Chemical analysis of the Chinese herbal medicine licorice (Gan-Cao): An update review

Three-dimensional fluorescence combined with alternating trilinear decomposition and random forest algorithm for the rapid prediction of species, geographical origin and main components of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao)

Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) is a functional food whose quality varies significantly between distinct geographical sources owing to the influence of genetics and the geographical environment. This study employed three-dimensional fluorescence coupled with alternating trilinear decomposition (ATLD) and random forest (RF) algorithms to rapidly predict Gancao species, geographical origins, and primary constituents. Seven fluorescent components were resolved from the three-dimensional fluorescence of the ATLD for subsequent analysis. Results indicated that the RF model distinguished Gancao from various species and origins better than other algorithms, achieving an accuracy of 94.4 % and 88.9 %, respectively. Furthermore, the RF regressor algorithm was used to predict the concentrations of liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid in Gancao, with 96.4 % and 95.6 % prediction accuracies compared to HPLC, respectively. This approach offers a novel means of objectively evaluating the origin of food and holds substantial promise for food quality assessment.

Glycyrrhizic acid treatment ameliorates anxiety-like behaviour via GLT1 and Per1/2-dependent pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Glycyrrhiza.

URALENSIS

Fisch. (licorice root, chinese name: Gancao) has a variety of medicinal values and is widely used clinically. Its main active ingredient, glycyrrhizic acid (GA), is believed to have a neuroprotective effect. However, the underlying biological mechanisms of GA on stress-induced anxiety disorders are still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the anti-anxiety effect of GA and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

We selected the anxiety model induced by repeated chronic restraint stress (CRS) for 2 h on each of 7 consecutive days. GA (4, 20, 100 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally once daily for 1 week. The potential GA receptors were identified using whole-cell patches and computer-assisted docking of molecules. High-throughput RNA sequencing, adeno-associated virus-mediated gene regulation, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR were used to assess the underlying molecular pathways.

RESULTS

GA alleviate depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors in CRS mice. GA decreased synaptic transmission by facilitating glutamate reuptaking in mPFC. Meanwhile, long-term GA treatment increased the expression of clock genes Per1 and Per2. Suppressing both Per1 and Per2 abolished the anxiolytic effects of GA treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that GA may be developed for the treatment of stress-induced anxiety disorders, and its mechanism is related to GLT1 and Per1/2-dependent pathways. This presents a novel approach to discovering potent therapeutic drugs.

Differentiation of isomeric chalcone and dihydroflavone using liquid chromatography coupled with hydrogen-deuterium exchange tandem mass spectrometry (HDX-MS/MS): An application for flavonoids-focused characterization of Snow chrysanthemum

Although the co-occurrences of isomeric chalcones and dihydroflavones widely appear in medicinal plants, the differentiation of such isomerism seldom succeeds using MS/MS, attributing to totally identical MS/MS spectra. Here, efforts were paid to pursue an eligible tool allowing to address the technical challenge. Being inspired by that one more proton signal is observed in 1H NMR spectrum of isoliquiritigenin than liquiritigenin when employing DMSO‑d6 as solvent, hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX)-MS/MS was evaluated towards differentiating isomeric chalcones and dihydroflavones through replacing H2O with D2O to prepare the mobile phase. As a result, differences were observed for either MS1 or MS2 spectrum when comparing two pairs of isomers, such as liquiritigenin vs. isoliquiritigenin and liquiritin vs. isoliquiritin, because the isomeric precursor and fragment ion species owned different amounts of hydroxyl protons and those reactive protons could be partially or completely substituted by deuterium protons at the exposure in D2O to result in n × 1.006 mass increments. Moreover, utmost four hydrogen/deuterium exchanges occurred for a single glucosyl moiety. Thereafter, HDX-MS/MS was applied to characterize the flavonoids of Snow chrysanthemum, a precious edible herbal medicine that is rich in isomeric chalcones and dihydroflavones. Through paying special attention to the deuterium labeling styles of (de)protonated molecules as well as those featured fragment ions, five pairs of isomeric chalcones and dihydroflavones were confirmatively differentiated, in addition to that 28 flavonoids were structurally annotated by applying those well-defined mass fragmentation rules. Hence, this study offered an in-depth insight towards the flavonoids-focused characterization of Snow chrysanthemum, and more importantly, HDX-MS/MS is a superior tool to differentiate, but not limited to, isomeric chalcones and dihydroflavones.

Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides may have an antitumor effect in γδT cells through gut microbiota and TLRs/NF-κB pathway in mice

Tumor immunotherapy can be a suitable cancer treatment option in certain instances. Here we investigated the potential immunomodulatory effect of oral glycyrrhiza polysaccharides (GCP) on the antitumor function of γδT cells in intestinal epithelial cells in mice. We found that GCP can inhibit tumor growth and was involved in the regulation of systemic immunosuppression. GCP administration also promoted the differentiation of gut epithelia γδT cells into IFN-γ-producing subtype through regulation of local cytokines in gut mucosa. GCP administration increased local cytokine levels through gut microbiota and the gut mucosa Toll-like receptors / nuclear factor kappa-B pathway. Taken together, our results suggest that GCP might be a suitable candidate for tumor immunotherapy, although further clinical research, including clinical trials, are required to validate these results.

Exploring the effective components of honey-processed licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) in attenuating Doxorubicin-induced myocardial cytotoxicity by combining network pharmacology and in vitro experiments

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Licorice is widely used clinically as one of the most famous traditional Chinese herbs. Its herb roasted with honey is called honey-processed licorice (HPL). Modern studies have shown that HPL has a stronger cardioprotective ability compared to raw licorice (RL), however the material basis and mechanism of action of the potential cardioprotection have not been fully elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To screen and validate the material basis of cardioprotection exerted by HPL and to preliminarily predict the potential mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS was used to analyze HPL samples with different processing levels, and differential compounds were screened out through principal component analysis. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were applied to explore the association between differential compounds and doxorubicin cardiomyopathy and their mechanisms of action were predicted. An in vitro model was established to verify the cardioprotective effects of differential compounds.

RESULTS

Six differential compounds were screened as key components of HPL for potential cardioprotection. Based on network pharmacology, 113 potential important targets for the treatment of Dox-induced cardiotoxicity were screened. KEGG enrichment analysis predicted that the PI3K-Akt pathway was closely related to the mechanism of action of active ingredients. Molecular docking results showed that the six differential compounds all had good binding activity with Nrf2 protein. In addition, in vitro experiments had shown that five of the active ingredients (liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, and licochalcone A) can significantly increase Dox-induced H9c2 cell viability, SOD activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential, significantly reduces MDA levels and inhibits ROS generation.

CONCLUSION

Liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin and licochalcone A are key components of HPL with potential cardioprotective capabilities. Five active ingredients can alleviate Dox-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage.

Unraveling the Mechanism of Xiaochaihu Granules in Alleviating Yeast-Induced Fever Based on Network Analysis and Experimental Validation

Xiaochaihu granules (XCHG) are extensively used to treat fever. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study aimed to explore the potential of XCHG in mitigating yeast-induced fever and the underlying metabolic pathways. The chemical composition of XCHG was ascertained using ultra-fast liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), followed by integrated network analysis to predict potential targets. We then conducted experimental validation using pharmacological assays and metabolomics analysis in a yeast-induced mouse fever model. The study identified 133 compounds in XCHG, resulting in the development of a comprehensive network of herb-compound-biological functional modules. Subsequently, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations confirmed the stability of the complexes, including γ-aminobutyric acid B receptor 2 (GABBR2)-saikosaponin C, prostaglandin endoperoxide synthases (PTGS2)-lobetyolin, and NF-κB inhibitor IκBα (NFKBIA)-glycyrrhizic acid. Animal experiments demonstrated that XCHG reduced yeast-induced elevation in NFKBIA's downstream regulators [interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8], inhibited PTGS2 activity, and consequently decreased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels. XCHG also downregulated the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), and adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH). These corroborated the network analysis results indicating XCHG's effectiveness against fever in targeting NFKBIA, PTGS2, and GABBR2. The hypothalamus metabolomics analysis identified 14 distinct metabolites as potential antipyretic biomarkers of XCHG. In conclusion, our findings suggest that XCHG alleviates yeast-induced fever by regulating inflammation/immune responses, neuromodulation, and metabolism modules, providing a scientific basis for the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of XCHG.

Investigation of the material basis and mechanism of Lizhong decoction in ameliorating ulcerative colitis based on spectrum-effect relationship and network pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lizhong decoction (LZD), a classical herbal prescription recorded by Zhang Zhongjing in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases, has been extensively used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinical practice for thousands of years. However, its material basis and underlying mechanism are not yet clear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to explore the material basis and potential mechanism of LZD against UC based on the spectrum-effect relationship and network pharmacology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, LZD was extracted by a systematic solvent extraction method into four parts. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technique was used to identify the compounds from different polar parts, and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model was used to evaluate the efficacy of each fraction. Then, the spectrum-effect analyses of compounds and efficacy indicators were established via grey relational analysis (GRA), bivariate correlation analysis (BCA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR). Finally, the potential mechanism of LZD for UC therapy was explored by network pharmacology, and the results were further verified by molecular docking and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

RESULTS

66 chemical components of LZD were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology. The pharmacodynamic results showed that extraction parts of LZD had different therapeutic effects on UC, among which ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts had significant anti-colitis effects, which might be the main effective fractions of LZD. Furthermore, the spectrum-effect analyses indicated that 21 active ingredients such as liquiritin apioside, neolicuroside, formononetin, ginsenoside Rg1, 6-gingesulfonic acid, licoricesaponin A3, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid were the main material basis for LZD improving UC. Based on the above results, network pharmacology suggested that the amelioration of LZD on UC might be closely related to the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, molecular docking technology and RT-qPCR further verified that LZD could markedly inhibit the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our study first identified the chemical compositions of LZD by using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Furthermore, the material basis and potential mechanism of LZD in improving UC were comprehensively elucidated via spectrum-effect relationships, network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification. The proposed strategy provided a systematic approach for exploring how herbal medicines worked. More importantly, it laid the solid foundation for further clinical application and rational development of LZD.

β-Cyclodextrin-assisted mechanical inclusion extraction of lipophilic flavonoids and hydrophilic terpenoids from functional food

This study presents an innovative, efficient, environmentally friendly and rapid mechanical inclusion extraction (MIE) method for active ingredients in functional food. 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin was used as the inclusion reagent, and water was used as the extraction solvent in MIE. The experimental parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of the target compounds were systematically investigated using single-factor experiments and surface response methodology optimization. The method showed satisfactory linearity (coefficient of determination > 0.991), precision (0.02 % to 4.89 %), limit of detection (1.1-11.3 ng/mL), and recoveries of 80.4-108.7 % and 86.3-112.3 % at spiked concentration levels of 1 and 5 μg/mL, respectively. Consequently, the MIE method provided a novel green alternative and extended its applications for the simultaneous extraction of hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds from functional food.

Improving the geographical origin classification of Radix glycyrrhizae (licorice) through hyperspectral imaging assisted by U-Net fine structure recognition

Radix glycyrrhizae (licorice) is extensively employed in traditional Chinese medicine, and serves as a crucial raw material in industries such as food and cosmetics. The quality of licorice from different origins varies greatly, so classification of its geographical origin is particularly important. This study proposes a technique for fine structure recognition and segmentation of hyperspectral images of licorice using deep learning U-Net neural networks to segment the tissue structure patterns (phloem, xylem, and pith). Firstly, the three partitions were separately labeled using the Labelme tool, which was utilized to train the U-Net model. Secondly, the obtained optimal U-Net model was applied to predict three partitions of all samples. Lastly, various machine learning models (LDA, SVM, and PLS-DA) were trained based on segmented hyperspectral data. In addition, a threshold method and a circumcircle method were applied to segment licorice hyperspectral images for comparison. The results revealed that compared with the threshold segmentation method (which yielded SVM classifier accuracies of 99.17%, 91.15%, and 92.50% on the training set, validation set, and test set, respectively), the U-Net segmentation method significantly enhanced the accuracy of origin classification (99.06%, 94.72% and 96.07%). Conversely, the circumcircle segmentation method did not effectively improve the accuracy of origin classification (99.65%, 91.16% and 92.13%). By integrating Raman imaging of licorice, it can be inferred that the U-Net model, designed for region segmentation based on the inherent tissue structure of licorice, can effectively improve the accuracy origin classification, which has positive significance in the development of intelligence and information technology of Chinese medicine quality control.

A bibliometric review of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (licorice) research: Insights and future directions

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, a Chinese herb known as licorice, is frequently incorporated in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations, due to its significant medicinal value and sweet taste. Despite licorice's merits, no systematic scientometric study has yet been conducted to analyze licorice research trends over the past 25 years.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We conducted this study with the aim to provide researchers with a comprehensive overview of research advances in the application of licorice as a TCM ingredient and to offer valuable insights to guide future endeavors in this research field.

METHODS

We selected licorice-related research papers published between 1997 and 2021 from the Web of Science Core Collection then conducted a scientometric analysis using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software tools.

RESULTS

A total of 4883 licorice-related publications, including 4511 research papers, 372 review papers, and their cited references, were included in the analysis. Most of these articles were authored by researchers in China (36.8%), including major contributors Wang Ying, Ye Min, and Zhang Yu. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology (impact factor = 5.4) hosted the greatest number of papers (145 articles). Keyword cluster analysis revealed three keyword categories indicating that current licorice research is focused on licorice quality control and identification of licorice active ingredients and associated pharmacological mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a comprehensive overview of licorice-related research trends over the past 25 years as based on quantitative and qualitative analyses of published licorice-related articles. The results of this multi-level analysis of licorice research related to TCM formulations, chemical compositions, and pharmacological effects should provide valuable reference data and insights to guide future research endeavors in this field.

From Plant to Chemistry: Sources of Antinociceptive Non-Opioid Active Principles for Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design

Pain is associated with many health problems and a reduced quality of life and has been a common reason for seeking medical attention. Several therapeutics are available on the market, although side effects, physical dependence, and abuse limit their use. As the process of pain transmission and modulation is regulated by different peripheral and central mechanisms and neurotransmitters, medicinal chemistry continues to study novel ligands and innovative approaches. Among them, natural products are known to be a rich source of lead compounds for drug discovery due to their chemical structural variety and different analgesic mechanisms. Numerous studies suggested that some chemicals from medicinal plants could be alternative options for pain relief and management. Previously, we conducted a literature search aimed at identifying natural products interacting either directly or indirectly with opioid receptors. In this review, instead, we have made an excursus including active ingredients derived from plants whose mechanism of action appears from the literature to be other than the modulation of the opioid system. These substances could, either by themselves or through synthetic and/or semi-synthetic derivatives, be investigated in order to improve their pharmacokinetic characteristics and could represent a valid alternative to the opioid approach to pain therapy. They could also be the basis for the study of new mechanisms of action in the approach to this complex and disabling pathology.

Two Multidimensional Chromatography/High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Approaches Enabling the In-Depth Metabolite Characterization Simultaneously from Three Glycyrrhiza Species: Method Development, Comparison, and Integration

Two offline multidimensional chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry systems (method 1: fractionation and online two-dimensional liquid chromatography, 2D-LC; method 2: fractionation and offline 2D-LC) were established to characterize the metabolites simultaneously from three Glycyrrhiza species. Ion exchange chromatography in the first-dimensional (1D) separation was well fractionated between the acidic (mainly triterpenoids) and weakly acidic components (flavonoids). These obtained subsamples got sophisticated separation by the second (2D) and third dimension (3D) of chromatography either by online reversed-phase chromatography × reversed-phase chromatography (RPC × RPC) or offline hydrophilic interaction chromatography × RPC (HILIC × RPC). Orthogonality for the 2D/3D separations reached 0.73 for method 1 and 0.81 for method 2, respectively. We could characterize 1097 compounds from three Glycyrrhiza species based on an in-house library and 33 reference standards, involving 618 by method 1 and 668 by method 2, respectively. They exhibited a differentiated performance and complementarity in identifying the multiple subclasses of Glycyrrhiza components.

Si Jun Zi decoction inhibits the growth of lung cancer by reducing the expression of PD-L1 through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Si Jun Zi decoction (SJZT) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula with the effect of invigorating the spleen qi and replenishing qi. TCM believes that a strong spleen qi helps to strengthen lung qi. Lung cancer is often caused by a deficiency of lung qi. Based on this theory, TCM often applies SJZT to the treatment of lung cancer and has achieved remarkable results. However, the mechanism of SJZT in the treatment of lung cancer remains unclear and requires further study.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The main purpose of this study is to explore the mechanism of SJZT against lung cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, the chemical constituents in SJZT were analyzed by UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS. MTT and cell scratch test were used to determine the cell viability and inhibition of migration in vitro. The effect of SJZT on the expression of PD-L1 protein in A549 cells was detected by Western Blotting (WB). Apoptosis was detected by crystal violet staining. The mouse model of Lewis lung cancer was established in vivo, and the levels of serum TNF-α and IL-2 were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB and PD-L1 in tumor tissues of mice were detected by WB. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB and PD-L1 mRNA. Finally, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were used to detect the pathological status of tumor tissues in mice.

RESULTS

A total of 16 active chemical constituents were identified in SJZT. In vitro experiments showed that SJZT could inhibit the growth of A549, induce apoptosis and reduce the expression of PD-L1. In vivo experiments showed that SJZT regulated TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, decreased the expression of PD-L1, and inhibited tumor growth.

CONCLUSIONS

SJZT inhibits the growth of lung cancer by regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signal pathway and reducing the expression of PD-L1.

Spatial Distribution and Characterization of the Small-Molecule Metabolites and In Situ Hydrolyzed Oligosaccharides in the Rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis by Desorption Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry Imaging and High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Characterization and spatial distribution studies of the metabolome in plants are crucial for revealing the physiology of plants and developing functional foods. Using the rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis as a case, we integrated desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) and high-resolution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry approaches aimed at characterizing and locating both the small molecules and the macromolecular polysaccharides. Under the optimal conditions, 21 flavonoids and 12 triterpenoids were detected and characterized in different tissues of the rhizome and another 19 components were characterized exclusively by DESI-MSI. Combined with hydrophilic interaction chromatography/ion mobility-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, eight different degrees of polymerization of oligosaccharides (after in situ acid hydrolysis) were characterized from the rhizome of G. uralensis. Majority of these metabolites are located in the cortex, phloem, and medulla, which lays the foundation for understanding the physiology of G. uralensis. The useful information can benefit the sustainable utilization and further development of Glycyrrhiza resource.

An efficient approach addressing the chemical complexity of Jiawei Fangji Huangqi decoction by integrating ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/ion mobility-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and intelligent data processing workflows

A challenge in the quality control of traditional Chinese medicine is the systematic multicomponent characterization of the compound formulae. Jiawei Fangji Huangqi, a modified form of Fangji Huangqi, is a prescription comprising seven herbal medicines. To address the chemical complexity of the Jiawei Fangji Huangqi decoction, we integrated ion mobility-quadrupole time-of-flight high-definition MSE coupled to ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and intelligent data processing workflows available in the UNIFI software package. Good chromatographic separation was achieved on CORTECS UPLC T3 column within 52 min, and high-accuracy MS2 data were acquired using high-definition MSE in the negative and positive modes. A chemical library of 1250 compounds was created and incorporated into the UNIFI software to enable automatic peak annotation of the high-definition MSE data. We identified or tentatively characterize 430 compounds in the Jiawei Fangji Huangqi decoction. The potential superiority of high-definition MSE over conventional MS data acquisition approaches was revealed in its spectral quality (MS2 ), differentiation of isomers, separation of coeluting compounds, and target mass coverage. The multiple components of the Jiawei Fangji Huangqi decoction were elucidated, offering insight into its improved pharmacological action compared with that of the Fangji Huangqi formula.

Liquorice Toxicity: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

Renowned since ancient times for its medical properties, liquorice is nowadays mainly used for flavoring candies or soft drinks. Continuous intake of large amounts of liquorice is a widely known cause of pseudo-hyperaldosteronism leading to hypertension and hypokalemia. These manifestations are usually mild, although in some cases may generate life-threatening complications, i.e., arrhythmias, muscle paralysis, rhabdomyolysis, and coma. In addition, liquorice has an important estrogenic-like activity.

METHODS

We summarized the current knowledge about liquorice and reviewed 104 case reports in both the English and Italian languages from inception to June 2023 concerning complications due to an excess of liquorice intake.

RESULTS

In contrast to most published data, female sex and old age do not appear to be risk factors. However, hypertension and electrolyte imbalance (mainly hypokalemia) are prevalent features. The detection of glycyrrhetinic acid in blood is very uncommon, and the diagnosis is essentially based on an accurate history taking.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there is not a significant mortality rate, liquorice toxicity often requires hospitalization and therefore represents a significant health concern. Major pharmaceutical drug regulatory authorities should solicit public awareness about the potentially dangerous effects caused by excessive use of liquorice.

Shaoyao-Gancao-Tang regulates the T-helper-type 1/T-helper-type 2 ratio in the lung and gut and alters gut microbiota in rats with ovalbumin-induced asthma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shaoyao-Gancao Tang (SGT) is a traditional Chinese medicine formulation. It has been used to treat kinds of pain and to alleviate asthma in clinic. However, the mechanism of action is not known.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the anti-asthma effect of SGT involving modulation of the T-helper type 1 (Th1) Th1/Th2 ratio in the gut-lung axis and alteration of the gut microbiota (GM) in rats with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The main constituents of SGT were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A model of asthma was established in rats by OVA-induced allergen challenge. Rats suffering from asthma (RSAs) were treated with SGT (2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 g/kg), dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) or physiologic saline for 4 weeks. The level of immunoglobulin (Ig)E in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histology of lung and colon tissues was investigated using staining (hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff). The Th1/Th2 ratio and levels of cytokines (interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-4) in the lung and colon were detected by immunohistochemistry. The GM in fresh feces was analyzed by 16 S rRNA gene sequencing.

RESULTS

Twelve main constituents (gallic acid, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, liquiritin apioside, liquiritin, benzoic acid, isoliquiritin apioside, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid, isoliquiritigenin and glycyrrhetinic acid) of SGT were simultaneously determined by HPLC. SGT treatment (5.0 and 10.0 g/kg) was found to reduce the IgE level (a vital marker of hyper-responsiveness) in BALF and serum, improve typical morphological changes (inflammatory-cell infiltration and goblet cell metaplasia) in the lung and colon, alleviate airway remodeling (including bronchiostenosis and basement membrane-thickening) in the lung, significantly decrease the IL-4 level and increase the IFN-γ level in the lung and colon, which led to restoration of the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio. The dysbiosis and dysfunction of GM in RSAs were modulated by SGT. The abundance of bacteria of the genera Ethanoligenens and Harryflintia was increased in RSAs and was decreased upon SGT treatment. The abundance of Family_XIII_AD3011_group was decreased in RSAs and increased upon SGT treatment. Moreover, SGT therapy increased the abundance of bacteria of the genera Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 and Candidatus_Sacchrimonas, and decreased that of Ruminococcus_2 and Alistipes.

CONCLUSIONS

SGT ameliorated rats with OVA-induced asthma via regulation of the Th1/Th2 ratio in the lung and gut, and modulated the GM.

Wide identification of chemical constituents in fermented licorice and explore its efficacy of anti-neurodegeneration by combining quasi-targeted metabolomics and in-depth bioinformatics

Licorice (Gan-Cao in Chinese) is one of the most famous herbal medicines around the world. The fermentation of probiotics and herbs can change the chemical constituents and significantly improve the efficacy. However, it is still unknown whether licorice fermented with probiotics would produce beneficial therapeutic effects. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the chemical constituents in fermented licorice via quasi-targeted metabolomics, predict the potential efficacy of fermentation products via diverse bioinformatic methods, and further verify the efficacy of fermentation products through in vitro and in vivo experiments. As a result, 1,435 compounds were identified totally. Among them, 424 natural medicinal products were classified with potentially important bioactivities, including 11 anthocyanins, 10 chalcones and dihydrochalcones, 25 flavanones, 45 flavones and flavonols, 117 flavonoids, 34 isoflavonoids, 21 phenols and its derivatives, 20 phenylpropanoids and polyketides, 96 terpenoids and 25 coumarins and derivatives. Interestingly, bioinformatic prediction showed that the targets of some important compounds were related to neurodegeneration, oxidoreductase activity and response to stress. In vitro and in vivo tests further verified that fermented licorice had excellent effects of DPPH clearance, anti-oxidation, anti-neurodegeneration, and anti-stress. Thus, this study would provide a reference method for related research and the development of fermented licorice-related products.

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.

Systematic analysis on the mechanism of Zhizi-Bopi decoction against hepatitis B via network pharmacology and molecular docking

PURPOSE

Zhizi-Bopi decoction (ZZBPD) is a classic herbal formula with wide clinical applications in treating liver diseases including hepatitis B. However, the mechanism needs to be elucidated.

METHODS

Chemical components of ZZBPD were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TOF-MS). Then we used network pharmacology to identify their potential targets. Network construction, coupled with protein-protein interaction and enrichment analysis was used to identify representative components and core targets. Finally, molecular docking simulation was conducted to further refine the drug-target interaction.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-eight active compounds were identified in ZZBPD, targeting 779 genes/proteins, among which 174 were related to hepatitis B. ZZBPD mainly influences the progression of hepatitis B through the hepatitis B pathway (hsa05161) via core anti-HBV targets (AKT1, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, SRC, TNF, MAPK1, and MAPK3). Enrichment analysis indicated that ZZBPD can also potentially regulate lipid metabolism and enhance cell survival. Molecular docking suggested that the representative active compounds can bind to the core anti-HBV targets with high affinity.

CONCLUSION

The potential molecular mechanisms of ZZBPD in hepatitis B treatment were identified using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. The results serve as an important basis for the modernization of ZZBPD.

A biophoton method for identifying the quality states of fresh Chinese herbs

Introduction: The quality of Chinese herbs is the basis for ensuring their safety and efficacy. However, the quality evaluation system is imperfect. In particular, there is a lack of quality evaluation methods for fresh Chinese herbs during growth. The biophoton is a common phenomenon and provides complete information about the interior of the living system, which is consistent with the holistic concept of traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, we aim to correlate the biophoton characteristics with the quality states to find the biophoton parameters that can characterize the quality states of fresh Chinese herbs. Methods: The biophoton characteristics of motherwort and safflower were measured and characterized by the counts per second (CPS) in the steady state and the initial intensity (I₀) and coherent time (T) of delayed luminescence. The active ingredient content was measured by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The pigment content of motherwort leaves was measured by UV spectrophotometry. The t-test and correlation analysis were performed on the experimental results. Results: The CPS and I₀ of motherwort and I₀ of safflower showed a significant downward trend during the growth process, and their active ingredient content showed a trend that increased and then decreased. The CPS, I₀, and the content of active ingredients and pigments in a healthy state were significantly higher than those in a poor state, while T showed the opposite results. The CPS and I₀ were all significantly and positively correlated with the content of active ingredients and pigments, while the T of motherwort showed the opposite results. Conclusion: It is feasible to identify the quality states of fresh Chinese herbs by using their biophoton characteristics. Both CPS and I₀ have better correlations with the quality states and can be considered characteristic parameters of the quality of fresh Chinese herbs.

Valorisation of liquorice (Glycyrrhiza) roots: antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of prenylated (iso)flavonoids and chalcones from liquorice spent (G. glabra, G. inflata, and G. uralensis)

Prenylated phenolics are antimicrobials found in liquorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.).