract against nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin in mice

Gentamicin is an effective antibiotic that has been used worldwide for many years. While considered an essential medicine by the WHO, gentamicin can also lead to severe kidney damage. This study explored the ameliorative effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract on gentamicin-induced renal injury in mice. Four groups of n = 7 mice were used: (a) control; (b) G. glabra-only; (c) gentamicin-only; and (d) gentamicin plus G. glabra. Kidney samples were tested for: antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione peroxidase [Gpx]); expression of HO-1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 genes; expression of Cox-2 and Bax; cytokine levels (IL-1β, and IL-6); histopathological anomalies; and standard renal functional component levels (creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen). The effects of gentamicin were generally reversed or normalized following treatment with G. glabra root extract. Gentamicin decreased Gpx and SOD parameters and increased IL-1 β and IL-6 levels, but these returned to normal in the G. glabra-treated group. Gentamicin upregulated tissue levels of Cox-2 and Bax, and downregulated HO-1 and Nrf-2 expression but again, and these levels returned to normal in the group treated with G. glabra. Mice that had received gentamicin exhibited acute renal blood vessel congestion, focal interstitial round cell aggregation, and hydropic degeneration of renal tubular epithelium. However, those that had also received G. glabra showed a normal histopathology. Findings from this study indicate that in mouse models, gentamicin-induced kidney damage can be reversed or ameliorated by administering G. glabra, so it can be considered as an effective complimentary therapy.

Prevention of MEK-ERK-1/2 hyper-activation underlines the neuroprotective effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Yashtimadhu) against rotenone-induced cellular and molecular aberrations

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Yashtimadhu choorna (powder) is prepared from the dried root of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., commonly known as licorice. The Indian Ayurvedic system classifies Yashtimadhu as a Medhya Rasayana that can enhance brain function, improves memory, and possess neuroprotective functions, which can be used against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease (PD).

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to decipher the neuroprotective effects of G. glabra L., i.e., Yashtimadhu, in a rotenone-induced PD model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retinoic acid-differentiated IMR-32 cells were treated with rotenone (PD model) and Yashtimadhu, and were assessed for cellular toxicity, live-dead staining, cell cycle, oxidative stress, protein abundance, and kinase phosphorylation.

RESULTS

Yashtimadhu conferred protection against rotenone-induced cytotoxicity, countered cell death, reduced expression of pro-apoptotic proteins (cleaved-caspases-9, and 3, cleaved-PARP, BAX, and BAK) and increased anti-apoptotic protein, BCL-2. Rotenone-induced cell cycle re-entry (G2/M transition), was negated by Yashtimadhu and was confirmed with PCNA levels. Yashtimadhu countered rotenone-mediated activation of mitochondrial proteins involved in oxidative stress, cytochrome-C, PDHA1, and HSP60. Inhibition of rotenone-induced ERK-1/2 hyperphosphorylation prevented activation of apoptosis, which was confirmed with MEK-inhibitor, highlighted the action of Yashtimadhu via ERK-1/2 modulation.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide the evidence for neuroprotection conferred by G. glabra L. (Yashtimadhu) and its mechanism via inhibiting MEK-ERK-1/2 hyper-phosphorylation, prevention of mitochondrial stress, and subsequent prevention of apoptosis. The study highlights Yashtimadhu as a promising candidate with neuroprotective effects, the potential of which can be harnessed for identifying novel therapeutic targets.

Combined Effects of Amino Acids in Garlic and Buna-Shimeji (Hypsizygus marmoreus) on Suppression of CCl4-Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats

The combination of the garlic-derived amino acid, S-allyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide (ACSO), and ornithine or arginine on CCl₄-induced hepatic injury was examined. After investigating the effectiveness of the mixture of ACSO and ornithine or arginine in preventing hepatic injury in vivo, an extract rich in ACSO and ornithine was prepared by converting arginine in garlic to ornithine by arginase from Hypsizygus marmoreus (buna-shimeji), after screening the productivity of ornithine among 12 kinds of mushrooms. Co-administration of ACSO with ornithine or arginine suppressed the increase in aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, and the decrease in glutathione S-transferase and cytochrome p450 2E1 activities after CCl₄ injection more effectively than a single administration of ACSO. All extracts prepared from garlic and buna-shimeji with low and high contents of ACSO and arginine or ornithine significantly suppressed CCl₄-induced hepatic injury in rats. Considering that ACSO is tasteless, odourless, and enhances taste, and ornithine has a flat or sweet taste and masks bitterness, the extract rich in ACSO and ornithine from garlic and buna-shimeji could be considered a potential antioxidant food material that can be added to many kinds of food to prevent hepatic injury.

Quantitative 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Method for Assessing the Purity of Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate

A simple, rapid, accurate, and selective quantitative method based on ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) was successfully established and developed for assessing the purity of dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (KG). In this study, using potassium hydrogen phthalate and fumaric acid as internal standard (IS), several important experimental parameters, such as relaxation delay and pulse angle, were explored. Reliability, specificity, linearity, limit of quantification, precision, stability, and accuracy were also validated. Calibration results obtained from qNMR were consistent with those obtained from HPLC coupled with ultraviolet detection. The proposed method, independent of the reference standard substance, is a useful, reliable, and practical protocol for the determination of KG and glycyrrhizin analogs.

Effects of dietary mulberry leaf powder on growth performance, blood metabolites, meat quality, and antioxidant enzyme-related gene expression of fattening Hu lambs

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the mulberry [Morus alba var. multicaulis (Perrott.) Loud.] leaf powder (MLP) supplementation in dietary concentrates on growth performance, blood metabolites, meat quality, and antioxidant enzyme (AOE) gene expression in fattening Hu lambs. Forty approximately 3-mo-old Hu lambs (16.5 ± 0.6 kg) were randomly allocated to five groups and fed with concentrates containing 0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, or 60% MLP (control, T15, T30, T45, and T60, respectively). The results showed that 15%–30% MLP supplementation maintained growth and carcass performance, and the weight of total stomach, especially of rumen in T15 and T30, were higher than those of the control. Dietary MLP supplementation decreased serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, but increased the high-density lipoprotein levels. Moreover, MLP supplementation improved the longissimus lumborum muscle color (redness), tenderness, and water-holding capacity. It was further observed that 15% MLP supplementation enhanced all AOE mRNA levels apart from that of EPHX1. In summary, dietary MLP supplementation could partially improve the blood metabolites, meat quality, and AOE mRNA levels in the liver of fattening Hu lamb, and the level of 15% supplementation was the most promising.

Tribulus terrestris ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats through suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation

Hepatoprotection is a goal for the harmful effect of several hepatotoxic agents. The present study has been executed to assess the useful impacts of Tribulus terrestris (TT) and silymarin (SLM) against carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄)-induced hepatotoxicity. Forty-two male rats were partitioned into six groups: group I: received 0.3% CMC-Na in distilled water, group II: TT (500 mg/kg BW, orally), group III: SLM (200 mg/kg, orally) for 14 consecutive days (on days 11 and 12 intraperitoneal corn oil), group IV: CCL₄, group V: TT (500 mg/kg BW) plus CCL₄, and group VI: SLM (200 mg/kg orally) plus CCL₄. The CCL₄ was administered (2.0 ml/kg BW) intraperitoneal on days 11 and 12. Sera were collected for assessment of hepatic injury markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, liver tissue oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, histopathological examination, and immunohistochemical analysis (Bax and bcl-2) were done. CCL₄ injection induced significant reductions in hepatic antioxidants while increased hepatic lipid peroxidation as well as serum hepatic injury biomarkers and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The histopathological examination showed necrotic and degenerative changes in the hepatic tissue, while immunohistochemical analysis revealed marked hepatic expression of activated Bax, and bcl-2, following CCL₄ injection. TT pretreatment significantly improved all examined parameters and restored the hepatic architecture. The current study illustrated that TT effectively alleviates hepatic oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammation, induced by acute CCL₄ intoxication. In this manner, TT has promising cytoprotective powers against hepatotoxicity induced by CCL₄.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective potentials of active fractions of Lannea barteri Oliv. (Anarcadiaceae) in rats

Introduction

Lannea barteri is used in the folkloric treatment of many disease states ranging from epilepsy, diarrhoea, oedema and ulcers, etc. This study investigated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potentials of methanol (MFLB), n-hexane (nHFLB) and ethyl acetate (EFLB) leaf fractions of L. barteri and identified the active metabolites.

Materials and methods

The in vitro models used were 1, 1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power and thiobarbituric acid assays while in the in vivo model, carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative liver damage in albino rats was used, and the biomarkers assayed were aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDA), serum total protein, serum direct and total bilirubin. Also, histopathological examination of the liver, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profiling and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy-electrospray ionization (LC-MS-ESI) analysis of the fractions were done.

Results

In the in vitro assays, the decreasing order of DPPH free radical scavenging activity of the ascorbic acid and fractions at 400 μg/ml is as follows: ascorbic acid (86.6%), MFLB (52.8%), EFLB (36.6%), and nHFLB (28.1%). The percentage scavenging activity of the samples at 400 μg/ml in the TBA followed this pattern: ascorbic acid (117.1%), MFLB (82.2%), nHFLB (80.0%), and EFLB (46.9%). The ascorbic acid elicited highest reducing power (42.6%), followed by MFLB (22.5%), nHFLB (13.7%), and EFLB (-0.93%). The in vivo study showed significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in serum AST, ALT, and direct bilirubin with a non-significant reduction in ALP, total bilirubin and MDA, and mild elevation in total protein. Histopathological studies revealed a restorative effect on liver architecture. The phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of resins, terpenoids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, reducing sugar, saponins, tannins and proteins. HPLC-ESI-MS analysis revealed the presence of potentially bioactive compounds in L. barteri fractions.

Conclusion

The fractions from L. barteri leaf possessed in vitro antioxidant and hepatoprotective potentials against CCl₄-hepatic oxidative damage; therefore, proper isolation and characterization of these identified bioactive compounds responsible for the observed effects are ongoing.

An Integrated Approach Exploring the Synergistic Mechanism of Herbal Pairs in a Botanical Dietary Supplement: A Case Study of a Liver Protection Health Food

Herbal pairs are used as a bridge between single herb and polyherbal formulas in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to provide rationale for complicated TCM formulas. The effectiveness and rationality of TCM herbal pairs have been widely applied as a strategy for dietary supplements. However, due to the complexity of the phytochemistry of individual and combinations of herbal materials, it is difficult to reveal their effective and synergistic mechanisms from a molecular or systematic point of view. In order to address this question, UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis and System Pharmacology tools were applied to explore the mechanism of action, using a White Peony (Paeoniae Radix Alba) and Licorice (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)-based dietary supplement. A total of sixteen chemical constituents of White Peony and Licorice were isolated and identified, which interact with 73 liver protection-related targets. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were then performed along with network analysis. Results showed that the synergistic mechanism of the White Peony and Licorice herbal pair was associated with their coregulation of bile secretion and ABC transporter pathways. In addition, Licorice exhibits a specific response to drug and xenobiotic metabolism pathways, whereas White Peony responds to Toll-like receptor signaling, C-type lectin receptor signaling, IL-17 signaling, and TNF signaling pathways, resulting in the prevention of hepatocyte apoptosis and the reduction of immune and inflammation-mediated liver damage. These findings suggest that a White Peony and Licorice herbal pair supplement would have a liver-protecting benefit through complimentary and synergistic mechanisms. This approach provides a new path to explore herbal compatibility in dietary supplements derived from TCM theory.

Natural Chalcones in Chinese Materia Medica: Licorice

Licorice is an important Chinese materia medica frequently used in clinical practice, which contains more than 20 triterpenoids and 300 flavonoids. Chalcone, one of the major classes of flavonoid, has a variety of biological activities and is widely distributed in nature. To date, about 42 chalcones have been isolated and identified from licorice. These chalcones play a pivotal role when licorice exerts its pharmacological effects. According to the research reports, these compounds have a wide range of biological activities, containing anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidative, antiviral, antidiabetic, antidepressive, hepatoprotective activities, and so on. This review aims to summarize structures and biological activities of chalcones from licorice. We hope that this work can provide a theoretical basis for the further studies of chalcones from licorice.

Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Formula Sini Zuojin Decoction in Treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Clinical Evidence and Potential Mechanisms

Background

Based on 122 cases reported in China, data mining indicated that Sini Powder (SNP) and the Zuojin Pill (ZJP) are both widely used as the basic recipe for treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Objectives

To evaluate the intervention effects of Sini Zuojin Decoction (SNZJD) in patients with GERD.

Methods

A comprehensive collection of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using SNZJD in patients with GERD that were published in domestic and foreign journals was made by computer retrieval. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis and bias risk assessment, Stata 14.0 software was used for sensitivity analysis, GRADE profiler 3.6 was used to evaluate the level of evidence, and trial sequential analysis (TSA), employed to control for random errors, was performed to assess the main outcomes. Network pharmacology analysis was applied to preliminarily study the mechanisms of action of SNZJD on GERD.

Results

Thirteen articles were eventually included, covering a total of 966 patients. Meta-analysis indicated that: ① the SNZJD plus traditional stomach medicines (SPTSM) group was more effective than the traditional stomach medicines (TSM) group (RR = 1.16, 95% CI [1.04, 1.29], P = 0.009); ② the experimental group with SNZJD was significantly better than TSM controls in improving heartburn, substernal chest pain, acid regurgitation, and food regurgitation symptoms (P < 0.0001); ③ SPTSM could significantly decrease total symptom scores with substantial effectiveness (P < 0.00001). The recurrence rate and adverse effects of SNZJD treatment were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). TSA showed that the effective rate of meta-analysis might be reliable, but the recurrence and safety results were still uncertain. According to the evaluation by the GRADE method, the quality of evidence was low. Besides, SNZJD might treat GERD by acting on related targets and pathways such as inflammation, hormone regulation, and so on.

Conclusions

SNZJD might be useful in the treatment of GERD, but its long-term effects and specific clinical mechanisms are unclear. Due to the poor quality of the evidence, more samples and high-quality clinical studies should be tested and verified in the future.

Hepatoprotective and hematological effects of Justicia secunda Vahl leaves on carbon tetrachloride induced toxicity in rats

Justicia secunda Vahl is an exotic plant that is used to treat medical problems. We investigated the hepatoprotective and hematological effects of aqueous extracts of J. secunda leaves on carbon tetrachloride induced toxicity in rats. Leaf extracts were prepared using hot and cold extraction methods to obtain a hot extract of J. secunda leaves (JSHAE) and a cold extract of J. secunda leaves (JSCAE). Total phenol and flavonoid measurements and antioxidant assays were performed to determine the extract with the greater antioxidant activity. JSHAE was the more effective extract for treatment of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in rats. Silymarin was used as a standard for comparison. We found that JSHAE contained more total phenol and flavonoid than JSCAE. JSHAE exhibited significantly greater ferric reducing antioxidant power and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl and thiobarbituric acid scavenging activity than JSCAE. We also found that in vivo, 100 and 200 mg/kg JSHAE significantly reduced plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and total bilirubin levels following CCl₄ induced toxicity compared to untreated rats. JSHAE treated animals exhibited white blood cell, red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet and procalcitonin levels that were comparable to control animals. Liver sections of rats treated with 200 mg/kg. JSHAE exhibited no abnormalities.

In vivo and in vitro Evaluation of the Protective Effects of Hesperidin in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Cytotoxicity of Cell

(1) Background: Plant flavonoids are efficient in preventing and treating various diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of hesperidin, a flavonoid found in citrus fruits, in inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation, which induced lethal toxicity in vivo, and to evaluate its importance as an antitumor agent in breast cancer. The in vivo experiments revealed the protective effects of hesperidin against the negative LPS effects on the liver and spleen of male mice. (2) Methods: In the liver, the antioxidant activity was measured by estimating the concentration of glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT), whereas in spleen, the concentration of cytokines including IL-33 and TNF-α was measured. The in vitro experiments including MTT assay, clonogenity test, and sulforhodamine 101 stain with DAPI (4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) were used to assess the morphological apoptosis in breast cancer cells. (3) Results: The results of this study revealed a significant increase in the IL-33 and TNF-α cytokine levels in LPS challenged mice along with a considerable elevation in glutathione (GSH); moreover, the catalase (CAT) level was higher compared to that of the control group. Cytotoxicity of the MCF-7 cell line revealed significant differences among the groups treated with different concentrations when compared to the control groups, in a concentration-dependent manner. Hesperidin significantly inhibited the colony formation of MCF7 cells when compared to that of control. Clear changes were observed in the cell shape, including cell shrinkage and chromatin condensation, which were associated with a later apoptotic stage. (4) Conclusion: The results indicate that hesperidin might be a potential candidate in preventing diseases.

Connective tissue growth factor in hepatocytes is elevated by carbon tetrachloride via STAT3 activation

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is widely used to induce hepatic fibrosis. Therapeutic agents alleviate hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation. To understand the direct effects of CCl4 on STAT3 expression in the liver, the present study incubated cultured hepatocytes expressing connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) with CCl4. Rats exposed to CCl4 for 8 weeks exhibited hepatic fibrosis, which was confirmed through the assessment of plasma biomarkers. Isolated liver samples were used to determine the protein levels of CTGF and STAT3 using western blotting. In addition, STAT3 expression was silenced in α mouse liver 12 (AML‑12) cells using small interfering RNA transfection. In addition, a pharmacological inhibitor, stattic, was used to inhibit STAT3 expression. The incubation of AML‑12 cells with CCl4 induced a dose‑dependent increase in CTGF expression and STAT3 activation. Notably, silymarin, an extract from milk thistle, inhibited these changes in AML‑12 cells and the antioxidant tiron produced similar effects. Silencing of STAT3 reduced the CTGF expression promoted by CCl4 in the hepatocytes. Additionally, similar to tiron, stattic inhibited CTGF expression induced by CCl4. In conclusion, CCl4 may activate STAT3 through oxidative stress to promote CTGF expression, which is one of the main factors contributing to the risk of hepatic fibrosis.

Bioactive Candy: Effects of Licorice on the Cardiovascular System

Licorice, today chiefly utilized as a flavoring additive in tea, tobacco and candy, is one of the oldest used herbs for medicinal purposes and consists of up to 300 active compounds. The main active constituent of licorice is the prodrug glycyrrhizin, which is successively converted to 3β-monoglucuronyl-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (3MGA) and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) in the intestines. Despite many reported health benefits, 3MGA and GA inhibit the 11-β-hydrogenase type II enzyme (11β-HSD2) oxidizing cortisol to cortisone. Through activation of mineralocorticoid receptors, high cortisol levels induce a mild form of apparent mineralocorticoid excess in the kidney and increase systemic vascular resistance. Continuous inhibition of 11β-HSD2 related to excess licorice consumption will create a state of hypernatremia, hypokalemia and increased fluid volume, which can cause serious life-threatening complications especially in patients already suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Two recent meta-analyses of 18 and 26 studies investigating the correlation between licorice intake and blood pressure revealed statistically significant increases both in systolic (5.45 mmHg) and in diastolic blood pressure (3.19/1.74 mmHg). This review summarizes and evaluates current literature about the acute and chronic effects of licorice ingestion on the cardiovascular system with special focus on blood pressure. Starting from the molecular actions of licorice (metabolites) inside the cells, it describes how licorice intake is affecting the human body and shows the boundaries between the health benefits of licorice and possible harmful effects.

Danshensu, a novel indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase1 inhibitor, exerts anti-hepatic fibrosis effects via inhibition of JAK2-STAT3 signaling

BACKGROUND

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), an important intracellular rate-limiting enzyme in the development of Hepatic fibrosis (HF), and has been proposed as a hallmark of HF. Danshensu (DSS) is a major bioactive component that isolated from a edible traditional Chinese medicinal herb Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen), while, the anti-HF mode and mechanism of action of DSS have not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced rat HF model and TGF-β1-induced hepatic stellate cell (HSC) model were employed to assess the in vivo and in vitro anti-HF effects of DSS. HSC-T6 cells stably expressing IDO1, a constitutively active IDO1 mutant, was used to determine the role of JAK2-STAT3 signaling in the DSS's anti-HF effects.

RESULTS

We found that intragastric administration of DSS potently reduced fibrosis, inhibited IDO1 expression and STAT3 activity both in vitro and in vivo. Using molecular docking and molecular dynamics analysis, DSS was identified as a novel IDO1 inhibitor. Mechanistic studies indicated that DSS inhibited JAK2-STAT3 signaling, it reduced IDO1 expression, STAT3 phosphorylation and STAT3 nuclear localization. More importantly, overexpression of IDO1 diminished DSS's anti-HF effects.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide a pharmacological justification for the clinical use of DSS in treating HF, and suggest that DSS has the potential to be developed as a modern alternative and/or complimentary agent for HF treatment and prevention.

Sulfuric Odor Precursor S-Allyl-l-Cysteine Sulfoxide in Garlic Induces Detoxifying Enzymes and Prevents Hepatic Injury

S-Allyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide (ACSO) is a precursor of garlic-odor compounds like diallyl disulfide (DADS) and diallyl trisulfide (DATS) known as bioactive components. ACSO has suitable properties as a food material because it is water-soluble, odorless, tasteless and rich in bulbs of fresh garlic. The present study was conducted to examine the preventive effect of ACSO on hepatic injury induced by CCl₄ in rats. ACSO, its analogs and garlic-odor compounds were each orally administered via gavage for five consecutive days before inducing hepatic injury. Then, biomarkers for hepatic injury and antioxidative state were measured. Furthermore, we evaluated the absorption and metabolism of ACSO in the small intestine of rats and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation by ACSO using HepG2 cells. As a result, ACSO, DADS and DATS significantly suppressed the increases in biomarkers for hepatic injury such as the activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and decreases in antioxidative potency such as glutathione (GSH) level and the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). We also found ACSO was absorbed into the portal vein from the small intestine but partially metabolized to DADS probably in the small intestine. In in vitro study, ACSO induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation in HepG2 cells, which is recognized as an initial trigger to induce antioxidative and detoxifying enzymes. Taken together, orally administered ACSO probably reached the liver and induced antioxidative and detoxifying enzymes by Nrf2 nuclear translocation, resulting in prevention of hepatic injury. DADS produced by the metabolism of ACSO in the small intestine might also have contributed to the prevention of hepatic injury. These results suggest potential use of ACSO in functional foods that prevent hepatic injury and other diseases caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Glycyrrhizic acid as a multifunctional drug carrier - From physicochemical properties to biomedical applications: A modern insight on the ancient drug

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Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), saponin of licorice shows wide range of biological activity.

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Mechanism of GA activity on the cell and molecular level is rarely discussed.

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GA activity could be caused by the cell membrane modification.

Glycyrrhizic acid is the main active component of Licorice root which has been known in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine since ancient times. In these cultures glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is one of the most frequently used drugs. However, only in 21-st century a novel unusual property of the GA to enhance the activity of other drugs has been discovered. The review describes briefly the experimental evidences of wide spectrum of own biological activities of glycyrrhizic acid as well as discusses the possible mechanisms of the ability of GA to enhance the activity of other drugs. We have shown that due to its amphiphilic nature GA is able to form self-associates in aqueous and non-aqueous media, as well as water soluble complexes with a wide range of lipophilic drugs. The main purpose of our review is to focus reader's attention on physicochemical studies of the molecular mechanisms of GA activity as a drug delivery system (DDS). In our opinion, the most intriguing feature of glycyrrhizic acid which might be the key factor in its therapeutic activity is the ability of GA to incorporate into the lipid bilayer and to increase the membrane fluidity and permeability. The ability of biomolecules and their aggregates to change the properties of cell membranes is of great significance, from both fundamental and practical points of view.

Synthesis, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of zinc oxide nanoparticles formulation

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are being used extensively in manufacturing skin lotions and food products and in various biological and pharmaceutical industries because of their immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties. In this study, ZnONPs were synthesized by a precipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy to investigate their structural, morphological, and optical properties. For in vivo evaluation, 40 healthy albino mice were randomly allocated to four equal groups among which the first one was the control group, while the second, third, and fourth were treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), a blend of CCl₄ and ZnONPs, and ZnONPs alone, respectively, for 21 days. The XRD analysis confirmed hexagonal wurtzite type structures having an average crystallite size of 41.54 nm. The morphology of ZnONPs analyzed through SEM showed uniform distribution of the grains and shape of the synthesized oxide. The energy band gap of the ZnONPs was found to be 3.498 eV. Hepatic and renal damage following CCl₄ administration was apparent after 14 days and was increased at the 21st day, showing nodular fibrotic masses in the liver and bumpy surfaces in the kidney as observed by gross and histological examination. Coadministration of ZnONPs (15 mg/kg b.w. intragastrically 5 days a week) significantly prevented the CCl₄-dependent increases in alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, creatinine, and urea levels, suggesting a protective potential of ZnONPs.

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): A phytochemical and pharmacological review

In the last years, consumers are paying much more attention to natural medicines and principles, mainly due to the general sense that natural compounds are safe. On the other hand, there is a growing demand by industry for plants used in traditional medicine that could be incorporated in foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, or even pharmaceuticals. Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. belongs to the Fabaceae family and has been recognized since ancient times for its ethnopharmacological values. This plant contains different phytocompounds, such as glycyrrhizin, 18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid, glabrin A and B, and isoflavones, that have demonstrated various pharmacological activities. Pharmacological experiments have demonstrated that different extracts and pure compounds from this species exhibit a broad range of biological properties, including antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities. A few toxicological studies have reported some concerns. This review addresses all those issues and focuses on the pharmacological activities reported for G. glabra. Therefore, an updated, critical, and extensive overview on the current knowledge of G. glabra composition and biological activities is provided here in order to explore its therapeutic potential and future challenges to be utilized for the formulation of new products that will contribute to human well‐being.

Dual protective effect of ginger and rosemary extracts against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of aqueous extracts of ginger (GE) and rosemary (RE), both individually and in combination, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in adult male rats. CCl4 induced significant increase in liver enzymes, bilirubin, triglycerides, and total cholesterol while total protein, albumin, and globulin were significantly decreased. Also, the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and oxidative stress markers were found to be elevated with a concomitant decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in hepatic tissue. Supplementation with extracts of ginger or rosemary effectively relieved most of the CCl4-induced alterations when administered singly. The joint therapy of the two extracts was more effective. The histological investigation strongly confirmed the highly protective effect of the two plant extracts in the hepatocytes. These findings suggest that rosemary and ginger extracts are effective in improving both the function and structure of the hepatocytes through their potent antioxidant effect and point out to the possibility of using a combination of both as an adjunct therapy in liver diseases.

Reparative Effects of Astaxanthin-Hyaluronan Nanoaggregates against Retrorsine-CCl₄-Induced Liver Fibrosis and Necrosis

Astaxanthin (Asta), a xanthophyll carotenoid, has been reported to be a strong antioxidative agent and has anti-inflammatory, antitumor and free radical-scavenging activities. However, inadequate stability and water solubility results in its low bioavailability. This study incorporated Asta into hydrophilic hyaluronan nanoparticles (HAn) to produce Asta-HAn aggregates (AHAna) using an electrostatic field system and investigated the restorative effects of AHAna on retrorsine-CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis in rats in vivo. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the prepared HAn were approximately 15 ± 2.1 nm in diameter and after the incorporation of Asta into HAn, the size increased to 210–500 nm. The incorporation efficiency of Asta was approximately 93% and approximately 54% of Asta was released after incubation for 18 h. Significant reductions in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were observed after the rats were intraperitoneally injected with AHAna. Histopathological findings revealed the greatest reduction in hepatic fibrosis and hepatocyte necrosis in the rats after 2 weeks of intraperitoneal injection with AHAna, which is consistent with the data acquired from serum biochemical analysis. The restorative effects on liver damage displayed by AHAna in vivo demonstrated that Asta aggregated through HAn incorporation exerts therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis and necrosis.

Hepatoprotective effects of ethyl pyruvate against CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis via inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling and up-regulation of MMPs/TIMPs ratio

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Liver fibrosis is a worldwide clinical issue. It has been well established that liver fibrosis is characterized of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in chronically damaged livers. Accumulating evidences have suggested that ethyl pyruvate (EP) is a potential useful agent for preventing from hepatic injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of the EP against liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats.

METHOD

Rats were randomly divided into control group, CCl4 group and CCl4+EP group, which with and without EP administration. Liver fibrosis was evaluated by serum biochemical parameters levels, Masson's trichromic staining and immunohistochemistry. Q-RTPCR was used to indicate genes expression. ELISA was used to detect proteins level.

RESULTS

This study demonstrates that Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signal is an important regulator of liver fibrosis while TLR4/NF-κB mRNA and protein levels reduced during HSCs activation. In addition, down-regulated high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) expression reduced NF-κB transcription and phosphorylation, which inhibited HSCs activation by blocking the TLR4 signal. Moreover, EP contributed to an increase in the ratio of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) to tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMPs), which might facilitate the degradation of the ECM. In CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rats, additional EP injection resulted in decreased ECM deposition and improved liver function.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the present findings indicated that EP might be an effective agent for anti-fibrotic therapy.

The immunomodulatory activities of licorice polysaccharides (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) in CT 26 tumor-bearing mice

BACKGROUND

The increasing use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has kindled the need for scientific evaluation of the mechanism of action of CAMs. Although, licorice, a common ingredient in many Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has attracted great attention for its antitumor and immunomodulatory activities, the mechanism of action of its polysaccharides is still unclear. Here we report the immunomodulatory activity of licorice polysaccharides in vivo.

METHODS

The differential anticancer activities of licorice polysaccharides by tumorigenesis and immunomodulation was evaluated in vivo. Six weeks old, 120 CT-26 tumor bearing BALB/c mice, weighing 20 ± 2 g were used. They were randomly divided into six groups, three groups receiving high molecular weight (fraction A), low molecular weight (fraction B) polysaccharides and crude extract (fraction C); positive, negative and normal groups receiving cytoxin, saline and normal diet respectively. Weight of mice and tumors was determined and tumorigenicity assay calculated to determine the anticancer effects. Immunomodulatory potential was determined by immune organ indices, immune cell population and serum cytokine levels using immune organ weight and index, flow cytometry and cytokine/chemokine bead panel kit respectively.

RESULTS

Licorice polysaccharides exhibited immunomodulatory activities in CT 26 tumor bearing BALB/c mice. The polysaccharides significantly suppressed tumor growth and increased immune organ index. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory effect was evident with activation of CD4+ and CD8+ immune cells population. The polysaccharides also affected the production of various cytokines, by increasing IL 2, IL 6, IL 7 levels and a decreasing TNFα levels.

CONCLUSION

In summary, licorice polysaccharide especially of low molecular weight exhibit anticancer and immunomodulatory activities by suppressing tumor growth and improving general health of mice. They also augment the thymus/spleen index and population of T lymphocytes. Furthermore, the polysaccharides enhance the levels of serum antitumor cytokines, IL 2, IL 6 and IL 7 while decreasing pro-tumor cytokine TNFα.

The anti-inflammatory activity of licorice, a widely used Chinese herb

CONTEXT

Increasing incidence and impact of inflammatory diseases have encouraged the search of new pharmacological strategies to face them. Licorice has been used to treat inflammatory diseases since ancient times in China.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the current knowledge on anti-inflammatory properties and mechanisms of compounds isolated from licorice, to introduce the traditional use, modern clinical trials and officially approved drugs, to evaluate the safety and to obtain new insights for further research of licorice.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and ResearchGate were information sources for the search terms 'licorice', 'licorice metabolites', 'anti-inflammatory', 'triterpenoids', 'flavonoids' and their combinations, mainly from year 2010 to 2016 without language restriction. Studies were selected from Science Citation Index journals, in vitro studies with Jadad score less than 2 points and in vivo and clinical studies with experimental flaws were excluded.

RESULTS

Two hundred and ninety-five papers were searched and 93 papers were reviewed. Licorice extract, 3 triterpenes and 13 flavonoids exhibit evident anti-inflammatory properties mainly by decreasing TNF, MMPs, PGE2 and free radicals, which also explained its traditional applications in stimulating digestive system functions, eliminating phlegm, relieving coughing, nourishing qi and alleviating pain in TCM. Five hundred and fifty-four drugs containing licorice have been approved by CFDA. The side effect may due to the cortical hormone like action.

CONCLUSION

Licorice and its natural compounds have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activities. More pharmacokinetic studies using different models with different dosages should be carried out, and the maximum tolerated dose is also critical for clinical use of licorice extract and purified compounds.

Therapeutic and fertility restoration effects of Ionidium suffruticosum on sub-fertile male albino Wistar rats: effects on testis and caudal spermatozoa

CONTEXT

Ionidium suffruticosum (L.) Ging (Violaceae) is an important medicinal plant widely used as a herbal traditional medicine in Ayurveda for the treatment of infertility. Currently, little pharmacological information is available on its male fertility properties following prolonged use.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate I. suffruticosum leaf extracts for male fertility parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethanol lyophilized fraction was administered orally on carbendazim-induced sub-fertility rats (250 mg/kg body weight for 28 days). The effects of fractions on rat's fertility parameters i.e., body and testes weight, sperm motility, sperm vitality, epididymal sperm counts, its morphology, enzyme and antioxidant stress and histopathology were studied and compared with clomiphene citrate.

RESULTS

The sub-fertile male rats treated with I. suffruticosum leaf extract increased the body weight of 7 g, testis weight of 97 mg, increased cauda epididymal sperm counts of 34.2 × 10⁶ sperm/mL, motility of sperm 46% and vitality 28% also increased and normal sperm morphology also improved up to 32%. The carbendazim-treated group showed loss in body weight of 33 g, testis weight of 851 mg, decreased epididymal sperm counts of 15 × 10⁶ sperm/mL, with sluggish motility and a highly significant fall in the live sperms of about 57%.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The leaf fraction of I. suffructicosum increased the testicular weight, spermatogenesis, sperm counts, lessened sperm agglutination, and increased testicular oxidative biomarkers, SOD, and CAT. This study therefore supports the usage of I. suffructicosum in traditional medicine for infertility.