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.

Chemical constituents of triterpenoid saponins from Glycyrrhiza glabra / 药学学报

Ten triterpenoid saponins were isolated and purified from the water extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra by polyamide resin combined with macroporous resin column chromatography, ODS medium pressure column chromatography and semi-preparative RP-HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by physicochemical properties, NMR and MS spectra, and determined as 3β-O-[β-D-glucuronpyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucuronpyranosyl]-30β-O-β-D-glucuronpyranosyl-oleanane-11-oxo-12(13)-ene (1), 3β-O-[β-D-glucuronpyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucuronpyranosyl]-30β-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-oleanane-11-oxo-12(13)-en-22β,30-diol (2), uralsaponin C (3), licorice-saponin A3 (4), licorice-saponin P2 (5), 22β-acetoxyl-glycyrrhizin (6), macedonoside A (7), 29-hydroxyl-glycyrrhizin (8), licorice-saponin G2 (9), glycyrrhizin (10). Compounds 1 and 2 are two new compounds and named as licorice-saponin R3 and licorice-saponin S3.

Clinical evaluation of aphrodisiac activity of a novel ayurvedic formulation for treatment of male sexual disorders

Background: Sida cordifolia Linn. and Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. have been mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and sexual properties. After finding good results in treatment of male sexual disorders during pre-clinical studies, this clinical trial was taken up to assess the spermatogenesis action of aqueous extract of roots of these two plants.Methods: The study used qualitative criteria such as primary and secondary symptoms and quantitative investigations such as haematological investigations, hormonal analysis and semen analysis for assessing the therapeutic efficacy of research formulation through placebo controlled clinical trials on 50 males having lack of sexual desire and non-satisfactory sexual life.Results: Very high inhibition was noticed in respect of primary symptoms such as lack of libido, difficulty in ejaculation or little amount of semen, as well as secondary symptoms such as nausea, body ache, headache, indigestion, loss of appetite and general weakness in the research group. Lack of any adverse changes in haematological parameters (blood sugar, haemoglobin, ESR, RBC and WBC) and biochemical parameters (bilirubin, protein, SGPT and SGOT and ALP) indicate the non-toxic nature of research formulation. The hormonal levels registered a significant increase during clinical study in research group, especially the testosterone level (10.36%). Semen quality evaluated through sperm count, motility and morphology showed a significant improvement in research group, suggesting that administration of research drug in cases of stress-related sexual problems protected healthy cells by reduced generation of ROS and helped maintain quality parameters of spermatozoa during spermatogenesis.Conclusions: The research formulation made from roots of Sida cordifolia Linn. and Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. showed good and significant (p<0.05) therapeutic efficacy through inhibition of primary and secondary symptoms and enhancement in hormonal and seminal parameters, validating its spermatogenesis effect without any toxic or adverse effects.

Cloning and Bioinformatic Analysis of ARPI Gene from Glycyrrhiza glabra / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To clone the complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) of auxin/indole acetic acid protein (Aux/IAA) from Glycyrrhiza glabra (GgARPI) and analyze its sequence by bioinformatics. Method::RNA was extracted from fresh root of G. glabra, the cDNA sequence of GgARPI gene was cloned by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), then sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were performed. Result::The GgARPI cDNA sequence with the full length of 686 bp was obtained from G. glabra. The full open reading frame (ORF) was 585 bp, encoding 194 amino acid residues. The bioinformatic analysis showed that the protein coded by GgARPI was a stable hydrophilic protein, with a relative molecular weight of 21.95 kDa and isoelectric point of 6.85.It contained no signal peptides or transmembrane domain. Its secondary structure mainly consisted of random coil. An Aux/IAA superfamily was included in the conversed domain. Homology analysis indicated that it had a close evolutionary relationship with leguminous plants, and a distant evolutionary relationship with monocotyledon, such as Setaria italica. Conclusion::GgARPI cDNA sequence is successfully cloned from G. glabra for the first time, which will lay a foundation for studying the function of GgARPI and explaining the molecular regulatory mechanism of biosynthesis of glycyrrhizic acid in G. glabra.

Molecular Cloning and Sequence Analysis of GgUGE Gene in Glycyrrhiza glabra / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To clone the cDNA sequence of UDP-glucose 4-epimerase (UGE) in Glycyrrhiza glabra and analyze its sequence, so as to explore the potential relationship between the UGE gene and the molecular regulatory mechanisms of glycyrrhizic acid biosynthesis. Method::The cDNA sequence of UGE was cloned from the root of G. glabra by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), then sequenced and analyzed by bioinformatics software. Results::A GgUGE cDNA sequence with the full length of 1 121 bp was obtained. The open reading fame (ORF) of GgUGE was 1 053 bp, encoding 350 amino acid residues. The GgUGE cDNA sequence was submitted to GenBank, and the accession No. was MK638908. Sequence analysis showed that GgUGE was an unstable hydrophilic protein, its average relative molecular weight was 39.02 kDa, and isoelectric point was 6.13. It contained no signal peptides or transmembrane domains. Its secondary structure mainly constituted of α-helix and had a conversed domain of UDP-glucose 4-epimerase superfamily. The homologoue analysis showed that the cDNA and amino acid sequences of GgUGE had the closest evolutionary relationship to Leguminosae and relatively distant evolutionary relationship to Salicaceae. Conclusion::In this study, GgUGE cDNA sequence is successfully cloned from G. glabra for the very first time, which will provide reference for studying the function of GgUGE and explaining the molecular regulatory mechanisms of glycyrrhizic acid biosynthesis in G. glabra.

Phyto-Chemical Screening Of Root Extracts Of Glycyrrhiza Glabra By Spectroscopic Methods (UV-VIS Spectrophotometer, Ftir & Hplc)

Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice, has traditionally been used in various medicinal preparations as expectorant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, anti allergic agent. It has also prominent role in skin whitening and has anti-inflammatory and esterogenic properties. This study aims to the characterization of the bioactive constituent glabridin in plant extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra in ethanol, methanol and ethyl acetate using UV-VIS and FTIR and HPLC. A wavelength scan (200-600 nm) by UV-Vis spectrophotometer was performed and the characteristic peaks were recorded. The scan confirmed presence of glabridin with λmax at 281 nm with a small number of additional phytochemicals indicated by the extra peaks. FTIR spectrum of 62% pure glabridin was compared to the spectra shown by the three extracts. Presence of glabridin in all the three extracts was corroborated by HPLC analysis with the retention time of 4.05 minute. Glabridin was also evaluated for its antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acne, causative agent of Acne vulgaris and found to have the detrimental effect at concentration 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm.

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.

Hydroalcoholic extract of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) root attenuates ethanol and cerulein induced pancreatitis in rats

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic potential of hydroalcoholic extract of licorice root against ethanol and cerulein induced chronic pancreatitis in rats. Methods: The phytochemical profile of hydroalcoholic extract of licorice root was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Chronic pancreatitis was induced in male albino Wistar rats by feeding them a diet containing ethanol (0%-36% of total calories) for 4 weeks and cerulein (20 μg/kg b.wt, i.p.) thrice a week for 3 weeks. Lipase and amylase in serum, lipid peroxides and antioxidants including reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase in pancreas were determined. Inflammatory response was measured by myeloperoxidase in the pancreas, caspase-1 and the concentrations of IL-1 β and IL-18 in serum. Moreover, histological evaluation of the pancreas and liver was carried out. Results: Different flavonoids and saponins were identified in the hydroalcoholic extract of licorice root through HPLC and GC-MS. A marked increase in the levels of serum lipase, amylase, lipid peroxides, caspase-1, myeloperoxidase, IL-1 β, and IL-18 and a marked decrease in the levels of antioxidants were observed after ethanol and cerulein administration. Treatment with hydroalcoholic extract of licorice root attenuated these changes. In addition, histological observation confirmed the protective effect of the extract in the pancreas and liver against inflammatory changes induced by ethanol and cerulein. Conclusions: The licorice root extract attenuates ethanol and cerulein induced pancreatitis in rats probably due to its antioxidant phytonutrients since ethanol and cerulein-induced production of reactive oxygen species contributes to severe inflammation in the pancreas.

Influence of traditional medicines on the activity of keratinocytes in wound healing: an in-vitro study / 대한해부학회지

Natural medicinal systems such as Ayurveda and folk medicine has remedies for wound management. However, the exact cellular and extracellular mechanisms involved in the healing process and its influence on keratinocytes is less discussed. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of certain natural wound healing medicines on the biology of the keratinocytes/HaCaT cells. Test materials such as honey (H), ghee (G), aqueous extracts of roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) and leaves of Nerium indicum (NI) were considered. The HaCaT cells were treated with the test materials singly and in combinations (H+G, all combined [Tot]) for a specific period (24, 48, and 72 hours). The cells were then subjected to cytotoxicity/proliferation and migration/scratch assays. All the test materials, except NI, were non-cytotoxic and showed increased cell proliferation at variable concentrations. Significant observations were made in the groups treated with honey (100 µg/ml at 48 hours, P<0.05; 1,000 µg/ml at 72 hours, P<0.05), GG (all concentrations at 48 hours, P<0.05; 750 µg/ml at 72 hours, P<0.05), H+G (250 µg/ml at 24 hours, P<0.001; 500 µg/ml at 48 and 72 hours, P<0.05), and Tot (50 µg/ml at 24, 48 and 72 hours, P<0.01). In the in-vitro wound healing assay, all the treated groups showed significant migration and narrowing of the scratch area by 24 and 48 hours (P<0.001) compared to control. The results obtained from the present study signifies the positive influence of these natural wound healing compounds on keratinocytes/HaCaT cells.

Hydroalcoholic extract of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) root attenuates ethanol and cerulein induced pancreatitis in rats

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic potential of hydroalcoholic extract of licorice root against ethanol and cerulein induced chronic pancreatitis in rats. Methods: The phytochemical profile of hydroalcoholic extract of licorice root was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Chronic pancreatitis was induced in male albino Wistar rats by feeding them a diet containing ethanol (0％-36％ of total calories) for 4 weeks and cerulein (20 μg/kg b.wt, i.p.) thrice a week for 3 weeks. Lipase and amylase in serum, lipid peroxides and antioxidants including reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase in pancreas were determined. Inflammatory response was measured by myeloperoxidase in the pancreas, caspase-1 and the concentrations of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum. Moreover, histological evaluation of the pancreas and liver was carried out. Results: Different flavonoids and saponins were identified in the hydroalcoholic extract of licorice root through HPLC and GC-MS. A marked increase in the levels of serum lipase, amylase, lipid peroxides, caspase-1, myeloperoxidase, IL-1β, and IL-18 and a marked decrease in the levels of antioxidants were observed after ethanol and cerulein administration. Treatment with hydroalcoholic extract of licorice root attenuated these changes. In addition, histological observation confirmed the protective effect of the extract in the pancreas and liver against inflammatory changes induced by ethanol and cerulein. Conclusions: The licorice root extract attenuates ethanol and cerulein induced pancreatitis in rats probably due to its antioxidant phytonutrients since ethanol and cerulein-induced production of reactive oxygen species contributes to severe inflammation in the pancreas.

Anti-Nociceptive effect of Glycyrrhiza Glabra root extract on Chronic Constriction Injury of Sciatic Nerve Induced Neuropathic pain and some selected inflammatory biomarkers in experimental animals

@# Multiple causes of neuropathic pain have been identified and its incidence is likely to increase owing to the ageing global population. Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) is a medicinal plant known to be a highly efficacious medicinal herb with several pharmacological effects. Few researchers have demonstrated anti-nociceptive activity of licorice acute pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-nociceptive effect of prepared aqueous extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra root administration on chronic constriction injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve induced neuropathic pain and some selected inflammatory biomarkers in adult male wistar rats. Seven groups of 5 rats per group were used. Groups 1 and 2 were controls. Administration started in groups 3, 4, and 5 three days after surgery and continued for 18 days. Group 3 received 10mg/kg of Imipramine. Groups 4 and 5 received 75mg/kg and 150mg/kg of licorice respectively. Groups 6 and 7 received 75mg/kg and 150mg/kg respectively for 10 days before surgery. Paw withdrawal thresholds were assessed using hot plate method on days 3, 7, 14, and 21. On day 21, plasma level of tumor necrotic factor (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined using appropriate ELISA kits. There was significant change in pain threshold in the extract treated ameliorative groups when compared with the control and the ameliorative reference drug. TNF- alpha and CRP concentrations were significantly reduced in groups 6 and 7, compared with groups 1, 2 and 3. In conclusion, anti-nociceptive activity of licorice and its effect on TNF-α, and CRP are dose dependent and administration before surgery was more effective.

Physical And Phyto-chemical Evaluation Of Glycyrrhiza Glabra Linn (yashtimadhu)

Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn (Yashtimadhu) is a perennial herb commonly known as liquorice. The drug is used in many Ayurvedic formulations like Dasamoolarishtam, Aswagandharishtam, Phalasarpighrita, Khadiragulika, Madhuyastyaditaila etc. Ascertaining the identity, genuineness and purity of herbal drugs has an important role in the maintenance of the quality of the drug and its formulations. The present study was undertaken to assess the preliminary Phyto-chemical constituents of the drug. The preliminary phyto-chemical analysis including quantitative data, qualitative chemical analysis, Thin Layer Chromatography, High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy were determined. The preliminary Phyto-chemical characteristics observed in the herb may help in standardization, identification and in carrying out further research in Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.

Chemical constituents of flavonoids from roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra / 中草药

Objective To study the chemical constituents from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra. Methods Compounds were separated and purified by silica gel and preparative HPLC. The structures were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral analyses. Results Ten isoflavanes were isolated and identified as glabrene T (1), glabridin (2), glyasperin C (3), licoricidin (4), isolicoflavonol (5), licoisoflavone A (6), licoisoflavone B (7), semilicoisoflavone B (8), formononetin (9), and liquiritigenin (10), respectively. Conclusion Compound 1 is a new isoflavane. Compounds 3-6 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

The molecular identification of licorice species and the quality evaluation of licorice slices / 药学学报

Licorice is one of the most common herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, and classified as top grade in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. There are three different original plants of licorice stipulated in Chinese Pharmacopeia, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., and Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat. However, previous investigation showed that the pharmacodynamic effects of the three licorices were quite different. It is very difficult to identify them by the classical identification methods. In order to establish a fast and effective identification method, we collected 240 licorice plants from 21 populations of 7 provinces, and amplified their ITS and psbA-trnH sequences. ITS sequences with a full length of 616 bp and psbA-trnH sequences with a full length of 389 bp were obtained separately. Using DNAMAN to analyze these sequences, 4 variable sites were found in ITS sequences and 2 ITS haplotypes were determined, and 3 variable sites were found in psbA-trnH sequences and 4 psbA-trnH haplotypes were determined. With the combination analysis of ITS and psbA-trnH sequences, the molecular identification method of original licorice was established. Using this method, 40 samples of licorice slices collected from 4 main herbal material markets in China were identified successfully. Furthermore, the contents of 2 triterpenes, 18α-glycyrrhizic acid and 18β-glycyrrhizic acid, and 4 flavonoids, liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, and isoliquiritigenin in these licorice pieces were examined by HPLC and the results were analyzed using SPSS 21.0. This study provides a new method in identification of licorice, which may serve as a guideline for quality control of licorice slices.

Antifungal efficacy of three medicinal plants Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ficus religiosa, and Plantago major against oral Candida albicans: A comparative analysis.

Introduction: From ancient times, plants with medicinal values are being tested and used in the treatment of various infectious diseases. Aims and Objectives: The present in vitro study was designed to assess the antifungal activity of three commonly available medicinal plants Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ficus religiosa, and Plantago major on inhibiting oral Candida albicans in comparison to standard antifungal agents. Materials and Methods: Bark of G. glabra, stem of F. religiosa, and husk of P. major were collected, crushed into fine powder, and dissolved in 67% ethanol. Extracts were subjected to antifungal efficacy test against oral C. albicans (ATCC 66027) using Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Mean zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measured by HI antibiotic zone scale. One‑way ANOVA using Tukey’s post hoc and t‑test were applied for statistical analysis. Results: G. glabra was found to be most effective among the three with highest mean ZOI measuring 19.8 ± 0.83, 19.4 ± 0.54, and 18.2 ± 1.09 at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Tukey’s post hoc test showed statistically nonsignificant difference between antifungal activity of F. religiosa and P. major with itraconazole 10 mcg. Conclusion: G. glabra, F. religiosa, and P. major showed acceptable potency against C. albicans (ATCC 66027) comparable to that of synthetic antifungal agents. However, further studies should be undertaken to affirm the same and test their efficacy in different concentrations and clinical utility.

Antimicrobial efficacy of three medicinal plants Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ficus religiosa, and Plantago major on inhibiting primary plaque colonizers and periodontal pathogens: An in vitro study.

Introduction: From ancient times, plants with medicinal values are being tested and used in treatment of various infectious disease. Aims and Objectives: The present in vitro study was designed to assess the antimicrobial activity of three commonly available medicinal plants Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ficus religiosa, and Plantago major on inhibiting Primary plaque colonizers and periodontal pathogens. Materials and Methods: Bark of G. glabra, Stem of F. religiosa, and husk of P. major were collected, crushed into fine powder, and dissolved in 67% ethanol. Extracts were then subjected to test antimicrobial efficacy against primary plaque colonizers and periodontal pathogens using Kirby‑Bauer disc diffusion method. Mean zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measured by HI antibiotic zone scale. One‑way ANOVA using Tukey’s post hoc and t‑test were applied for statistical analysis. Results: G. glabra was found to have potential antibacterial activity against primary plaque colonizers and periodontal pathogens with highest mean ZOI measuring 9.2 ± 1.09 mm and 10.6 ± 0.54 mm at 24 h, respectively. F. religiosa showed antibacterial activity against primary plaque colonizers only at 48 h with mean ZOI of 2.6 ± 0.54 mm. P. major showed no antibacterial activity against any of the microorganism in this study. Tukey‘s post hoc test showed statistically nonsignificant difference between G. glabra and standard antibiotic (vancomycin 10 mcg) for periodontal pathogens. Conclusion: G. glabra and F. religiosa showed antibacterial activity against primary plaque colonizers and periodontal pathogens. However, further studies should be undertaken to affirm the same and test their efficacy in different concentration and clinical utility.

Evaluation of Anticlastogenic effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract against Cyclophosphamide induced Chromosomal aberration in Swiss albino Mice.

Background: Indian subcontinent is a vast repository of medicinal plants that are used in traditional medical treatments. Various indigenous systems such as Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani and Allopathy use several plant species to treat different ailments. Ayurveda includes diet and herbal remedies, while emphasizing the body, mind and spirit in disease prevention and treatment. Since origin of human’s life, medicinal plants continue to play a curative and therapeutic role in preserving human health against disease. Herbal plants have been a rich source of medicines because they produce a host of bioactive molecules, most of which probably evolved as chemical defenses against predation or infection. Objective: The study was aimed towards evaluation of Immuno-enhancing potential of hydromethanolic root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra through the prevention of Mutagenecity caused by Clastogenic or Chemotherapeutic agents in bone marrow cells of Swiss albino mice. Methods: For the assessment of Anti-clastogenic efficacy of G. glabra hydromethanolic root extract, the Bone marrow Chromosomal aberration assay was used and the single i.p. of G. glabra extract given at the doses of 300, 450 and 600mg/kg body weight, 24 hours prior the administration of Cyclophosphamide at the dose of 50 mg/kg body wt. Results: The present investigation revealed that, the doses of 450 and 600mg/kg body wt. provided significant protection against Cyclophosphamide induced Chromosomal aberration in the bone marrow cells of Swiss albino mice. A dose dependent inhibition was observed which was statistically significant (p<0.05) when compared to Cyclophosphamide group. It was observed that G. glabra root extract alone has not induced any Chromosomal aberration. Conclusion: Thus in Mutagenecity assay, G. glabra root extract possess protective potential against Cyclophosphamide induced Mutagenecity in mouse Bone marrow cells. It may be concluded that this herbal extract have Anti-clastogenic agents which showed Anti-mutagenic nature.

Assessment of median lethal dose and anti-mutagenic effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract against chemically induced micronucleus formation in Swiss albino mice.

Background: To assess the median lethal dose and evaluate the anti-chemotherapeutic effects of hydro-methanolic root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra on the cyclophosphamide (CP) induced mutagenicity in bone marrow cells of Swiss albino mice. Methods: For the assessments of LD50, hydro-methanolic root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra were intra-peritoneally administered at doses of 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, and 1200 mg/kg body weight. For the mutagenicity study, bone marrow micronucleus test was used and the single i.p. of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract given at the dose of 300, 450, and 600 mg/kg body weight, 24 hrs prior the administration of CP (at the dose of 50 mg/kg body weight). Results: The present investigations revealed that, the median lethal dose/LD50 was observed at the dose of 833.3 mg/kg body weight. The results suggest that, the doses of 450 and 600 mg/kg body weight expressed signifi cant preventive potential against CP induced Micronucleus formation in student ‘t’ test at dose dependent manner in the bone marrow cells of Swiss albino mice. Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract alone has not induced micronucleus formation. Conclusion: Based on this study, it may be concluded that Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract possess anti-mutagenic behavior and this hydro-methanolic crude extract may be safe as per the LD50 was observed.

In vivo antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract on carbon tetra chloride (CCl4) induced oxidative-stress mediated hepatotoxicity.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra hydromethanolic root extract against carbon tetra chloride (CCl4) induced oxidative-stress mediated hepatotoxicity in liver tissue of Swiss albino mice. Background: Medicinal plants play a vital role for the development of new drugs. Glycyrrhiza glabra is a widely used medicinal plant. It has many phyto-constituents and active components, which can be used for many diseases. Methods: For the antioxidant and hepatoprotective study, measurement of GSH, CAT, LPO bio-markers in Liver tissue of Swiss albino mice were taken. The animals were divided in six different groups each having 4 mice. The requisite dose of CCl4 was dissolved in appropriate solvent (1.5ml/kg body wt) and administrated as single i.p. dose per mice after 6 hr of last treatment of extract to the animals in each group. Mice were received orally administration of extract up to 7 days. Positive Control group received single i.p. injection of 1.5ml/kg body wt CCl4 in 0.9% saline. Results: The results suggest that, the crude extract of root of G. glabra at the doses of 300 and 600mg/kg body wt. expressed significant hepatoprotective potential against CCl4 induced oxidative stress mediated hepatotoxicity in student ‘t’ test (p<0.05) at dose dependent manner in the Liver tissue of Swiss albino mice. G. glabra root extract alone has not induced hepatotoxicity. Conclusion: Based on this study, It may be concluded that Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract possess hepatoprotective potential in Swiss albino mice.

Role of glycyrrhiza glabra root extract in dendritic arborization and dendritic intersections of hippocampal CA1 neurons in 3-months old rats.

The hippocampus is located bilaterally in the medial temporal lobe; within the hippocampus the flow of information is unidirectional. Repeated psychological stress, aging and dementia may leads to the dendritic atrophy in CA1 pyramidal neurons of hippocampus. Accordingly, the present study was designed to investigate the role of aqueous root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Gg) treatment on the dendritic arborization and dendritic intersections of hippocampal CA1 neurons in 3 months old male Wistar albino rats. The aqueous root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra was administered orally in four different doses (75, 150, 225 and 300 mg/kg) for 2, 4 and 6 weeks duration, respectively. At the end of the spatial memory tests, the rats were sacrificed by deeply anesthetized Pentobarbitone, their brains were removed rapidly and Hippocampal CA1 region studied through Rapid Golgi staining. Hippocampal CA1 neurons were traced using camera lucida, and Quantification of dendritic branching points and dendritic intersections were quantified by using concentric circle method of Sholl. All the doses of aqueous root extract of Gg for 6 weeks showed significantly enhanced dendritic arborization and dendritic intersections however in the dose of 150 and 225 mg/kg/p.o showed a significant (p<0.01) enhancement of dendritic arborization and dendritic intersections along the length of both apical and basal dendrites in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons is comparable to control. However, the rats treated for 2 and 4 weeks did not show any significant change in hippocampal CA1 neuronal dendritic arborization. Thus the constituents present in aqueous root extract of Gg may stimulate the release of neuromodulators or neuronal dendritic growth stimulating factors that alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are involved in learning and memory, which thereby may be useful in management of impaired learning, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.