Dual inhibitory effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard™) on COX and LOX products

Green Synthesis of Blumea balsamifera Oil Nanoemulsions Stabilized by Natural Emulsifiers and Its Effect on Wound Healing

In this study, we developed a green and multifunctional bioactive nanoemulsion (BBG-NEs) of Blumea balsamifera oil using Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) and glycyrrhizic acid (GA) as natural emulsifiers. The process parameters were optimized using particle size, PDI, and zeta potential as evaluation parameters. The physicochemical properties, stability, transdermal properties, and bioactivities of the BBG-NEs under optimal operating conditions were investigated. Finally, network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to elucidate the potential molecular mechanism underlying its wound-healing properties. After parameter optimization, BBG-NEs exhibited excellent stability and demonstrated favorable in vitro transdermal properties. Furthermore, it displayed enhanced antioxidant and wound-healing effects. SD rats wound-healing experiments demonstrated improved scab formation and accelerated healing in the BBG-NE treatment relative to BBO and emulsifier groups. Pharmacological network analyses showed that AKT1, CXCL8, and EGFR may be key targets of BBG-NEs in wound repair. The results of a scratch assay and Western blotting assay also demonstrated that BBG-NEs could effectively promote cell migration and inhibit inflammatory responses. These results indicate the potential of the developed BBG-NEs for antioxidant and skin wound applications, expanding the utility of natural emulsifiers. Meanwhile, this study provided a preliminary explanation of the potential mechanism of BBG-NEs to promote wound healing through network pharmacology and molecular docking, which provided a basis for the mechanistic study of green multifunctional nanoemulsions.

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

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

Exploring the efficacy and mechanism of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in improving collagen-induced arthritis in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic auto-immune disease, will cause serious joint damage and disability. Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (GRR) is commonly included in many anti-RA formulas used in the clinical practice in China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the alleviation of GRR and its active compounds on RA and the possible engaged mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical score, paw swelling degree and pain threshold were detected in the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1 mice. The ankle joints of mice were observed by using X-Ray, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), masson's trichrome (Masson), and safranin O and fast green (Safranin O) staining. The potential targets of GRR were predicted by network pharmacology and further verified by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western-blot. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and wound healing assay were conducted in synovial MH7A cells. The interaction between active compounds and potential targets predicted by molecular docking was confirmed by using cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA).

RESULTS

GRR (615 mg/kg) obviously alleviated CIA in mice. Network pharmacology implied that GRR might affect angiogenesis and inflammation, among which vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and phosphorylated protein kinase B (AKT) might be the key targets involved in this process. GRR decreased AKT phosphorylation and reduced the elevated levels of TNFα, VEGF-A, IL-1β and IL-6. Next, in vitro results demonstrated that glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) and isoliquiritigenin (ISL) were two active compounds that inhibited TNFα-induced synovial cell angiogenesis and inflammation. Moreover, GA and ISL actually improved RA in CIA mice. The results of molecular docking and CETSA displayed that ISL and GA might interact with TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2), thereby contributing to their inhibition on angiogenesis and inflammation.

CONCLUSION

GRR and two active compounds, including ISL and GA, alleviated RA via inhibiting angiogenesis and inflammation.

Glycyrol Prevents the Progression of Psoriasis-like Skin Inflammation via Immunosuppressive and Anti-Inflammatory Actions

Glycyrol (GC) is one natural active product. Imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like Balb/c mouse models were established. The model mice were intraperitoneally injected with cyclosporine A (CsA) and GC for 8 days followed by a series of biological detections. GC had little toxicity according to the levels of peripheral blood cells, hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (CRE), while CsA significantly increased the levels of BUN and CRE. GC decreased the splenic index and reduced the expressions of IL-6, IL-23, and CXCL-3 in the model mice and IL-6, CXCL-1, and CXCL-2 in the inflammatory HaCaT cells. The half inhibition concentration (IC50) of GC on HaCaT cells was 29.72 μmol/L, resulting in improved apoptosis, enhanced expressions of p21, BAX, and BIK, and reduced expressions of BCL-2. GC is an immunosuppressive agent against psoriasis-like symptoms by anti-inflammatory effects, which provides a strategy for the discovery of anti-psoriatic natural products.

Revisiting Licorice as a functional food in the management of neurological disorders: Bench to trend

Traditional and scientific evidence attribute numerous bioactivities of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.) in aging-related disorders. In this state-of-art review, an extensive search in several databases was conducted to collect all relevant literature and comprehensively analyze Licorice's pharmacological attributes, neuroprotective properties, safety, and its mechanistic role in treating various neurological conditions. Network pharmacology was employed for the first time exploring the mechanistic role of Licorice in neurological disorders. Its neuroprotective role is attributed to phytoconstituents, including liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritigenin, glabridin, 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid, quercetin, isoliquiritigenin, paratocarpin B, glycyglabrone, and hispaglabridin B, as evident from in vitro and in vivo studies. Network pharmacology analysis reveals that these compounds protect against long-term depression, aging-associated diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and other addictions through interactions with cholinergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic proteins, validated in animal studies only. Future clinical trials are warranted as Licorice administration has a limiting factor of mild hypertension and hypokalemia. Hopefully, scientific updates on Licorice will propagate a paradigm shift in medicine, research propagation, and development of the central nervous system phytopharmaceuticals.

Natural pentacyclic triterpenoid as allosteric modulators of human 5-lipoxygenase with potential anti-inflammatory activity

This study explored new methods to inhibit human 5-lipoxygenase (5-hLOX) by analyzing natural terpenes that share structural similarities with acetoxyboswellic acid (AKBA). Enzymatic assays were used to evaluate the terpene's ability to inhibit the enzyme, potentially providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Our research focused on how certain types of triterpenes can inhibit 5-hLOX allosterically via a newly discovered allosteric site identified by enzyme crystallization. To determine whether natural boswellic acid analogs mimicked the allosteric known inhibitor AKBA, we combined 5-hLOX inhibition with in silico modeling. Our research has discovered that certain amino acids, specifically Arg 138, Arg 101, Arg 68, and Gln129, located in the allosteric 5-hLOX pocket, play a critical role in stabilizing glycyrrhetinic isomers. These amino acids form hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions that contribute to the inhibitory potency of boswellic acid derivatives. We have found that α and β glycyrrhetinic acid isomers, carbenoxolone, and to a minor extent, prednisolone, have a potent inhibitory effect against 5-hLOX with IC50 values of 8.64, 3.94, 52.98, and 291.20 µM, respectively. These values are in line with our calculated in silico allosteric site binding energy estimations. In contrast, other steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents exhibited inhibitory potencies larger than 500 μM. However, the specific pharmacodynamic mechanisms are currently unknown. We propose that AKBA analogs may lead to the future development of novel anti-inflammatory agents.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Systematically uncovering the absorbed effective substances of Radix Scutellaria-licorice drug pair in rat plasma against COVID-19 using a combined UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis and target network pharmacology

Radix Scutellaria-Licorice drug pair (RSLDP), a frequently used herbal pair with the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, is the commonly employed drug pair in TCM prescriptions for the treatment of COVID-19. Until now, the metabolism feature and anti-COVID-19 mechanism of RSLDP have not been fully elucidated. In this study, a sensitive and rapid method was developed for the separation and identification of the absorbed constituents of RSLDP in the rat plasma by UHPLC-QTOF-MS. Additionally, we optimized the conventional methodologies of network pharmacology and proposed a new concept called target network pharmacology (T-NP). It used the absorbed constituents and the corresponding targets to generate a compound-target network, and compared to conventional network pharmacology, it could reduce false-positive results. A total of 85 absorbed constituents were identified or tentatively characterized in dosed plasma, including 32 components in the group of Radix Scutellaria, 27 components in the group of Licorice, and 65 components in the group of RSLDP. The results showed that the compatibility of Radix Scutellaria and Licorice increased the number of components in vivo. We found that 106 potential targets among the 61 active compounds in RSLDP were related to COVID-19. And 12 targets (STAT3, AKT1, EGFR, HSP9AA1, MAPK3, JUN, IL6, VEGFA, TNF, IL2, RELA, and STAT1) could be core targets for RSLDP in treating COVID-19. Results from these targets indicate that RSLDP treatment of COVID-19 mainly involves response to chemical stress, response to oxygenates, positive regulation of cytokines, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway for diabetic complications, virus-related pathways such as novel coronavirus and human cytomegalovirus infection, inflammatory immune-related pathways, and so on. The metabolism feature of RSLDP in vivo was systematically uncovered. The combined use of the T-NP method could discover potential drug targets and disclose the biological processes of RSLDP, which will clarify the potential mechanisms of RSLDP in the treatment of COVID-19.

Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma: The popular occurrence of herbal medicine applied in classical prescriptions

Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is a well-known herbal medicine with a wide range of pharmacological functions that has been used throughout Chinese history. This review presents a comprehensive introduction to this herb and its classical prescriptions. The article discusses the resources and distribution of species, methods of authentication and determination chemical composition, quality control of the original plants and herbal medicines, dosages use, common classical prescriptions, indications, and relevant mechanisms of the active content. Pharmacokinetic parameters, toxicity tests, clinical trials, and patent applications are discussed. The review will provide a good starting point for the research and development of classical prescriptions to develop herbal medicines for clinical use.

In Vitro Pharmacological Activity, and Comparison GC-ToF-MS Profiling of Extracts from Cissus cornifolia (Baker) Planch

Cissus cornifolia (Baker) Planch is traditionally used in South African traditional medicine (SATM) to treat a variety of human infections. The antimicrobial activity of extracts from C. cornifolia was investigated in vitro against a plethora of pathogenic microorganisms using the microdilution assay. The acetone extract exhibited a notable minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.10 mg/mL against Mycoplasma hominis and a further MIC of 0.20 mg/mL against Candida parapsilosis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis. In the antiproliferative assays, both the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts exhibited a potent inhibition of the MCF-7-21 cell line. In the anti-inflammatory assays, both the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts exhibited IC₅₀ values of 15.59 and 15.78 µg/mL against Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), respectively. Methanol extract further exhibited potent dual inhibition of both COX-2 and 15-LOX enzymes, hence, recommended to curb both related cancers, particularly breast cancer and inflammation-borne diseases. In the comparative gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC/TOF-MS), the acetone, ethyl acetate, and methanol extract contained significantly prevalent amounts of compound 2-(2',4',4',6',6',8',8'-Heptamethyltetrasiloxan-2'-yloxy)-2,4,4,6,6,8,8,10,10-nonamethylcyclopentasiloxane with % area ranging from 15.714 to 39.225. The findings in the current work validates the use of the plant species in SATM in the treatment of cancer-like infections, opportunistic infections associated with HIV-AIDS. Furthermore, the in vivo studies and the mechanisms of action still need to be explored.

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.

Natural product-driven dual COX-LOX inhibitors: Overview of recent studies on the development of novel anti-inflammatory agents

Inflammation is a complicated physiological process that results in a variety of disorders. Several inflammatory mediators are produced during this process, which is responsible for long-term inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, cancer, and neurological disorders. Inflammatory mediators are produced by an arachidonic acid pathway that gives us several anti-inflammatory targets. The most commonly used medications are NSAIDs to treat inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase enzymes (5-LOX). However, this therapy is associated with adverse events like gastrointestinal disorders, renal failure, etc., limiting its use. Therefore, novel, efficacious, and safer anti-inflammatory agents are prerequisites for inhibiting both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. Though several synthetic analogs are under development, natural products may act as a potential source to identify novel molecules and herbal remedies. Valuable contributions have been made in this direction by the scientific communities. This review article briefly discusses the implications of phytochemicals and bioactive fractions in the development of dual COX-LOX inhibitors while highlighting different classes of phytoconstituents such as tannins, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, among others, that showed significant dual COX-LOX inhibition.

Review on the Diverse Biological Effects of Glabridin

Glabridin is a prenylated isoflavan from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra Linne and has posed great impact on the areas of drug development and medicine, due to various biological properties such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, anti-microorganism, bone protection, cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetes. Many signaling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, ERα/SRC-1, PI3K/AKT, and AMPK, have been implicated in the regulatory activities of glabridin. Interestingly, glabridin has been considered as an inhibitor of tyrosinase, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and CYP2E1 and an activator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), although their molecular regulating mechanisms still need further investigation. However, poor water solubility and low bioavailability have greatly limited the clinical applications of glabridin. Hopefully, several effective strategies, such as nanoemulsions, microneedles, and smartPearls formulation, have been developed for improvement.

Licorice as a herbal extract in periodontal therapy

Periodontal disease is caused by specific pathogens which results in inflammation of the tooth-supporting structures and subsequently causes the continued breakdown of alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb with substantial medicinal value. Licorice extract is derived from dried, unpeeled stolons and roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and G. glabra. The bioactive ingredients in licorice extract such as glycyrrhizin, licoricidin, glabridin, licochalcone A, and licorisoflavan A have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-adherence effects that are beneficial against periodontal disease. Since periodontal disease has a complex etiology that includes the host response and microorganisms, licorice phytochemicals offer a therapeutic advantage due to their dual functionality. The aim of this review was to enumerate the bioactive compounds present in herbal licorice extract and to elucidate the beneficial effects of licorice and its derivatives in periodontal therapy. Literature review and clinical trials evaluating the effect of licorice on periodontopathogens and periodontal disease are included in this article.

Licorice as a herbal extract in periodontal therapy

Periodontal disease is caused by specific pathogens which results in inflammation of the tooth-supporting structures and subsequently causes the continued breakdown of alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb with substantial medicinal value. Licorice extract is derived from dried, unpeeled stolons and roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and G. glabra. The bioactive ingredients in licorice extract such as glycyrrhizin, licoricidin, glabridin, licochalcone A, and licorisoflavan A have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-adherence effects that are beneficial against periodontal disease. Since periodontal disease has a complex etiology that includes the host response and microorganisms, licorice phytochemicals offer a therapeutic advantage due to their dual functionality. The aim of this review was to enumerate the bioactive compounds present in herbal licorice extract and to elucidate the beneficial effects of licorice and its derivatives in periodontal therapy. Literature review and clinical trials evaluating the effect of licorice on periodontopathogens and periodontal disease are included in this article.

Antioxidant Effects of Roasted Licorice in a Zebrafish Model and Its Mechanisms

Licorice (Gan-Cao, licorice) is a natural antioxidant and roasted licorice is the most common processing specification used in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. Traditional Chinese medicine theory deems that the honey-roasting process can promote the efficacy of licorice, including tonifying the spleen and augmenting "Qi" (energy). The antioxidant activity and mechanisms underlying roasted licorice have not yet been reported. In this study, we found that roasted licorice could relieve the oxidative stress injury induced by metronidazole (MTZ) and could restrain the production of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by 2,2'-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) in a zebrafish model. It was further found that roasted licorice could exert its oxidative activity by upregulating the expression of key genes such as heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) in the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, consistent results were obtained showing that rat serum containing roasted licorice was estimated to reduce cell apoptosis induced by H₂O₂. Then, the UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS analysis results elucidated the chemical composition of rat plasma containing roasted licorice extracts, including ten prototype chemical components and five metabolic components. Among them, six compounds were found to have binding activity with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), which plays a crucial role in the transcriptional activity of NRF2, using a molecular docking simulation. The results also showed that liquiritigenin had the strongest binding ability with KEAP1. Immunofluorescence further confirmed that liquiritigenin could induce the nuclear translocation of NRF2. In summary, this study provides a better understanding of the antioxidant effect and mechanisms of roasted licorice, and lays a theoretical foundation for the development of a potential antioxidant for use in clinical practice.

Flavonoids-Rich Plant Extracts Against Helicobacter pylori Infection as Prevention to Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common and fourth type to cause the highest mortality rates worldwide. The leading cause is related to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Unfortunately, current treatments have low success rates, highlighting the need for alternative treatments against carcinogenic agents, specifically H. pylori. Noteworthy, natural origin products contain pharmacologically active metabolites such as flavonoids, with potential antimicrobial applications.

Objective: This article overviews flavonoid-rich extracts’ biological and pharmacological activities. It focuses on using these substances against Helicobacter pylori infection to prevent gastric cancer. For this, PubMed and Science Direct databases were searched for studies that reported the activity of flavonoids against H. pylori, published within a 10-year time frame (2010 to August 2020). It resulted in 1,773 publications, of which 44 were selected according to the search criteria. The plant family primarily found in publications was Fabaceae (9.61%). Among the flavonoids identified after extraction, the most prevalent were quercetin (19.61%), catechin (13.72), epicatechin (11.76), and rutin (11.76). The potential mechanisms associated with anti-H. pylori activity to the extracts were: inhibition of urease, damage to genetic material, inhibition of protein synthesis, and adhesion of the microorganism to host cells.

Conclusion: Plant extracts rich in flavonoids with anti-H. pylori potential proved to be a promising alternative therapy source, reinforcing the relevance of studies with natural products.

Role of Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) in Neurological Disorders: An Umbrella Review Covering Evidence from Ethnopharmacology to Clinical Studies

C. pluricaulis Choisy (C. pluricaulis), a perennial herb aka C. microphyllus Sieb. and C. Prostratus Forsk. is being used as a traditional folk medicine for a variety of ailments. In this article, we collected information about C. pluricaulis through electronic search using PubMed, SciFinder, Google Scholar, and Web of Science as well as network pharmacology is done. This comprehensive review sheds light on the plant profile, phytochemistry, neuropharmacological, and toxicological data of C. pluricaulis. The crude herb and its metabolites have exhibited a wide range of in vitro and in vivo neuropharmacological effects, including memory enhancement, anxiolytic, tranquilizing, anti-depressant, anti-stress, neurodegenerative, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic, sedative, anti-convulsant, and Alzheimer's disease-reversing effects. Network pharmacology results indicate that compounds from C. pluricaulis interact with various proteins, neuro synapses, signaling pathways, and serotonergic synapse which plays a crucial role in neurotransmission, Alzheimer's disease, long-term depression, addictions to alcohol, cognitive disorders, psychological conditions, and increasing serotonin concentration in synapses.

Efficacy of a Persian herbal medicine compound on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a randomized clinical trial

Background

The global attention to the capacities of traditional medicine for alleviating the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 has been growing. The present trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a Persian herbal medicine formula among patients with COVID-19.

Methods

The present trial was conducted in Afzalipour hospital, Kerman, Iran, from June to September 2020. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients were randomly divided into intervention (Persian herbal medicine formula + routine treatment) or control (only routine treatment) groups. The intervention group received both capsule number 1 and 2 every 8 hours for 7 days. Capsule number 1 contained extract of the Glycyrrhiza glabra, Punica granatum, and Rheum palmatum, and the second capsule was filled by Nigella sativa powder. Participants were followed up to 7 days. The primary outcome was the number of hospitalization days, while cough, fever, and respiratory rate, days on oxygen (O₂) therapy, and mortality rate were considered as the secondary outcomes.

Results

Eighty-two patients were enrolled to the study, while 79 cases completed the trial and their data were analyzed (mean age: 59.1 ± 17.1 years). Based on the results, the Persian medicine formula decreased the mean hospitalization days, so that the mean difference of length of hospitalization as primary outcome was 2.95 ± 0.43 days. A significant clinical improvement was observed regarding dyspnea, need for O₂) therapy, and respiratory rate in the intervention group. No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion

The present study supported the use of the Persian medicine formula as an adjuvant therapy for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Study registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir): IRCT20200330046899N1.

Study registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir): IRCT20200330046899N1.

Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Study of Flavonoid Rich Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard®) in Sprague Dawley Rats

Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra) is well known for its health benefits based on the traditional and current scientific evidence. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety of GutGard, a standardised-flavonoid rich extract of G. glabra. The study was designed to evaluate the acute and subchronic oral toxicity of GutGard in Sprague Dawley rats according to the procedures and methods of Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) test guidelines for acute and subchronic toxicity. A single dose of GutGard at 5000 mg/kg body weight did not produce treatment related clinical signs of toxicity or mortality in any of the animals tested during the 14-day observation period. Therefore, the median lethal dose was estimated to be more than 5000 mg/kg. A subchronic oral toxicity study for 90 days in rats at the dose levels of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg did not show any treatment related adverse clinical signs. The treated animals exhibited normal weight gain and comparable feed intake. Ophthalmoscope examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Further, GutGard administration in rats did not show any clinical evidence of toxicity with respect to urinalysis, haematology, and blood chemistry parameters. The relative organ weight of vital organs did not differ significantly as compared to control. Gross and histopathological findings did not show any remarkable and treatment related changes. Based on the current experimental study findings, the median lethal dose (LD50) of GutGard was found to be >5000 mg/kg b.wt and the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was found to be 1000 mg/kg rat b.wt.

A flavonoid rich standardized extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra protects intestinal epithelial barrier function and regulates the tight-junction proteins expression

BACKGROUND

Intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction predisposes to many gastrointestinal, metabolic, and psychological disorders. A flavonoid rich extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (FREG) has previously been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiulcer properties.

AIM

To investigate the effect of FREG (GutGard^®) on restoring intestinal barrier function in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) stimulated human colonic adenocarcinoma cell monolayer (Caco-2) and 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) induced ulcerative colitis in rats.

METHODS

In in vitro, human intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers were treated with TNF-α in the presence or absence of FREG and the paracellular permeability to FITC-conjugated 4-kD dextran (FD4) was measured to evaluate protection against the barrier dysfunction. In in vivo, intestinal barrier dysfunction was induced in male albino Wistar rats via intrarectal instillation of TNBS. Subsequently, the rats were treated orally with either FREG at 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/kg body weight, or Mesacol (250 mg/kg) for 5 days. On day 5, intestinal epithelial permeability was assessed with FD4 leakage into the serum. Also, colonic inflammation, colon morphology, histology and macroscopic score, weight to length ratio were evaluated. The activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), TNF- α, secretory IgA levels and tight junction proteins expression were evaluated in rat's colon.

RESULTS

FREG protected the intestinal epithelial barrier integrity in human intestinal Caco-2 cells in vitro. FREG administration significantly improved the intestinal epithelial barrier function as evident from significant reduction in FD4 leakage. The colon morphology, histology score, macroscopic score, colon weight to length ratio also indicates beneficial effects of FREG on barrier function. In addition, FREG regulated the tight junction proteins, and markedly decreased TNF-α, MPO levels and significantly increased the secretory IgA levels in TNBS induced colitis rats.

CONCLUSION

The study findings support the protective action of FREG on intestinal epithelial barrier integrity indicating its potential in protecting from implications of leaky gut.

Revisiting liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) as anti-inflammatory, antivirals and immunomodulators: Potential pharmacological applications with mechanistic insight

BACKGROUND

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (G. glabra) commonly known as liquorice is one of the highly exploited and utilized medicinal plant of the world. Since ancient times liquorice is considered as an auspicious and valuable traditional medicine across the world for treatment of various ailments.

METHOD

Several electronic online scientific databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Scifinder, Google Scholar, online books and reports were assessed for collecting information. All the collected information was classified into different sections to meet the objective of the paper.

RESULTS

The electronic database search yielded 3908 articles from different countries. Out of them one ninety-eight articles published between 1956 and 2021 were included, corresponding to all detailed review on G. glabra and research on anti-inflammatories, antivirals and immunomodulatory through pre-clinical and clinical models. From all selective area of studies on G. glabra and its bioactive components it was established (including molecular mechanisms) as a suitable remedy as per the current requirement of pandemic situation arise through respiratory tract infection.

CONCLUSION

Different relevant studies have been thoroughly reviewed to gain an insight on utility of liquorice and its bioactive constituents for anti-inflammatories, antivirals and immunomodulatory effects with special emphasized for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection with possible mechanism of action at molecular level. Proposed directions for future research are also outlined to encourage researchers to find out various mechanistic targets and useful value added products of liquorice in future investigations.

The role of Glabridin in antifungal and anti-inflammation effects in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of Glabridin (GLD) in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis and its associated mechanisms.

METHODS

Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) conidia was inoculated in 96-well plate, and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and biofilm formation ability were evaluated after GLD treatment. Spore adhesion ability was evaluated in conidia infected human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). Keratitis mouse model was created by corneal intrastromal injection with A. fumigatus conidia, and GLD treatment started at the day after infection. The number of fungal colonies was calculated by plate count, and degree of corneal inflammation was assessed by clinical score. Flow cytometry, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and immunofluorescence staining (IFS) experiments were used to assess neutrophil infiltrations. PCR, ELISA and Western blot were conducted to determine levels of TLR4, Dectin-1 as well as downstream inflammatory factors.

RESULTS

GLD treatment suppressed the proliferation, biofilm formation abilities and adhesive capability of A. fumigatus. In mice upon A. fumigatus infection, treatment of GLD showed significantly decreased severity of corneal inflammation, reduced number of A. fumigatus in cornea, and suppressed neutrophil infiltration in cornea. GLD treatment obviously inhibited mRNA and protein levels of Dectin-1, TLR4 and proinflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, HMGB1, and TNF-α in mice corneas compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

GLD has antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects in fungal keratitis through suppressing A. fumigatus proliferation and alleviating neutrophil infiltration, and repressing the expression of TLR4, Dectin-1 and proinflammatory mediators.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Extracts-Suitable Pharmacological Interventions for COVID-19? A Review

Even though vaccination has started against COVID-19, people should continue maintaining personal and social caution as it takes months or years to get everyone vaccinated, and we are not sure how long the vaccine remains efficacious. In order to contribute to the mitigation of COVID-19 symptoms, the pharmaceutical industry aims to develop antiviral drugs to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 replication and produce anti-inflammatory medications that will inhibit the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is the primary cause of mortality among the COVID-19 patients. In reference to these tasks, this article considers the properties of a medicinal plant named licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), whose phytochemicals have shown both antiviral and anti-inflammatory tendencies through previous studies. All the literature was selected through extensive search in various databases such as google scholar, Scopus, the Web of Science, and PubMed. In addition to the antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, one of the licorice components has an autophagy-enhancing mechanism that studies have suggested to be necessary for COVID-19 treatment. Based on reviewing relevant professional and historical literature regarding the medicinal properties of licorice, it is suggested that it may be worthwhile to conduct in vitro and in vivo studies, including clinical trials with glycyrrhizic and glycyrrhetinic acids together with other flavonoids found in licorice, as there is the potentiality to provide natural interventions against COVID-19 symptoms.

The genus Glycyrrhiza (Fabaceae family) and its active constituents as protective agents against natural or chemical toxicities

Licorice is the dried roots and rhizomes of various species of the genus Glycyrrhiza (Fabaceae) that have been used in folk medicine from ancient times. Many important research projects have established several beneficial effects for this medicinal herb, including antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective. Licorice contains important bioactive components, such as glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic, glycyrrhizinic acid), liquiritigenin, liquiritin, and glycyrrhetinic acid. The protective effects of licorice and its main chemical components against toxins and toxicants in several organs including the brain, heart, liver, kidney, and lung have been shown. In this comprehensive review article, the protective effects of these constituents against natural, industrial, environmental, and chemical toxicities with attention on the cellular and molecular mechanism are introduced. Also, it has been revealed that this plant and its main compounds can inhibit the toxicity of different toxins by the antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties as well as the modulation of Inhibitor of kappaB kinase (IKK), Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), p38, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. More high-quality investigations in both experimental and clinical studies need to firmly establish the efficacy of licorice and its main constituents against toxic agents.

Active-Ingredient Screening and Synergistic Action Mechanism of Shegan Mixture for Anti-Asthma Effects Based on Network Pharmacology in a Mouse Model of Asthma

Background

Shegan Mixture (SGM) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has anti-inflammatory and therapeutic effects on asthma. However, its active ingredients and combined action mechanism have not been fully elucidated so far. The purpose of this study was to screen the effective ingredients and targets and elucidate the synergistic action mechanism of SGM in asthma mice using the network pharmacological approach.

Methods

A mouse model of asthma model was used in this study. Mice were orally administered SGM at three doses for 4 weeks and the effect of SGM on asthma was evaluated. The active ingredients and their targets of SGM were identified by searching databases, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP). The main active ingredients were selected with parameters OB and DL. The synergistic action mechanisms of SGM in asthma were studied through key active ingredient-target interaction network and verified using surface plasmon resonance assay (SPR).

Results

SGM exerts anti-asthmatic effects by reducing lung tissue damage and inflammatory factors (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in asthmatic mice. Twenty ingredients and 45 related proteins were selected as potential nodes using enrichment analysis and network analysis. Inflammation and smooth muscle regulation-related pathways were considered to be the main pharmacological mechanisms of SGM in the treatment of asthma. Especially, 5 molecule-target pairs (including 3 ingredients and 4 proteins) were well docked with each other and the SPR assay revealed that glabridin-PTGS2 had good binding with 44.5 μM Kd value.

Conclusion

SGM exerts the synergistic anti-asthma effects by virtue of reducing lung-tissue damage and inflammatory factors in asthmatic mice, which explains the theoretical basis for the traditional Chinese medicine, SGM, to treat asthma. Our study thus sheds light on a variety of options including Chinese medicine that could potentially be used in the clinical treatment of asthma.

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.

Influence of Herbal Medicines on HMGB1 Release, SARS-CoV-2 Viral Attachment, Acute Respiratory Failure, and Sepsis. A Literature Review

By attaching to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein on lung and intestinal cells, Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) can cause respiratory and homeostatic difficulties leading to sepsis. The progression from acute respiratory failure to sepsis has been correlated with the release of high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1). Lack of effective conventional treatment of this septic state has spiked an interest in alternative medicine. This review of herbal extracts has identified multiple candidates which can target the release of HMGB1 and potentially reduce mortality by preventing progression from respiratory distress to sepsis. Some of the identified mixtures have also been shown to interfere with viral attachment. Due to the wide variability in chemical superstructure of the components of assorted herbal extracts, common motifs have been identified. Looking at the most active compounds in each extract it becomes evident that as a group, phenolic compounds have a broad enzyme inhibiting function. They have been shown to act against the priming of SARS-CoV-2 attachment proteins by host and viral enzymes, and the release of HMGB1 by host immune cells. An argument for the value in a nonspecific inhibitory action has been drawn. Hopefully these findings can drive future drug development and clinical procedures.

A Comprehensive Review for Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Biosynthesis Studies on Glycyrrhiza spp

Licorice is extensively applied in food as well as herbal medicine across the world, possessing a substantial share in the global market. It has made great progress in chemical and pharmacological research in recent years. Currently, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat., and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. were officially used as Gan-Cao according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Accumulating evidence demonstrated three varieties of licorice have their own special compounds except for two quality markers set by Pharmacopoeia, providing great possibility for better understanding their characteristics, evaluating quality of each species and studying biosynthesis mechanisms of species-specific compounds. As a special "guide drug" in clinic, licorice plays an important role in Chinese herbal formulas. The interaction between licorice with other ingredients and their metabolism in vivo should also be taken into consideration. In addition, draft genome annotation, and success of the final step of glycyrrhizin biosynthesis have paved the way for biosynthesis of other active constituents in licorice, a promising beginning of solving source shortage. Accordingly, we comprehensively explored the nearly 400 chemical compounds found in the three varieties of licorice so far, systematically excavated various pharmacological activities, including metabolism via CYP450 system in vivo, and introduced the complete biosynthesis pathway of glycyrrhizin in licorice. The review will facilitate the further research toward this herbal medicine.

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae/Leguminosae)

Liquorice is a perennial, temperate-zone herb or subshrub, native of India, Pakistan and southern Europe; also cultivated in England, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Russia, South Africa, Egypt, Syria and Iraq. It has also been grown experimentally in the United States. Ancient historical manuscripts from China, India and Greece mention its use for symptoms of viral respiratory tract infections and hepatitis. The plant has also been described by Theophrastus. Licorice from Egypt has been described to be the best, followed by from Iraq and Syria; the root should be decorticated before use. It concocts viscid humours in diseases of liver, bladder and lungs, and expectorates them. It has been used in Iranian herbal medicine for skin eruptions, including dermatitis, eczema, pruritus and cysts, and for treatment of stomach disorders including peptic ulcers. The herb extract inhibits gastric motility in vivo, which is regarded to be an important aspect for its antiulcer activity. Licorice possesses both anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activities; whereas most anti-inflammatory agents are ulcerogenic. Former German Commission E believed it to be effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Licorice root has been used for years to regulate gastrointestinal function in TCM, has been used for generations as an antidote, demulcent, and elixir in folk medicine of China, and is the most commonly used crude drug in Kampo Medicines, the Japanese form of modified TCM, for the treatment of peptic ulcer. Roots contain glycyrrhizin, the main water-soluble constituent that is 50× sweeter than sugar, 2-β-glucuronosyl glucuronic acid, and isoliquiritigenin-4-glucoside. Glycyrrhizin is a nonhemolytic saponin with foaming property, and one of the most potent hydroxyl radical scavengers. No significant effect of deglycyrrhizinised liquorice was observed on gastric ulcer in an RCT of British patients. Treatment of healthy men with licorice for one-week decreased salivary testosterone values by 26% but no significant decrease in free testosterone, and nine healthy women treated with licorice daily for two cycles, had their mean total serum testosterone decreased by 37% at the end of 2nd month. This property could be useful as an adjunct therapy of hirsutism and PCOS.

Plant-Derived Products as Antibacterial and Antifungal Agents in Human Health Care

A number of papers reporting antimicrobial properties of extracts, essential oils, resins and various classes of compounds isolated from higher plants have been published in recent years; however, a comprehensive analysis of plant-derived antimicrobial agents currently applied in practice for the improvement of human health is still lacking. This review summarizes data on clinical efficacy, antimicrobial effects and the chemistry of commercially available antibacterial and antifungal agents of plant origin currently used in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal, oral, respiratory, skin, and urinary infections. As a result of an analysis of the literature, more than 40 plant-derived over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, cosmetics, herbal medicines, and functional foods containing complex mixtures (e.g. Glycyrrhiza glabra extract, Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil, and Pistacia lentiscus resin), pure compounds (e.g. benzoic acid, berberine, eucalyptol, salicylic acid and thymol) as well as their derivatives and complexes (e.g. bismuth subsalicylate and zinc pyrithione) have been identified. The effectiveness of many of these products is illustrated by results of clinical trials and supported by data on there in vitro antimicrobial activity. A broad spectrum of various commercial products currently available on the market and their welldocumented clinical efficacy suggests that plants are prospective sources for the identification of new types of antimicrobial agents in future. Innovative approaches and methodologies for effective proof-of-concept research and the development of new types of plant-derived products effective against recently emerging problems related to human microbial diseases (e.g. antimicrobial resistance) are also proposed in this review.

The Potential Impacts of Tylophora Alkaloids and their Derivatives in Modulating Inflammation, Viral Infections, and Cancer

Cancer chemotherapies or antitumor agents mainly remain the backbone of current treatment based on killing the rapidly dividing cancer cell such as tylophora alkaloids and their analogues which have also demonstrated anticancer potential through diverse biological pathways including regulation of the immune system. The introduction of durable clinically effective monoclonal antibodies, however, unmasked a new era of cancer immunotherapies. Therefore, the understanding of cancer pathogenesis will provide new possible treatment options, including cancer immunotherapy and targeted agents. Combining cytotoxic agents and immunotherapies may offer several unique advantages that are complementary to and potentially synergistic with biologic modalities. Herein, we highlight the dynamic mechanism of action of immune modulation in cancer and the immunological aspects of the orally active antitumor agents tylophora alkaloids and their analogues. We also suggest that future cancer treatments will rely on the development of combining tumor-targeted agents and biologic immunotherapies.

Targeting Inflammation by Flavonoids: Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Metabolic Disorders

A balanced metabolic profile is essential for normal human physiological activities. Disproportions in nutrition give rise to imbalances in metabolism that are associated with aberrant immune function and an elevated risk for inflammatory-associated disorders. Inflammation is a complex process, and numerous mediators affect inflammation-mediated disorders. The available clinical modalities do not effectively address the underlying diseases but rather relieve the symptoms. Therefore, novel targeted agents have the potential to normalize the metabolic system and, thus, provide meaningful therapy to the underlying disorder. In this connection, polyphenols, the well-known and extensively studied phytochemical moieties, were evaluated for their effective role in the restoration of metabolism via various mechanistic signaling pathways. The various flavonoids that we observed in this comprehensive review interfere with the metabolic events that induce inflammation. The mechanisms via which the polyphenols, in particular flavonoids, act provide a promising treatment option for inflammatory disorders. However, detailed clinical studies of such molecules are required to decide their clinical fate.

Long-Lasting Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Effects of Acute Ammonium Glycyrrhizinate Administration: Pharmacological, Biochemical, and Docking Studies

The object of the study was to estimate the long-lasting effects induced by ammonium glycyrrhizinate (AG) after a single administration in mice using animal models of pain and inflammation together with biochemical and docking studies. A single intraperitoneal injection of AG was able to produce anti-inflammatory effects in zymosan-induced paw edema and peritonitis. Moreover, in several animal models of pain, such as the writhing test, the formalin test, and hyperalgesia induced by zymosan, AG administered 24 h before the tests was able to induce a strong antinociceptive effect. Molecular docking studies revealed that AG possesses higher affinity for microsomal prostaglandin E synthase type-2 compared to type-1, whereas it seems to locate better in the binding pocket of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 compared to COX-1. These results demonstrated that AG induced anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects until 24-48 h after a single administration thanks to its ability to bind the COX/mPGEs pathway. Taken together, all these findings highlight the potential use of AG for clinical treatment of pain and/or inflammatory-related diseases.

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.

Exploring Common Culinary Herbs and Spices as Potential Anti-Quorum Sensing Agents

Quorum sensing controls bacterial pathogenesis and virulence; hence, interrupting this system renders pathogenic bacteria non-virulent, and presents a novel treatment for various bacterial infections. In the search for novel anti-quorum sensing (AQS) compounds, 14 common culinary herbs and spices were screened for potential antipathogenicity activity against Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472. Extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice), Apium graveolens (celery), Capsicum annuum (cayenne pepper) and Syzygium anisatum (aniseed) demonstrated good AQS potential, yielding opaque halo zones ranging from 12–19 mm diameter at sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (0.350–4.00 mg/mL). For the same species, the percentage reduction in violacein production ranged from 56.4 to 97.3%. Zones with violacein inhibitory effects were evident in a celery extract analysed using high performance thin layer chromatography-bio-autography. The major active compound was isolated from celery using preparative-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as 3-n-butyl-4,5-dihydrophthalide (sedanenolide). Potent opaque zones of inhibition observed on the HPTLC-bio-autography plate seeded with C. violaceum confirmed that sedanenolide was probably largely responsible for the AQS activity of celery. The bacteriocidal properties of many herbs and spices are reported. This study, however, was focussed on AQS activity, and may serve as initial scientific validation for the anti-infective properties ascribed to several culinary herbs and spices.

The Research Progress of Chalcone Isomerase (CHI) in Plants

Chalcone isomerase (CHI) is the second rate-limiting and the first reported enzyme involved in the biosynthetic pathway of flavonoids. It catalyzes the intramolecular cyclization reaction, converting the bicyclic chalcone into tricyclic (2S)-flavanone. In this paper, we obtained and analyzed 916 DNA sequences, 1310 mRNA sequences, and 2403 amino acid sequences of CHI registered in NCBI by Jan 2018. The full length of CHI DNA sequences ranges from 218 to 3758 bp, CHI mRNA sequences ranges from 265 to 1436 bp, and CHI amino acid sequences ranges from 35 to 465 amino acid residues. Forty representative species were selected from each family to construct the maximum likelihood tree and analyze the evolutionary relationship. According to the medicinal and agricultural use, 13 specific species were selected, and their physicochemical properties were analyzed. The molecular weight of CHI ranges from 23 to 26 kD, and the isoelectric point of CHI ranges from 4.93 to 5.85. All the half-life periods of CHI are 30 h in mammalian reticulocytes in vitro, 20 h in yeast, and 10 h in E. coli in vivo, theoretically. The consistency of the 13 CHI amino acid sequences is 63.55%. According to the similarity between each sequence, we selected four CHI sequences of Paeonia suffruticosa, Paeonia lactiflora, Taxus wallichiana, and Tradescantia hirsutiflora for secondary structure, three-dimensional protein models, conserved domains, transmembrane structure, and signal peptide prediction analysis. It was found that CHI sequences of Paeonia suffruticosa and Paeonia lactiflora owned a higher similarity; they both share the template 4doi.1.A. The four CHI all have no signal peptides, and they exert their activities in cytoplasm. Then, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Research Gate were used as information sources through the search terms 'chalcone isomerase', 'biosynthesis', 'expression', and their combinations to get the latest and comprehensive information of CHI, mainly from the year 2010 to 2018. More than 300 papers were searched and 116 papers were reviewed in the present work. We summarized the classification of CHI, catalytic reaction mechanism of CHI, and progress of genetic engineering regarding CHI clone, expression, and exogenous stimulator regulation. This paper will lay a foundation for further studies of CHI and other functional genes involved in flavonoids biosynthetic pathway.

Raging the War Against Inflammation With Natural Products

Over the last few decade Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are the drugs of choice for treating numerous inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. The NSAIDs produces anti-inflammatory activity via inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzyme, responsible for the conversation of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Likewise, cyclooxegenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2) selectively inhibit the COX-2 enzyme and produces significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-pyretic activity without producing COX-1 associated gastrointestinal and renal side effects. In last two decades numerous selective COX-2 inhibitors (COXIBs) have been developed and approved for various inflammatory conditions. However, data from clinical trials have suggested that the prolong use of COX-2 inhibitors are also associated with life threatening cardiovascular side effects including ischemic heart failure and myocardial infection. In these scenario secondary metabolites from natural product offers a great hope for the development of novel anti-inflammatory compounds. Although majority of the natural product based compounds exhibit more selectively toward COX-1. However, the data suggest that slight structural modification can be helpful in developing COX-2 selective secondary metabolites with comparative efficacy and limited side effects. This review is an effort to highlight the secondary metabolites from terrestrial and marine source with significant COX-2 and COX-2 mediated PGE2 inhibitory activity, since it is anticipated that isolates with ability to inhibit COX-2 mediated PGE2 production would be useful in suppressing the inflammation and its classical sign and symptoms. Moreover, this review has highlighted the potential lead compounds including berberine, kaurenoic acid, α-cyperone, curcumin, and zedoarondiol for further development with the help of structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies and their current status.

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.

Downregulation of iNOS and elevation of cAMP mediate the anti-inflammatory effect of glabridin in rats with ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Alternative medicine is widely accepted by public and becoming an attractive approach for treatment of various diseases. Glabridin (Gla), a major flavonoid present in licorice root, was reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the possible protective role of Gla against dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats and to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying Gla function.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were divided into control, colitis group (rats received 5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days), Gla group (50 mg/kg, orally, once daily), and sulfasalazine (SLZ) group (500 mg/kg, orally, once daily). Each of Gla and SLZ was administered 1 week ahead of DSS and parallel with its administration.

RESULTS

Gla ameliorated the inflammatory alterations induced by DSS. Gla group showed a reduction in colon concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and a decreased colon myeloperoxidase activity (MPO). Gla treatment downregulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression in rat colon with a decreased content of nitric oxide (NO). Gla also increased cyclic AMP (cAMP) concentration in rat colon compared to colitis group. Such findings were comparable to or even better than those obtained by SLZ treatment. The histological features of UC such as ulceration and inflammatory cell infiltrations were improved in rat group treated by Gla.

CONCLUSION

Gla proved a potent anti-inflammatory role in UC through different mechanisms and, being a natural product, it could be safely used as a protective measure in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Glabridin triggers over-expression of MCA1 and NUC1 genes in Candida glabrata: Is it an apoptosis inducer?

The growing trends of emergence of antifungal-resistant Candida strains has recently been inspired the researchers to design new antifungal agents with novel mechanisms of action. Glabridin is an originally natural substrate with multiple biological activities which propose it as a novel anticancer, antimicrobial and antifungal agent. In the present study, the antifungal effect of glabridin against Candida glabrata isolates and its possible mechanism of action were investigated. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for glabridin against fluconazole-resistant and fluconazole-SDD strains of C. glabrata were investigated using the Clinical and laboratory standards institute document M27-A3 and M27-S4 as a guideline. Possible alternations in the expression of two critical genes involved in yeast apoptosis, MCA1 and NUC1, were assayed by real-time PCR. DNA damage and chromatin condensation was investigated using DAPI staining. Although glabridin led to a significant decrease in MICs against fluconazole-resistant C. glabrata (MIC₅₀: 8μg/mL), no significant decreased was shown for fluconazole-SDD strains. Therefore, a distinct azole-independent mechanism could be responsible for the inhibitory activity of glabridin. Overexpression of MCA1 and NUC1 genes in addition to DNA damage and chromatin condensation suggesting the involvement of apoptosis signaling in C. glabrata stains exposed to glabridin. This study suggests that glabridin might be considered as a novel naturally originated agent to fight against fluconazole-resistance C. glabrata strains.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of Natural Geranylated Flavonoids: Cyclooxygenase and Lipoxygenase Inhibitory Properties and Proteomic Analysis

Geranyl flavones have been studied as compounds that potentially can be developed as anti-inflammatory agents. A series of natural geranylated flavanones was isolated from Paulownia tomentosa fruits, and these compounds were studied for their anti-inflammatory activity and possible mechanism of action. Two new compounds were characterized [paulownione C (17) and tomentodiplacone O (20)], and all of the isolated derivatives were assayed for their ability to inhibit cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). The compounds tested showed variable degrees of activity, with several of them showing activity comparable to or greater than the standards used in COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX assays. However, only the compound tomentodiplacone O (20) showed more selectivity against COX-2 versus COX-1 when compared with ibuprofen. The ability of the test compounds to interact with the above-mentioned enzymes was supported by docking studies, which revealed the possible incorporation of selected test substances into the active sites of these enzymes. Furthermore, one of the COX/LOX dual inhibitors, diplacone (14) (a major geranylated flavanone of P. tomentosa), was studied in vitro to obtain a proteomic overview of its effect on inflammation in LPS-treated THP-1 macrophages, supporting its previously observed anti-inflammatory activity and revealing the mechanism of its anti-inflammatory effect.

Application of Mixture Analysis to Crude Materials from Natural Resources (V) [1]: Discrimination of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and G. glabra by EI mass spectrometry

The roots and stolons of some Glycyrrhiza species are used worldwide for traditional folk medicines and commercial pharmaceuticals. Phenolic constituents such as flavonoids and coumarins are medicinal and vary according to species. Therefore, species identification is important for quality analysis. In order to identify Glycyrrhiza species by chemical fingerprinting, methanol extracts of the root bark of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer and G. glabra Linné were analyzed using EI-MS. Differences in kinds and quantity of components are reflected in complex EI-MS data and determining characteristic peaks for each species is straightforward. The characteristic peaks were determined statistically by volcano plot, a multivariate analysis method. EI-MS data of G. uralensis and G. glabra showed differential patterns, and the notable peaks in each pattern were identified. Peaks at m/z 153 and 221 are signature peaks of G. uralensis, and at m/z 173, 309, and 324 are those of G. glabra. In conclusion, we found species-specific patterns by EI-MS that distinguish G. uralensis and G. glabra. This method based on chemical constituent patterns can be applied to identify other Glycyrrhiza species and similar natural products.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Therapy: A Journey Toward Safety

The efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) against inflammation, pain, and fever has been supporting their worldwide use in the treatment of painful conditions and chronic inflammatory diseases until today. However, the long-term therapy with NSAIDs was soon associated with high incidences of adverse events in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the search for novel drugs with improved safety has begun with COX-2 selective inhibitors (coxibs) being straightaway developed and commercialized. Nevertheless, the excitement has fast turned to disappointment when diverse coxibs were withdrawn from the market due to cardiovascular toxicity. Such events have once again triggered the emergence of different strategies to overcome NSAIDs toxicity. Here, an integrative review is provided to address the breakthroughs of two main approaches: (i) the association of NSAIDs with protective mediators and (ii) the design of novel compounds to target downstream and/or multiple enzymes of the arachidonic acid cascade. To date, just one phosphatidylcholine-associated NSAID has already been approved for commercialization. Nevertheless, the preclinical and clinical data obtained so far indicate that both strategies may improve the safety of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy.

18β-glycyrrhetinic acid suppresses gastric cancer by activation of miR-149-3p-Wnt-1 signaling

18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GRA) exerts anti-tumor effects on various types of cancer. In the present study, we found that GRA attenuated the severity of gastritis and suppressed gastric tumorigenesis in transgenic mice. We also discovered that miR-149-3p was downregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines as compared to normal gastric tissues and epithelial cells, but was upregulated by GRA. miR-149-3p expression also correlated negatively with lymphnode metastasis. Our functional assays showed that miR-149-3p overexpression inhibited cell proliferation and cell cycle progression while inducing apoptosis, while inhibition of miR-149-3p had the opposite effects. In addition, we identified Wnt-1 as a direct target of miR-149-3p. These data suggest that GRA inhibits the initiation and progression of gastric tumors by ameliorating the inflammatory microenvironment through downregulation of COX-2 expression and by inhibiting Wnt-1 expression through the upregulation of tumor suppressor miR-149-3p. GRA may thus have the potential to serve as a useful therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer.

Effect of Flavonoid-Rich Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra on Gut-Friendly Microorganisms, Commercial Probiotic Preparations, and Digestive Enzymes

Flavonoid-rich extract prepared from Glycyrrhiza glabra has been found to be beneficial in patients with functional dyspepsia and was reported to possess some gut health-promoting properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-Helicobacter pylori activities. In the present study, the flavonoid-rich extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra was evaluated for its compatibility with probiotic strains (Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Streptococcus thermophilus), commercial probiotic drinks, and digestive enzymes (pancreatic α-amylase, α-glucosidase, phytase, xylanase, and pancreatic lipase). Results of this study indicated that the flavonoid-rich extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra is compatible with the tested probiotic strains, probiotic drinks and digestive enzymes.

Medicinal plants--prophylactic and therapeutic options for gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in calves and piglets? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in calves and piglets lead to significant economic losses in livestock husbandry. A high morbidity has been reported for diarrhea (calves ≤ 35%; piglets ≤ 50%) and for respiratory diseases (calves ≤ 80%; piglets ≤ 40%). Despite a highly diverse etiology and pathophysiology of these diseases, treatment with antimicrobials is often the first-line therapy. Multi-antimicrobial resistance in pathogens results in international accordance to strengthen the research in novel treatment options. Medicinal plants bear a potential as alternative or additional treatment. Based on the versatile effects of their plant specific multi-component-compositions, medicinal plants can potentially act as 'multi-target drugs'. Regarding the plurality of medicinal plants, the aim of this systematic review was to identify potential medicinal plant species for prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases and for modulation of the immune system and inflammation in calves and piglets.

RESULTS

Based on nine initial sources including standard textbooks and European ethnoveterinary studies, a total of 223 medicinal plant species related to the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases was identified. A defined search strategy was established using the PRISMA statement to evaluate 30 medicinal plant species starting from 20'000 peer-reviewed articles published in the last 20 years (1994-2014). This strategy led to 418 references (257 in vitro, 84 in vivo and 77 clinical trials, thereof 48 clinical trials in veterinary medicine) to evaluate effects of medicinal plants and their efficacy in detail. The findings indicate that the most promising candidates for gastrointestinal diseases are Allium sativum L., Mentha x piperita L. and Salvia officinalis L.; for diseases of the respiratory tract Echinacea purpurea (L.) MOENCH, Thymus vulgaris L. and Althea officinalis L. were found most promising, and Echinacea purpurea (L.) MOENCH, Camellia sinensis (L.) KUNTZE, Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and Origanum vulgare L. were identified as best candidates for modulation of the immune system and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Several medicinal plants bear a potential for novel treatment strategies for young livestock. There is a need for further research focused on gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in calves and piglets, and the findings of this review provide a basis on plant selection for future studies.