Screening of quality markers and activity verification of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma based on small molecule compound-protein interaction / 中国中药杂志

In order to solve the problem of weak correlation between quality control components and efficacy of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, this study detected the interaction between small molecular chemical components of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and total proteins of various organs of mice by fluorescence quenching method to screen potential active components. The 27 chemical components in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were detected by HPLC and their deletion rates in 34 batches of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were calculated. Combined with the principle of component effectiveness and measurability, the potential quality markers(Q-markers) of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were screened. RAW264.7 macrophage injury model was induced by microplastics. The cell viability and nitric oxide content were detected by CCK-8 and Griess methods. The levels of inflammatory factors(TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, CRP) and oxidative stress markers(SOD, MDA, GSH) were detected by the ELISA method to verify the activity of Q-markers. It was found that the interaction strength between different chemical components and organ proteins in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma was different, reflecting different organ selectivity and 18 active components were screened out. Combined with the signal-to-noise ratio of the HPLC chromatographic peaks and between-run stability of the components, seven chemical components such as liquiritin apioside, liquiritin, isoliquiritin apioside, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin and ammonium glycyrrhizinate were finally screened as potential Q-markers of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. In vitro experiments showed that Q-markers of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma could dose-dependently alleviate RAW264.7 cell damage induced by microplastics, inhibit the secretion of inflammatory factors, and reduce oxidative stress. Under the same total dose, the combination of various chemical components could synergistically enhance anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects compared with the single use. This study identified Q-markers related to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, which can provide a reference for improving the quality control standards of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.

Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra root attenuates nociception in experimental pain models: the role of BKCa channels / Extracto de raíz de Glycyrrhiza glabra atenúa la nocicepción en modelos experimentales de dolor: el rol de los canales BKCa

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional interaction of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract (GGRE) on the large conductance Ca 2+ - activated K + (BKCa) channels expressed in the peripheral nervo us system by using nociception and inflammation models in rodents in vivo . Besides toxicity studies and open field tests, nociception and inflammation tests were performed on rodents. Different doses of GGRE were given orally to rats and mice. Naloxone, in domethacin, morphine, NS1619 and iberiotoxin (IbTX) were administered. GGRE had both anti - nociceptive and anti - inflammatory activity in rats and mice. GGRE exhibited an analgesic effect by decreasing the time - course of the pain threshold or reaction time i n some nociceptive tests. Furthermore, GGRE reduced level of pro - inflammatory cytokines, including TNF - α and IL - 1ß. As a conclusion, GGRE can alleviate the pain sensation of the afferent nerves and can reduce inflammation and associated pain by activating B KCa channels and reducing the levels of TNF - α, IL1ß

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la interacción funcional del extracto de raíz de Glycyrr hiza glabra (GGRE) en los canales de K + (BKCa) activados por Ca 2+ de gran conductancia expresados en el sistema nervioso periférico mediante el uso de modelos de nocicepción e inflamación en roedores in vivo . Además de los estudios de toxicidad y las prueb as de campo abierto, se realizaron pruebas de nocicepción e inflamación en roedores. Se administraron por vía oral diferentes dosis de GGRE a ratas y ratones. Se administraron naloxona, indometacina, morfina, NS1619 e iberiotoxina (IbTX). GGRE tenía activi dad tanto antinociceptiva como antiinflamatoria en ratas y ratones. GGRE mostró un efecto analgésico al disminuir la evolución temporal del umbral del dolor o el tiempo de reacción en algunas pruebas nociceptivas. Además, GGRE redujo el nivel de citocinas proinflamatorias, incluidas TNF - α e IL - 1ß. Como conclusión, GGRE puede aliviar la sensación de dolor de los nervios aferentes y puede reducir la inflamación y el dolor asociado activando los canales BKCa y reduciendo los niveles de TNF - α, IL1ß.

Study on regulation of CYP450 enzyme system to reduce liver toxicity through compatibility of Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta with Chebulae Fructus and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma / 中国中药杂志

Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta is one of the most commonly used medicinal materials in Mongolian medicine. Due to the strong toxicity of Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta, Mongolian medicine often uses Chebulae Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma to reduce the toxicity, so as to ensure the curative effect of Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta while ensuring its clinical curative effect, but the mechanism is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Chebulae Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta on the mRNA transcription and protein translation of cytochrome P450(CYP450) in the liver of normal rats. Male SD rats were randomly divided into negative control(NC) group, phenobarbital(PB) group(0.08 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), Chebulae Fructus group(0.254 2 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma group(0.254 2 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta group(0.254 2 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))and compatibility group(0.254 2 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1),taking Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta as the standard). After continuous administration for 8 days, the activities of total bile acid(TBA), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), amino-transferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)in serum were detected, the pathological changes of liver tissue were observed, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of CYP1 A2, CYP2 C11 and CYP3 A1 were observed. Compared with the NC group, the serum ALP, ALT and AST activities in the Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta group were significantly increased, and the ALP, ALT and AST activities were decreased after compatibility. At the same time, compatibility could reduce the liver injury caused by Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta. The results showed that Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta could inhibit the expression of CYP1 A2, CYP2 C11 and CYP3 A1, and could up-regulate the expression of CYP1 A2, CYP2 C11 and CYP3 A1 when combined with Chebulae Fructus and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. The level of translation was consistent with that of transcription. The compatibility of Chebulae Fructus and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma with Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta could up-regulate the expression of CYP450 enzyme, reduce the accumulation time of aconitine in vivo, and play a role in reducing toxicity, and this effect may start from gene transcription.

Study on alleviating effect of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma on Psoraleae Fructus-induced liver injury based on network pharmacology and cell experiments / 中国中药杂志

This study was designed to explore the alleviating effect and mechanism of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma against Psora-leae Fructus-induced liver injury based on network pharmacology and cell experiments. The active components of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Psoraleae Fructus were first retrieved from the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM), Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP), Comparative Toxicogenomics Database(CTD), and literature and further screened by SwissADME. The obtained 25 potential toxic components of Psoraleae Fructus and 29 flavonoids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were input into the SwissTargetPrediction for target predication. A total of 818 targets related to liver injury were screened out based on GeneCards and MalaCards, and 91 common targets of Psoraleae Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and liver injury were obtained from Venny. STRING was applied for constructing the PPI network, and Metascape for analyzing the biological processes and signaling pathways that common targets participated in. Cytoscape was used to construct the component-target-disease network and component-target-pathway network for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma against Psoraleae Fructus-induced liver injury. The predicted core targets were proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase(SRC), phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase subunit alpha(PIK3 CA), RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase(AKT1), etc, with PI3 K-AKT signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, apoptosis, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and NF-κB signaling pathway mainly involved. Following the scree-ning of the main toxic and pharmacodynamic components, the pharmacodynamic effects were investigated by cell experiments. The results showed that licochalcone A was mainly responsible for alleviating coryfolin-induced liver injury, licochalcone B for coryfolin-and psoralidin-induced liver injury, and echinatin for corylifolinin-and bakuchiol-induced liver injury. The preliminary revealing of the alleviating effect of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma on Psoraleae Fructus-induced liver injury and the prediction of related mechanisms will provide reference for further mechanism research and reasonable clinical compatibility.

Anti-pseudo-allergic components in licorice extract inhibit mast cell degranulation and calcium influx / 中国天然药物

Pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) widely occur upon application of drugs or functional foods. Anti-pseudo-allergic ingredients from natural products have attracted much attention. This study aimed to investigate anti-pseudo-allergic compounds in licorice. The anti-pseudo-allergic effect of licorice extract was evaluated in rat basophilic leukemia 2H3 (RBL-2H3) cells. Anti-pseudo-allergic compounds were screened by using RBL-2H3 cell extraction and the effects of target components were verified further in RBL-2H3 cells, mouse peritoneal mast cells (MPMCs) and mice. Molecular docking and human MRGPRX2-expressing HEK293T cells (MRGPRX2-HEK293T cells) extraction were performed to determine the potential ligands of MAS-related G protein-coupled receptor-X2 (MRGPRX2), a pivotal target for PARs. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) and licorice chalcone A (LA) were screened and shown to inhibit Compound48/80-induced degranulation and calcium influx in RBL-2H3 cells. GA and LA also inhibited degranulation in MPMCs and increase of histamine and TNF-α in mice. LA could bind to MRGPRX2, as determined by molecular docking and MRGPRX2-HEK293T cell extraction. Our study provides a strong rationale for using GA and LA as novel treatment options for PARs. LA is a potential ligand of MRGPRX2.

Intoxication à la réglisse révélée par une hypokaliémie sévère associée à une HTA Labile: à propos d'une observation et revue de la littérature / Licorice intoxication revealed by severe hypokalemia and labile hypertension: a case report with review of the literature

Cette observation illustre un tableau de pseudo-hyperaldostéronisme primaire par intoxication à la réglisse révélé par une hypokaliémie sévère chez un monsieur de 56 ans dans un contexte d'HTA de découverte récente. L'interrogatoire a retrouvé une notion de consommation régulière quotidienne de pastis sans alcool d'environ un litre et le bilan endocrinien a trouvé une activité rénine plasmatique effondrée et une hypoaldostéronémie. L'hypokaliémie et l'HTA ont régressé au bout de trois mois avec l'arrêt de la consommation du pastis et à distance de tout traitement antihypertenseur. Les abus de la réglisse sont rarement mentionnés spontanément par les patients ou sont ignorés d'eux, d'où l'intérêt d'une anamnèse minutieuse

This patient illustrates a case of primary pseudo-hyperaldosteronism due to licorice intoxication revealed by severe hypokalemia in a 56-year-old man with newly discovered hypertension. Past medical history revealed a notion of regular consumption of pastis without alcohol (about one liter per day) and hormonal assessment showed a collapsed plasma renin activity and hypoaldosteronemia. Hypokalaemia and hypertension resolved three months after cessation of pastis consumption, without any antihypertensive treatment. The abuse of licorice is rarely mentioned spontaneously by patients or is ignored by them, hence the interest of a careful medical history.

Combination of flavonoids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle and Angelicae Sinensis Radix in treatment of scalds: a preliminary study of dosage form / 中国中药杂志

The anti-inflammatory activity and compatibility ratio of flavonoids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle(GR) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix(AS) were evaluated by the superoxide anion scavenging test. The matrix formula of gel was optimized by orthogonal test design and the model of deep partial-thickness scald in mice was induced. The gel was applied to the wound. The tissue water content, wound healing rate, serum TNF-α and IL-1, and EGF and VEGF in tissues were measured at diffe-rent periods. The results revealed that when the compatibility ratio of GR and AS was 1∶2, the maximal scavenging efficacy on supe-roxide anion was observed. The gel displayed the optimal properties when carbomer(1%), glycerol(5%), propylene glycol(10%) were added into the matrix. Gel external application can significantly improve the wound healing rate, relieve tissue edema, diminish tissue water content, alleviate inflammatory reaction, and increase the content of EGF and VEGF in tissues(P<0.05). The gel prepared in the present study is effective in promoting granulation, relieving pain, resisting inflammation, and alleviating edema, and is potent in healing scalds.

Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and discussion of Q-markers / 中国中药杂志

Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, mainly contains triterpenoids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, coumarins and volatile oils with many pharmacological activities such as anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, immune regulatory and anti-fibrotic effects. The widespread applications of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in food, medicine and chemical industries make its demand increase gradually. Therefore, the quality guarantee of the medicinal is of great value. Starting from the elaboration of chemical components and pharmacological effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and the introduction to the concept of quality marker(Q-marker), this study analyzed the Q-markers of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma from the aspects of plant phylogene-tics, chemical component specificity, traditional efficacy, traditional medicinal properties, absorbed components, different processing methods and so on, which provides reference for quality evaluation, development and utilization of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.

Analysis on quality value transmitting of substance benchmark of Houpo Wenzhong Decoction / 中国中药杂志

By preparing 15 batches of lyophilized powder samples of substance benchmark in Houpo Wenzhong Decoction,the fingerprint,index component content and extract rate were determined,and the characteristic peaks,the range of similarity with the reference map,the content range and transfer rate range of magnolol,hesperidin,glycyrrhizic acid and pinocembrin,the extract rate range and the change range were clarified. The results showed that the similarity between the fingerprint of substance benchmark and the reference map R generated from the 15 batches of substance benchmark samples was higher than 0. 90. The assignment of the characteristic peaks in the full prescription's fingerprint of the herbs except Poria cocos was clarified. Nineteen characteristic peaks were assigned,and 12 characteristic peaks were assigned by the reference substance,of which 4 were from Magnolia ocinalis Cortex,5 from Exocarpium Citri Rubrum,2 from Radix aucklandiae,3 from Glycyrrhiza Radix et Rhizoma,4 from Semen Alpiniae Katsumadai,and one from Rhizoma Zingiberis and Zingiber officinale Roscoe. The index component content range and transfer rate range were 0. 80%-1. 14% and 20. 25%-39. 61% for hesperidin,0. 49%-0. 79% and 23. 09%-33. 87%for glycyrrhizic acid,0. 03%-0. 07% and 3. 55%-10. 09% for pinocembrin,0. 15%-0. 38% and 8. 08%-24. 35% for magnolol. The extract rate range and the change range were22. 60%-25. 57% and 12. 67%-23. 68% respectively. In this study,we introduced the concepts of index component content,fingerprint,extract rate,explored the transfer relation of quality value transmitting of substance benchmark in Houpo Wenzhong Decoction,and initially established the quality standard of Houpo Wenzhong Decoction,all of which would provide ideas for the development and research of similar prescriptions.

Mechanism of action of glycyrrhizin against Plasmodium falciparum

Extracts of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) are used in traditional medicine to treat malaria. The main active components are the saponin glycyrrhizin (GLR) and its active metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) which both display activities against Plasmodium falciparum. We have identified three main mechanisms at the origin of their anti-plasmodial activity: (i) drug-induced disorganisation of membrane lipid rafts, (ii) blockade of the alarmin protein HMGB1 and (iii) potential inhibition of the detoxifying enzyme glyoxalase 1 (GLO-1) considered as an important drug target for malaria. Our analysis shed light on the mechanism of action of GLR against P. falciparum.

Fingerprint analysis and Q-marker prediction of processed liquorice products / 中国中药杂志

Licorice has long been regarded as one of the most popular herbs, with a very wide clinical application range. Whether being used alone or as an ingredient in prescription, it has an important role which cannot be ignored. However, the efficacy and chemical constituents of licorice will change after honey-processing. Therefore, it is necessary to find quality markers before and after honey-processing to lay the foundation for a comprehensive evaluation of the differences between raw and processed licorice pieces. HPLC-DAD was employed to establish fingerprints of raw and processed licorice. Multivariate statistical analysis methods including principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis(OPLS-DA) were applied to screen out the differential components before and after processing of licorice. Based on network pharmacology, the targets and pathways corresponding to the differential components were analyzed with databases such as Swiss Target Prediction and Metascape, and the "component-target-pathway" diagram was constructed with Cytoscape 3.6.0 software to predict the potential quality markers. A total of 17 common peaks were successfully identified in the established fingerprint, and seven differential components were selected as potential quality markers(licoricesaponin G2, glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritigenin, liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritin apioside and isoliquiritigenin). The HPLC fingerprint method proposed in this study was efficient and feasible. The above seven differential chemical components screened out as potential quality markers of licorice can help to improve and promote the overall quality. These researches offer more sufficient theoretical basis for scientific application of licorice and its corresponding products.

Preparation of compound liquorice microemulsion gel and its pharmacodynamics evaluation / 中国中药杂志

Based on the previous study of compound liquorice microemulsion, this paper aims to prepare the compound liquorice microemulsion gel and investigate its pharmacodynamics of chronic eczema. The type, dosage and adding method of gel matrix, and formula dosage of humectant were optimized by single factor method to obtain the formula and preparation technique of the gel. With glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetin and oxymatrine used as evaluation indexes, the Franz diffusion cell method was adopted to monitor the in vitro release profile of the gel. Eczema model of delayed-type hypersensitivity in mice was chosen to detect the ear swelling rate, degree of inflammatory cell infiltration of ear pieces, and pathological changes of ear pieces, so as to investigate the therapeutic effect of the microemulsion gel. The preparation process of the compound liquorice microemulsion gel was stable. The release of glycyrrhizin and oxymatrine was most consistent with the Hixcon-Crowell kinetic model, while the release of glycyrrhizic acid was most consistent with the Ritger-Peppas kinetic model. The pharmacodynamics studies proved that compound liquorice microemulsion gel could significantly reduce the ear swelling rate in mice, with good anti-inflammatory effect as well as the ability to resist the pathological changes of chronic eczema and inhibit the infiltration of dermal inflammatory cells. Therefore, the preparation process of compound liquorice microemulsion gel is feasible, with stable drug release and a significant therapeutic effect on chronic eczema.

Analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) fingerprint of raw and honey-fried licorice based on headspace-gas-chromatography ion-mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) / 中国中药杂志

Licorice is one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese medicine. In clinic, raw licorice and honey-fried licorice are used in medicines, with the main effects in clearing away heat and detoxifying, moistening lungs and removing phlegm. Honey-fried licorice has effects in nourishing the spleen and stomach and replenishing Qi and pulse. Because traditional Chinese medicine exerts the effects through multiple components and multiple targets, the index components used in the quality evaluation of licorice are often difficult to reflect their real quality. In addition, most of studies for the quality standards have shown that honey-fried licorice are the same as licorice, with a lack of quality evaluation standards that can demonstrate their processing characteristics. The quality of medicine is directly related to its clinical efficacy, so it is necessary to establish a more effective quality control method. Licorice has a beany smell, which is one of the main quality identification characteristics. In this study, by taking advantage of the odor characteristics, a headspace-gas chromatography-ion migration mass spectrometry technology was used to establish a quality evaluation method. A total of 76 volatile components were identified. Through the dynamic principal component analysis, 7 kinds of volatile substances in raw licorice and 13 kinds of volatile substances in honey-fried licorice were statistically obtained, and could be taken as index components for the quality evaluation of raw and honey-fried licorice, respectively. This study could help realize the combination and unification of modern detection and traditional quality evaluation methods, and make a more realistic evaluation for the quality of licorice.

Effect of Pinelliae Rhizoma processed with lime and licorice on toxic lectin protein / 中国中药杂志

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of lime and licorice processing of Pinelliae Rhizoma on its toxic lectin protein and clarify the scientific detoxification connotation of lime and licorice processing of Pinelliae Rhizoma. Western blot was used to semi-quantitatively analyze the contents of lectin in Pinelliae Rhizoma and Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum. Raw products and lectin were treated by soaking in licorice juice, lime solution or mixture solution of these two to investigate the different processing time on the content of toxic lectin protein. SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis was used to analyze the changes of lectin protein bands in the solution and precipitates before and after processing. MALDI-TOF technology was used to qualitatively analyze and compare the protein molecular weight before and after processing. The results showed that the contents of lectin in Pinelliae Rhizoma and Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum were 5.01% and 0.04% respectively, indicating that processing could significantly reduce the content of active lectin in raw products. The results also showed that the content of lectin in raw drugs decreased significantly after soaking in lime solution for one day or in licorice juice for three day, and the effect was greatest in mixture solution. Qualitative analysis showed that after being treated by soaking in lime solution, the lectin protein was decomposed into small peptide segments, while after being treated by soaking in licorice juice, the lectin protein was denatured and precipitated. The structure of lectin protein in Pinelliae Rhizoma was broken after being processed with licorice juice and lime solution, which significantly reduced the content of toxic lectinprotein. This is one of the detoxification mechanisms of Pinelliae Rhizoma processing.

Virtual screen of effective AChE inhibitory constituents from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma based on pharmacophore and molecular docking / 中国中药杂志

This research is to predict anti-Alzheimer's disease active constituents on the target of acetylcholinesterase(AChE) from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma with the help of pharmacophore and molecular docking. AChE ligand-based pharmacophore model was set up and the molecular library of the constituents from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were established by collecting literature. Then the constituents from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were screen for the potential AChE inhibitory potency in silico through matching with the best pharmacophore model. The flexible docking was used to evaluate the interactions between compounds screened from pharmacophore model and AChE protein(PDB ID:4 EY7). The interactions were expressed including but not limited to CDOCKER interaction energy, hydrogen bonds and non-bonding interactions. The molecular library of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma contains 44 chemical constituents. As for the pharmacophore model, six kinds of potential AChE inhibitory constituents from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were considered to be the promising compounds according to the results of searching 3 D database of pharmacophore model. The molecular docking was possessed and the interaction patterns were given to show the detail interactions. The compounds screening from the pharmacophore model were consistent with the existing studies to some degree, indicating that the virtual screen protocols of AChE inhibitory constituents from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma based on pharmacophore and molecular docking was reliable.

Glabridin alleviates ischemia/reperfusion-induced functional failure of smooth muscle of rat ileum by upregulating the cAMP / Glabridin alivia la falla funcional inducida por isquemia/reperfusión del músculo liso de ileum murino regulando el incremento de cAMP

Despite the development of modern medicine, alternative medicine, which has not lost its timeliness, remains attractive for the treatment of various diseases. Glabridin, a major flavonoid of Glycyrrhiza glabra, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was: 1) to determine the possible protective role of glabridin against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of the intestine; 2) to evaluate the in vitrocontractile responses of ileum smooth muscles to acetylcholine after an intestinal I/R; and 3) to explain the underlying molecular mechanism of its effect. Rats were assigned to groups of six rats each; 1) I/R, 2) gla10, 3) gla20, 4) gla40, 5) N5-[imino(nitroamino)methyl]-L-ornithine, methyl ester monohydrochloride (L-NAME)+gla40, and 6) Sham group. The healing effect of glabridin was abolished by L-NAME. Glabridin did not cause contractility of the smooth muscles to acetylcholine-induced contractile responses in intestinal I/R. Yet, it increased to spontaneous basal activity.

A pesar del desarrollo de la medicina moderna, la medicina alternativa, sin perder su vigencia, sigue siendo atractiva para el tratamiento de varias enfermedades. Glabradina, el flavonoide mayoritario de Glycyrrhiza glabra, es conocido por su actividad antioxidante y antiinflamatoria. Los propósitos de este estudio fueron: 1) Determinar el posible rol protector de glabradina ante daños intestinales por isquemia/reperfusion (I/R) 2) Evaluar in vitrolas respuestas de contracción de los músculos lisos del ileum ante acetilcolina después de I/R intestinal; y 3) Explicar el mecanismo molecular subyacente de este efecto. Se asignaron grupos de seis ratas: 1) I/R, 2) gla10, 3) gla20, 4) gla40, 5) N5-[imino(nitroamino)metil]-L-ornithina, metil ester monohidrochloruro (L-NAME)+gla40, y 6) Grupo testigo. El efecto curativo de glabridina fue abolido por L-NAME. Glabridina no causó contracción en el músculo liso como respuesta acetilcolina-inducida I/R. Además, incrementa la actividad basal expontánea.

Antibacterial Activity of Glycyrrhiza Glabra Roots against food-borne bacterial pathogens / Actividad Antibacteriana de la Raíz de Glycyrrhiza glabra Contra las Bacterias Patógenas Transmitidas por los Alimentos

ABSTRACT Objective: The antibacterial activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice) roots was evaluated against several food-borne bacterial pathogens. Methods: The in vitro anti-bacterial activity was evaluated by determining the zone diameter of inhibition (ZDI), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using the aqueous. Ethanolic and methanolic extracts of the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra. Results: Therefore, significant increase in inhibitory feature was observed because of increase in extracts concentration. In addition, the aqueous extract was more effective than the others; while, among the tested bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most sensitive and the most resistant, respectively. Conclusion: Extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots can potentially be used in the pharmaceutical and food industries as preservatives or antimicrobial agents.

RESUMEN Objetivo: La actividad antibacteriana del extracto de raíces de Glycyrrhiza glabra (regaliz) fue evaluada frente a varias bacterias patógenas trasmitidas por los alimentos. Métodos: La actividad antimicrobiana se evalúa determinando el diámetro de la zona de inhibición (DZI), y la concentración bactericida mínima (CBM). Extractos acuosos, etanólicos y metanólicos de la raíz de Glycyrrhiza glabra fueron analizados en su actividad antibacteriana in vitro. Resultados: Por lo tanto, se observó un aumento significativo en la característica inhibitoria debido al aumento en la concentración de extractos. Además, el extracto acuoso fue más eficaz que los otros, en tanto que, entre las bacterias probadas, Staphylococcus aureus y Pseudomonas aeruginosa fueron las más sensibles y las más resistentes, respectivamente. Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren que los extractos de raíz de Glycyrrhiza glabra tienen un uso potencial en la industria farmacéutica y alimentaria, y pueden ser útiles como conservantes o agentes antimicrobianos.

Incompatibility mechanism of Crotonis Semen Pulveratum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma based on diuretic effect and intestinal flora structure / 中国中药杂志

Based on the toxic characteristics caused by the compatibility between "Zaoji Suiyuan" and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, which was found in the previous studies, the expanded study was carried out on the incompatibility mechanism between Crotonis Semen Pulveratum(CT) and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(GU) with the diuretic effect and intestinal flora as the characteristic indexes. The results showed that GU could slow down the rapid diuretic effect of CT, which suggested a tendency of decreasing the efficacy. Both the high and low dose of CT could significantly induce the intestinal injury and change the intestinal bacteria structure of mice. Low dose CT combined with GU could significantly increase the levels of Streptococcus and Rikenellaceae＿ukn. The relative abundance of Desulfovibrio and Streptococcaceae＿ukn were increased after the combined application of high dose CT and GU. It also suggested that there was a risk of inflammation in the liver and intestines when combined application of these two herbs. The results revealed that the combination of CT and GU has a tendency to reduce the clinical effect and increase the toxicity from the aspects of its traditional efficacy and its effect on intestinal microflora structure, which could provide the data for the clinical use of CT.

Research on grades evaluation of Glycyrrizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle based on Chinese medicine quality constant / 中国中药杂志

Grade of Chinese medicine slices is the most clear and most direct way to characterize the quality of Chinese medicine slices,also the basis of realizing " good quality and good prices",and it can guarantee the industry health development. Therefore,grade evaluation of Chinese medicine slices( GECMS) is highly valued and has grown rapidly in the industry. In recent years,due to the comprehensive and measureable features,the Chinese medicine quality constant evaluation method has been gradually recognized and applied.The paper is to establish a method of grades evaluation of Glycyrrizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle( GRRPCM) based on the Chinese medicine quality constant. 20 batches of samples were collected from Chinese herbal slices enterprises and 14 batches of qualified samples were selected to determine their external morphological indexes and inner quality indexes,then their Chinese medicine quality constants were calculated and the grades were determined. The results revealed that the relative quality constant of these samples ranged from 0. 70 to 14. 08,with a percentage quality constant from 4. 95 to 100. 00. If these samples were divided into three grades: the relative quality constant shall be ≥11. 27 or percentage quality constant ≥80. 03 for the first grade; the relative quality constant shall be <11. 27 but ≥7. 04,or percentage quality constant <80. 03 and ≥49. 99 for the second grade; while for the third grade,the relative quality constant shall be <7. 04 or the percentage quality constant <49. 99. This research indicates that Chinese quality constant can be used to objectively grade the herbal slices,providing reference for grades standard development of complex processing slices. In addition,the connotation of GECMS that has evaluate the mass discrepancy is discussed for expanding application.

High quality and superior effect of Dachuanxiong Formula based on quality constant grading evaluation technology of Chinese medicine pieces / 中国中药杂志

Quality constant is a kind of grading evaluation method of traditional Chinese medicine pieces based on the combination of traditional knowledge and modern quality control. This method has been successfully applied in the grading evaluation of Glycyrrizae Radix et Rhizome pieces and traditional Chinese medicine pieces,and with a positive influence in the industry. With Dachuanxiong Formula for example,different grades of Ligusticum chuanxiong and Gastrodia elata pieces formed high-quality,moderate and qualified Dachuanxiong Formula on the basis of the grading evaluation of the pieces,and the pharmacodynamics method was used to evaluate its efficacy. The results showed that the maximum vascular diastolic rates of Dachuanxiong Formula in the three grades were( 80. 3±5. 2) %,( 67. 0±6. 1) %and( 60. 3±6. 5) %,and the strength of pharmacodynamics was positively correlated with the grade of L. chuanxiong and G. elata pieces.The quality constant technique can objectively and quantitatively classify single decoctions,and has important correlations and prompts for the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions composed of these pieces,with important significance in promoting hierarchical management of the industry,implementing better price for high quality and defining high quality and superior effect.