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Minnetti M, De Alcubierre D, Bonaventura I, Pofi R, Hasenmajer V, Tarsitano MG, Gianfrilli D, Poggiogalle E, Isidori AM. Effects of licorice on sex hormones and the reproductive system. Nutrition 2022; 103-104:111727. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2022.111727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Gao J, Wang R, Liu J, Wang W, Chen Y, Cai W. Effects of novel microecologics combined with traditional Chinese medicine and probiotics on growth performance and health of broilers. Poult Sci 2022; 101:101412. [PMID: 34920387 PMCID: PMC8683594 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we prepared a kind of novel microecologics, namely Chinese medicine-probiotic compound microecological preparation (CPCMP), which is composed of 5 traditional Chinese medicine herbs (Galla Chinensis, Andrographis paniculata, Arctii Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix, and Schizonepeta tenuifolia) fermented by Aspergillus niger and a kind of compound probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum A37 and L. plantarum MIII). The effects of the CPCMP in broilers on growth performance, serum parameters, immune function, and intestinal health were investigated. A total of 450 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into 6 treatment groups with 5 replicates, 15 birds per replicate. Treatments consisted of: blank control, CPCMP, positive control, commercial CPCMP, traditional Chinese medicine, and probiotics groups, which were birds fed with basal diet supplemented with no extra additives, 0.2% CPCMP, 0.0035% chlortetracycline, 0.2% commercially available CPCMP, 0.2% fermented traditional Chinese medicines, and 0.2% compound probiotics, respectively. CPCMP obviously increased the average body weight and average daily gain (P < 0.05, compared with any other group) and decreased the feed:gain ratio of broilers (P < 0.05, compared with the blank control, commercial CPCMP, traditional Chinese medicine, or probiotics group). Moreover, it significantly increased glutathione peroxidase and secretory immunoglobulin A levels and spleen/bursa indices (P < 0.05 for all, compared with the blank control, commercial CPCMP, traditional Chinese medicine, or probiotics group). Villus heights in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were also elevated by CPCMP treatment (P < 0.05, compared with any other group). Furthermore, CPCMP substantially increased jejunal mRNA levels of occludin and zonula occludens-1 (P < 0.05, compared with the blank control, positive control, or probiotics group) and facilitated the growth and colonization of beneficial cecal bacteria, such as Olsenella, Barnesiella, and Lactobacillus. Overall results show that the CPCMP prepared in our work contributes to improving growth performance, serum parameters, immune function, and intestinal health of broilers and exerts synergistic effects of traditional Chinese medicines and probiotics to some extent. Our findings suggest that CPCMP is a promising antibiotic substitute in the livestock and poultry industry in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Gao
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
| | - Jingxuan Liu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
| | - Wenling Wang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
| | - Wentao Cai
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China.
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Wahab S, Annadurai S, Abullais SS, Das G, Ahmad W, Ahmad MF, Kandasamy G, Vasudevan R, Ali MS, Amir M. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Comprehensive Review on Its Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, Clinical Evidence and Toxicology. Plants (Basel) 2021; 10:plants10122751. [PMID: 34961221 PMCID: PMC8703329 DOI: 10.3390/plants10122751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
There are more than 30 species of Glycyrrhiza genus extensively spread worldwide. It was the most prescribed herb in Ancient Egyptian, Roman, Greek, East China, and the West from the Former Han era. There are various beneficial effects of licorice root extracts, such as treating throat infections, tuberculosis, respiratory, liver diseases, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunodeficiency. On the other hand, traditional medicines are getting the attraction to treat many diseases. Therefore, it is vital to screen the medicinal plants to find the potential of new compounds to treat chronic diseases such as respiratory, cardiovascular, anticancer, hepatoprotective, etc. This work comprehensively reviews ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, clinical evidence, and the toxicology of licorice, which will serve as a resource for future clinical and fundamental studies. An attempt has been made to establish the pharmacological effect of licorice in different diseases. In addition, the focus of this review article is on the molecular mechanism of licorice extracts and their four flavonoids (isoliquiritigenin, liquiritigenin, lichalocone, and glabridin) pharmacologic activities. Licorice could be a natural alternative for current therapy to exterminate new emerging disorders with mild side effects. This review will provide systematic insights into this ancient drug for further development and clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadma Wahab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Sivakumar Annadurai
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Shahabe Saquib Abullais
- Department of Periodontics and Community Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Gotam Das
- Department of Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Wasim Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacy, Mohammed Al-Mana College for Medical Sciences, Safaa, Dammam 34222, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Md Faruque Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Geetha Kandasamy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Rajalakshimi Vasudevan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Md Sajid Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohd Amir
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicines, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
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Wu Y, Li N, Zhang T, Che Y, Duan K, Wang Y, Zhou H, Wan X, Lei H, Nguyễn AD, De Souza C, Li K, Wu Y, Liu J, Wang D. Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides can improve and prolong the response of chickens to the Newcastle disease vaccine. Poult Sci 2021; 101:101549. [PMID: 34837761 PMCID: PMC8626840 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Licorice is a medicinal and food plant widely used to treat diseases and produce food additives, because of its unique chemical constituents like polysaccharides, flavones, and saponins. Glycyrrhiza Polysaccharides (GPS-1) are water-soluble neutral polysaccharides extracted from licorice. Currently, GPS-1 is administrated to chickens by gavage every d for 14 d to observe the impact of GPS-1 on the Newcastle disease vaccine. To determine the immunity of these chickens to NDV, blood serum levels of hemagglutinin-inhibition (HI) antibody, and immunoglobulins IgA and IgG were measured. Meanwhile, the expression levels of cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-17, and IFN-γ were measured to evaluate the degree of immune booster activity. The chickens' spleen and peripheral blood lymphocytes displayed a significant increase in the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells after booster treatments with GPS-1. The results indicated that GPS-1 had a significant, dose-dependent, immune-boosting effect which could enhance NDV vaccine immunity in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Nannan Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Yanyun Che
- Engineering Laboratory for National Healthcare Theories and Products of Yunnan Province, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, PR China
| | - Kun Duan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Yuedi Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Xin Wan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Hongjun Lei
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Audrey D Nguyễn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | | | - Kun Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Yi Wu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
| | - Jiaguo Liu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Deyun Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, PR China
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Aldhahrani A, Soliman MM, Althobaiti F, Alkhedaide A, Nassan MA, Mohamed WA, Youssef GBA, Said AM. The modulatory impacts of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract against methotrexate-induced testicular dysfunction and oxidative stress. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2021; 10:677-686. [PMID: 34484660 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfab049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhiza glabra root (licorice) is a widely used herb for its beneficial effects on health. This study explored the protective effects of licorice extract against oxidative stress and testicular dysfunction caused by methotrexate (MTX). Mice were allocated into (i) negative control group that received saline; (ii) licorice extract group, orally administered with 200 mg/kg body weight (bw) licorice extract for 12 days; (iii) positive MTX-intoxicated group, injected with a single intraperitoneal dose of MTX (20 mg/kg bw) on day 7; and (iv) a protective group that received licorice extract for 12 days and then MTX on day 7 as in groups 2 and 3. Total proteins, albumin, globulins, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, IL-1, and IL-6 were measured in blood and testis samples collected from all groups. Testicular oxidative stress, serum reproductive hormones, and spermogram were examined. The expression of steroidogenesis-associated genes (translocator protein; and P450scc) was examined by quantitative real-time PCR. Bcl-2-associated X protein and cyclogenase-2 genes were examined by immunohistochemical analysis. The bioactive contents of licorice extract were confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Pretreatment with licorice extract ameliorated the toxic effects of MTX on total proteins, albumin, and globulins and oxidative stress biomarkers and reversed the effect of MTX on examined serum and tissue antioxidants. Besides, MTX down-regulated mRNA expression of translocator protein and P450scc genes. Licorice extract averted the decrease in serum testosterone and the increase in IL-1β and IL-6 levels induced by MTX. Moreover, MTX increased sperm abnormalities and percentage of dead sperms and reduced sperm motility. These changes were absent in the licorice preadministered group. Licorice prevented the increase in immunoreactivity of testis for Bcl-2-associated X protein and cyclogenase-2 that were overexpressed in MTX-injected mice. Licorice extracts positively regulated the expression of steroidogenesis genes suppressed by MTX, increased antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, and catalase) and reduced biomarker of oxidative stress (testicular malondialdehyde) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and -6). Moreover, reduction in testicular tissue immunoreactivity to Bcl-2-associated X protein and cyclogenase-2. In conclusion, licorice extract mitigated the toxic effects of MTX-induced testicular dysfunction at biochemical, molecular, and cellular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil Aldhahrani
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, Turabah University College, Taif University, Taif, 21995, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Mohamed Soliman
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, Turabah University College, Taif University, Taif, 21995, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fayez Althobaiti
- Biotechnology Department, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, 21995, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Alkhedaide
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, Turabah University College, Taif University, Taif, 21995, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Abdo Nassan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Wafaa Abdou Mohamed
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Gehan B A Youssef
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13736, Egypt
| | - Alshaimaa Mohammed Said
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13736, Egypt
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Kim DG, Lee J, Kim W, An HJ, Lee JH, Chang J, Kang SH, Song YJ, Jeon YD, Jin JS. Assessment of General Toxicity of the Glycyrrhiza New Variety Extract in Rats. Plants (Basel) 2021; 10:1126. [PMID: 34206115 DOI: 10.3390/plants10061126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The Glycyrrhiza radix (Licorice) is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in Asian countries, such as China, India, and Korea. It has been traditionally used to treat many diseases, including cough, cold, asthma, fatigue, gastritis, and respiratory tract infections. A Glycyrrhiza new variety, Wongam (WG), has been developed by the Korea Rural Development Administration and revealed pharmacological effects. However, the potential adverse effects of WG have not been revealed yet. This study evaluates the general toxicity of the WG extract through a single and repeated oral dose toxicity study in Sprague-Dawley rats. After single oral dose administration, no significant toxicological changes or mortality was observed up to 5000 mg/kg. Over a 4-week repeated oral dose toxicity study, no adverse effects and target organs were observed up to 5000 mg/kg/day. Over a 13-week repeated oral dose toxicity study, no mortality or toxicological changes involving ophthalmology, water consumption, or hematology were observed up to 5000 mg/kg/day. Although other parameters were changed, the alterations in question were not considered toxicologically significant, since responses remained within normal ranges and were not dose-dependent. In conclusion, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of WG was higher than 5000 mg/kg/day, and no target organs were identified in rats.
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Oesch F, Oesch-Bartlomowicz B, Efferth T. Toxicity as prime selection criterion among SARS-active herbal medications. Phytomedicine 2021; 85:153476. [PMID: 33593628 PMCID: PMC7840405 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
We present here a new selection criterion for prioritizing research on efficacious drugs for the fight against COVID-19: the relative toxicity versus safety of herbal medications, which were effective against SARS in the 2002/2003 epidemic. We rank these medicines according to their toxicity versus safety as basis for preferential rapid research on their potential in the treatment of COVID-19. The data demonstrate that from toxicological information nothing speaks against immediate investigation on, followed by rapid implementation of Lonicera japonica, Morus alba, Forsythia suspensa, and Codonopsis spec. for treatment of COVID-19 patients. Glycyrrhiza spec. and Panax ginseng are ranked in second priority and ephedrine-free Herba Ephedrae extract in third priority (followed by several drugs in lower preferences). Rapid research on their efficacy in the therapy - as well as safety under the specific circumstances of COVID-19 - followed by equally rapid implementation will provide substantial advantages to Public Health including immediate availability, enlargement of medicinal possibilities, in cases where other means are not successful (non-responders), not tolerated (sensitive individuals) or just not available (as is presently the case) and thus minimize sufferings and save lives. Moreover, their moderate costs and convenient oral application are especially advantageous for underprivileged populations in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Oesch
- Institute of Toxicology, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | | | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128, Mainz, Germany
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Chrzanowski J, Chrzanowska A, Graboń W. Glycyrrhizin: An old weapon against a novel coronavirus. Phytother Res 2020; 35:629-636. [PMID: 32902005 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Currently, over 100 countries are fighting against a common enemy, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2, which causes COVID-19. This has created a demand for a substance whose effectiveness has already been demonstrated in a similar scenario. Glycyrrhizin (GZ) is a promising agent against SARS-CoV-2 as its antiviral activity against SARS-CoV has already been confirmed. It is worthwhile to extrapolate from its proven therapeutic effects as there is a high similarity in the structure and genome of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. There are many possible mechanisms through which GZ acts against viruses: increasing nitrous oxide production in macrophages, affecting transcription factors and cellular signalling pathways, directly altering the viral lipid-bilayer membrane, and binding to the ACE2 receptor. In this review, we discuss the possible use of GZ in the COVID-19 setting, where topical administration appears to be promising, with the nasal and oral cavity notably being the potent location in terms of viral load. The most recently published papers on the distribution of ACE2 in the human body and documented binding of GZ to this receptor, as well as its antiviral activity, suggest that GZ can be used as a therapeutic for COVID-19 and as a preventive agent against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Chrzanowski
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Chrzanowska
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Graboń
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, Warsaw, Poland
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Jiang M, Zhao S, Yang S, Lin X, He X, Wei X, Song Q, Li R, Fu C, Zhang J, Zhang Z. An "essential herbal medicine"-licorice: A review of phytochemicals and its effects in combination preparations. J Ethnopharmacol 2020; 249:112439. [PMID: 31811935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Licorice (Gancao in Chinese, GC), the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat. or Glycyrrhiza glabra L., is an "essential herbal medicine" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). There is a classic traditional Chinese medicine theory says that "nine out of ten formulas contain licorice" and licorice is considered as one of the most important herbal medicine which can reduce toxicity and increase efficacy of certain herbal medicine while it is combined application. In addition, it is a "medicine food homology" herbal medicine and also be widely used as a health food product and natural sweetener. However, no systematic literature review has been compiled to reveal its superiority. Herein, the aim of this work is to develop an overview of the state on phytochemicals, as well as effects of licorice in combination preparations, which can provide better understand the superiority of licorice and the special position in the application of TCM. Besides, ethnobotany, ethnopharmacological uses, quality control and toxicology of licorice have also been researched, which would provide reference for future clinical and basic research needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS The information about licorice was collected from various sources including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine, and scientific databases including scientific journals, books, and pharmacopoeia. A total of 124 bibliographies, which are published from 1976 to 2019, have been searched and researched. RESULTS In this study, the interaction of chemical compounds between licorice and toxic herbal medicine, pharmacological effect of licorice, and the effect of licorice on pharmacokinetics of toxic compounds are considered as the main mechanisms underlying the effects of licorice in combination preparations. Besides, ethnobotany, ethnopharmacological uses and chemical constituents have been summarized. CONCLUSION This work comprehensively reviews the state on ethnobotany, ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemicals, combined applications, quality control and toxicology of licorice. It will provide systematic insights into this ancient drug for further development and clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoyuan Jiang
- Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Shengjia Zhao
- Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Shasha Yang
- Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Xia Lin
- Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Xiguo He
- Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Xinyi Wei
- Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Qin Song
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 0010024, Japan.
| | - Rui Li
- Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Chaomei Fu
- Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Jinming Zhang
- Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Nazari S, Rameshrad M, Hosseinzadeh H. Toxicological Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Review. Phytother Res 2017; 31:1635-1650. [PMID: 28833680 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been considered as an herbal drug since ancient time. Nowadays, it is a well-known spice that possesses worth pharmacological effects. However, some relevant articles have revealed negative impacts of licorice in health. By considering the great wishes in using herbal medicine, it is important to show adverse effects of herbal medicine in health. At present, there are misunderstandings toward the safety of herbal medicines. Herein, we gathered scientific research projects on the toxicity effects of licorice and glycyrrhizin to highlight their safety. In this regards, we categorized our findings about the toxicity effects of licorice and glycyrrhizin in acute, sub-acute, sub-chronic, and chronic states. Besides, we discussed on the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity of licorice and glycyrrhizin as well as their developmental toxicity. This review disclosed that G. glabra and glycyrrhizin salts are moderately toxic. They need to be used with caution during pregnancy. G. glabra and glycyrrhizin possess selective cytotoxic effects on cancerous cells. The most important side effects of licorice and glycyrrhizin are hypertension and hypokalemic-induced secondary disorders. Licorice side effects are increased by hypokalemia, prolonged gastrointestinal transient time, decreased type 2 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities, hypertension, anorexia nervosa, old age, and female sex. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Nazari
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Rameshrad
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Wang C, Jin Y, Jin Y. Promoting effect of licorice extract on spermatogonial proliferation and spermatocytes differentiation of neonatal mice in vitro. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2016; 52:149-55. [PMID: 26676954 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-015-9966-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Licorice (glycyrrhiza uralensis) is known as an herb with detoxication, and it has been widely used in clinical prescription of Oriental herbal medicine. Studies on the effects of licorice in the reproductive system were very rare, especially in spermatogenesis. In order to elucidate the effects of licorice on spermatogonial proliferation and spermatocyte differentiation during neonatal mice spermatogenesis, the organ culture model of testis tissue from neonatal C57BL/6N mice (born 6 d) was established. Then, in the presence of licorice extract (LE), the proliferation activity of spermatogonia was identified with the positive rate quantitative analysis of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibody by immunohistochemical staining. The results showed that, compared to the control group, the percentage of positive cells by BrdU staining enhanced dramatically and that the expression of PCNA protein increased significantly in the spermatogonia from the LE group and showed a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05). This indicated that the LE can significantly promote the proliferation of spermatogonia in the spermatogenesis of neonatal mice. Furthermore, proteins related to spermatocyte differentiation, synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3) and meiotic recombinant protein Spo11, were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The results showed that the differentiated spermatocyte in the LE group was significantly increased compared with that of the control group and showed a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The above results suggested that the LE can significantly accelerate the proliferation of spermatogonia and the differentiation of spermatocytes in the testicular tissue of the neonatal mice, which may be a potential drug for male infertility.
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