Evaluating shelf life and anti-browning of shrimp by chitosan-coated nanoliposome loaded with licorice root extract.

Chitosan coating containing nanoliposomes loaded with licorice root extract was prepared to investigate shrimp's shelf life and anti-browning function during 20 days of ice storage. 1% licorice root hydroethanolic extract (LHE) was encapsulated in nanoliposomes or coated with chitosan, and then the shrimp were immersed in coating solutions. LHE treatment had the lowest browning indices (5 and 1.02), TBA (0.32 mg MDA/kg), and FFA (0.01%). Chitosan-coated LHE treatment (Ch-LHE) showed the best performance for TVN, microbial counts, and discoloration. PV, WHC, and cook loss in the treatment with LHE nanoliposome coated with chitosan (Ch-N-LHE) were measured at acceptable levels of 0.53 meq/kg, 86.12%, and 15.06%, respectively. Experiments showed that pure or encapsulated LHE is an effective method for increasing the quality and preventing the browning of shrimp. Additionally, due to its cost-effectiveness and health benefits, it can be an effective natural substitute for sodium metabisulfite at the global export level.

A promising eco-sustainable wound dressing based on cellulose extracted from Spartium junceum L. and impregnated with Glycyrrhiza glabra L extract: Design, production and biological properties.

Glycyrrhiza glabra extract is widely known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can improve the wound healing process. The aim of this work was to shorten the time of the healing process by using an eco-sustainable wound dressing based on Spanish broom flexible cellulosic fabric by impregnation with G. glabra extract-loaded ethosomes. Chemical analysis of G. glabra extract was performed by LC-DAD-MS/MS and its encapsulation into ethosomes was obtained using the ethanol injection method. Lipid vesicles were characterized in terms of size, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, and stability. In vitro release studies, biocompatibility, and scratch test on 3T3 fibroblasts were performed. Moreover, the structure of Spanish broom dressing and its ability to absorb wound exudate was characterized by Synchrotron X-ray phase contrast microtomography (SR-PCmicroCT). Ethosomes showed a good entrapment efficiency, nanometric size, good stability over time and a slow release of polyphenols compared to the free extract, and were not cytotoxic. Lastly, the results revealed that Spanish broom wound dressing loaded with G. glabra ethosomes is able to accelerate wound closure by reducing wound healing time. To sum up, Spanish broom wound dressing could be a potential new green tool for biomedical applications.

Ameliorative effect of licorice extract against the detrimental effect of glyphosate-based pesticide: Toxicity and health.

This study sheds the light on the potential of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root aqueous extract as a cornerstone for mitigating and detoxifying the residues of the widely used agricultural Glyphosate-based pesticides (GBPs). This study examined the GBPs toxic effects on kidney, liver, thyroid functions, and apoptosis using 50 adult male albino rats. All rats were divided into 5 groups, with 10 each. Control: served as untreated rats. GBP: rats were treated with 1 mL glyphosate solution 24 % orally for three weeks. The glyphosate-treated rats were gavaged with licorice root aqueous extractsolution (100, 200, and 300 mg/mLdistilled water, respectively) daily for three weeks. Licorice root aqueous extract solution (300 mg/mL distilled water) yielded notable reductions in liver, kidney enzymes, albumin, and AFP levels within the serum. Immunological tests, including immunohistochemical evaluations of caspase-3 and TNF-α expressions revealed a dose-dependent attenuation of apoptosis and inflammation with licorice intervention. This will provide a valuable perspective for agricultural practices future and paving the way for a more sustainable approach for using GBPs in animal agriculture industries.

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract Modulates Type 1 T Helper (TH1) and Regulatory T Cell-Related Immune Responses in an Animal Model of Breast Cancer.

Background: It is well-known that TH1 and Treg cells exert anti- and pro-tumorigenic activity, respectively. Thus, TH1 cell suppression together with Treg cell hyperactivation contribute to tumor development. Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra) has various immunomodulatory and anti-tumorigenic properties. Objective: To explore the impacts of G. glabra extract on different parameters related to TH1 and Treg cells using a breast cancer (BC) model. Methods: Four groups of Balb/C mice bearing 4T1 cell-induced BC were treated intraperitoneally with either saline or G. glabra extract at dosages of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg (G. glabra-50, G. glabra-100, and G. glabra-150, respectively). After sacrificing animals on day 26, the frequency of splenic TH1 and Treg cells, the levels of serum IFN-γ, TGF-ß, and IL-12, and intra-tumoral expressions of granzyme-B, T-bet, and FOXP3 were assessed. Results: Compared to untreated tumor control (UTC) group, treatment with G. glabra-50, G. glabra-100, or G. glabra-150 increased the survival rate, percentage of TH1 cells, and T-bet expression. Conversely, they reduced the percentage of Treg cells, and serum TGF-ß levels. In comparison to the UTC group, treatment with G. glabra-50 and G. glabra-150 increased the serum IL-12 levels. Treatment with G. glabra-100 and G. glabra-150 boosted granzyme-B expression. Treatment with G. glabra-150 elevated IFN-γ levels, while treatment with G. glabra-50 decreased the FOXP3 expression. IL-12 levels were higher in mice treated with G. glabra-150 compared to those treated with G. glabra-100. Conclusion: Treatment of mice with BC using G. glabra extract improved survival rate, reduced tumor growth, and modulated T cell-mediated immune responses.

Qualitative analysis of licorice and strychnine decoction before and after combination using UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (GG) and Strychnos nux-vomica L. (NV) are traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Changes in the chemical composition may occur before and after the GG-NV compatibility. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography Q-exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS) was applied here to study the difference in the components of the GG and NV decoctions before and after they were combined. The changes in the chemical composition of GG and NV before and after the combination were determined. METHODS: The precise molecular weight, retention time, and fragment ion peak of the different components of the decoctions before and after compatibility were obtained through UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS. Differential analysis methods, such as principal component analysis, were used for comparison. RESULTS: In the positive ion mode, 200 new components were added, whereas six components were lost. In the negative ion mode, 144 new compounds were identified, whereas three components were missing. CONCLUSIONS: The compatibility difference between GG and NV was studied through UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS. The chemical composition of GG and NV changed before and after compatibility, and a class of compounds different from GG and NV was identified in the co-decoction. This study provides an experimental basis for subsequent research into detoxification mechanisms of the GG-NV combination and offers a new analytical method for investigating the compatibility of various other TCM pairs.

Chemical quality evaluation and characteristics of interspecific hybrid (G. uralensis × G. glabra) C-18 strain as a new Licorice cultivar.

The development of new cultivars is essential for establishing a method of producing licorice in Japan. A suitable new cultivar for domestic licorice production, known as the interspecific hybrid strain C-18, was developed by crossbreeding Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (as the seed parent, possessing a high glycyrrhizin (GL) content, strain OMP-28) and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (as the pollen parent, known for vigorous growth, strain OMP-10). Both G. uralensis and G. glabra are specified in the Pharmacopoeia of Japan (18th edition) as the source plants for Glycyrrhizae Radix. After 2 years of cultivation, strain C-18 exhibited robust growth, with a fresh weight of 148.8 g and a stem diameter of 0.89 mm. The GL content in the dry weight was measured at 3.61%. Seedlings cultivated from rhizomes in the field for 2 years showed a tap root fresh weight per plant of 120 ± 21 g, with an average GL content relative to the dry weight of 2.68% ± 0.38%. Although glabridin, a characteristic compound of G. glabra, was not detected, glycycoumarin, a characteristic compound of G. uralensis, was detected via HPLC analysis. Strain C-18 contained glycycoumarin as a characteristic compound of G. uralensis but lacked glabridin, a compound characteristic of G. glabra. Additionally, 2,3-dehydrokievitone (1) and parvisoflavone A (2) were identified as distinctive components of the interspecific hybrid (G. uralensis × G. glabra) C-18.

Rice seeds biofortification using biogenic iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by using Glycyrrhiza glabra: a study on growth and yield improvement.

Iron, a crucial micronutrient, is an integral element of biotic vitality. The scarcity of iron in the soil creates agronomic challenges and has a detrimental impact on crop vigour and chlorophyll formation. Utilizing iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) via nanopriming emerges as an innovative method to enhance agricultural efficiency and crop health. The objective of this study was to synthesize biogenic IONPs from Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra) plant extract using green chemistry and to evaluate their nanopriming effects on rice seed iron levels and growth. The synthesized IONPs were analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The UV-Vis peak at 280 nm revealed the formation of IONPs. SEM and TEM showed that the nanoparticles were spherical and had an average diameter of 23.8 nm. Nanopriming resulted in a substantial enhancement in growth, as seen by a 9.25% and 22.8% increase in shoot lengths for the 50 ppm and 100 ppm treatments, respectively. The yield metrics showed a positive correlation with the concentrations of IONPs. The 1000-grain weight and spike length observed a maximum increase of 193.75% and 97.73%, respectively, at the highest concentration of IONPs. The study indicates that G. glabra synthesized IONPs as a nanopriming agent significantly increased rice seeds' growth and iron content. This suggests that there is a relationship between the dosage of IONPs and their potential for improving agricultural biofortification.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Effectiveness of Root Canal Sealers Modified with Various Herbal Extracts against Candida Albicans and E Faecalis.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of ZOE-based, calcium hydroxide, and epoxy resin-based sealers on modification with three herbal extracts. Materials and Methods: Methanolic extracts of selected herbs were combined with ZOE-based, calcium hydroxide, and epoxy resin-based sealers. Cultures were prepared from E. faecalis and C. albicans and agar plates prepared. Prepared mixtures were inoculated in punched holes, and inhibitory zones were measured. Results: No statistical significance was obtained on comparing mean scores of test groups. Conclusion: None of the combinations used was found to be significantly better than others.

Efficacy of dietary supplements of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) and maduramicin alone or in combination with Eimeria tenella infected chicks: A clinical study and molecular docking.

Background: Coccidiosis is one of the most economically significant poultry diseases worldwide, caused by the pathogenic Eimeria species, and is characterized by decreased weight gain (WG) and failure to grow due to malabsorption, low feed conversion rate, bloody diarrhea, and dehydration. Aim: This study investigated the effectiveness of licorice root extract (LRE) in controlling cecal coccidiosis to determine whether its combination with maduramicin could help alleviate the pathological, biochemical, and histopathological effects of cecal coccidiosis in Sasso broiler chicks. Methods: A total of 125 one-day-old Sasso broiler chicks were categorized into five equal groups (n = 25), each consisting of five replicates (n = 5 per replicate). G1-LE received a basal diet supplemented with LRE (3 g/kg); G2-ME received a basal diet containing maduramycin (0.5 g/kg); and G3-LME received a basal diet containing LRE and maduramicin together with the same rates. G4-E (positive control) and G5-N (negative control) received no additives in their feed. Birds in groups (G1-4) were challenged on day 14 of the experiment by orally intercropping a 1 ml suspension of Eimeria tenella sporulated oocysts. Results: Groups of birds fed on LRE and maduramicin separately or together appeared to be in good condition where no deaths or clinical abnormalities were observed, based on the analysis of clinicopathological examination. Compared with the G4-E positive control, the dropping scoring and oocyst shedding of groups G1-LE, G2-ME, and G3-LME along the 10th-day post-challenge (dpc), as well as macroscopic and microscopic lesions scoring at the 7th dpc, was considerably lower. The dual supplementation use of LRE and maduramicin in G3-LME's reduced the harmful effects of coccidian, which appeared only as a mononuclear cellular infiltration and a small number of oocysts invading the intestinal glands. Molecular docking revealed that LRE and maduramicin interacted with E. tenella DNA polymerase, E. tenella apical membrane antigen 1, and microneme protein binding sites resulting in reduced E. tenella replication and invasion. Conclusion: The inclusion of LRE and maduramicin, individually or in combination, in the diet might effectively mitigate the detrimental effects of coccidiosis.

Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Liquiritin and Other Phenolics from Glycyrrhiza glabra and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Phenolic compounds are the main phytochemical constituents of many higher plants. They play an important role in synthesizing metal nanoparticles using green technology due to their ability to reduce metal salts and stabilize them through physical interaction/conjugation to the metal surface. Six pure phenolic compounds were isolated from licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and employed in synthesizing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The isolated compounds were identified as liquiritin (1), isoliquiritin (2), neoisoliquiritin (3), isoliquiritin apioside (4), liquiritin apioside (5), and glabridin (6). The synthesized AuNPs were characterized using UV, zeta sizer, HRTEM, and IR and tested for their stability in different biological media. The phenolic isolates and their corresponding synthesized NP conjugates were tested for their potential in vitro cytotoxicity. The anti-inflammatory effects were investigated in both normal and inflammation-induced settings, where inflammatory biomarkers were stimulated using lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. LPS, functioning as a mitogen, promotes cell growth by reducing apoptosis, potentially contributing to observed outcomes. Results indicated that all six pure phenolic isolates inhibited cell proliferation. The AuNP conjugates of all the phenolic isolates, except liquiritin apioside (5), inhibited cell viability. LPS initiates inflammatory markers by binding to cell receptors and setting off a cascade of events leading to inflammation. All the pure phenolic isolates, except isoliquiritin, neoisoliquiritin, and isoliquiritin apioside inhibited the inflammatory activity of RAW cells in vitro.

In Silico Analysis of Selected Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Constituents: Exploring Their Modulatory Effects on Human Superoxide Dismutase, Human Phosphodiesterase-9 and Human Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4.

Background Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) has been known for its various biological activities. In the current investigation, we aimed to evaluate 11 (10 natural and one synthetic) selected constituents of G. glabra as potent modulatory agents of human superoxide dismutase (hSOD), human phosphodiesterase-9 (hPDE 9) and human dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (hDPP 4) using in silico method. Methodology The 11 selected constituents of G. glabra (Licorice) were investigated on the docking behaviour of hSOD, hPDE 9 and hDPP 4 by using the PatchDock method. In addition to docking, toxicity analysis was also carried out using the pkCSM free online server (University of Melbourne, Melbourne, AUS). Results Toxicity analysis has shown that four ligands (36%) of G. glabra (Licorice) are predicted to have human ether-a-go-go-related gene-2 (hERG 2) inhibition activity. The docking analysis showed that glabridin (-224.13 kcal/mol) has shown the highest atomic contact binding energy with the hSOD enzyme, whereas carbenoxolone has shown the maximum atomic contact binding energy with both the hPDE 9 and hDPP 4 enzymes (-239.57 and -173.50 kcal/mol) respectively. Conclusion Thus the present finding provides new information about 11 selected ligands of G. glabra (Licorice) as potent modulatory agents of hSOD, hPDE 9 and hDPP 4.

A transcriptome-wide identification of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters revealed participation of ABCB subfamily in abiotic stress management of Glycyrrhiza glabra L.

Transcriptome-wide survey divulged a total of 181 ABC transporters in G. glabra which were phylogenetically classified into six subfamilies. Protein-Protein interactions revealed nine putative GgABCBs (-B6, -B14, -B15, -B25, -B26, -B31, -B40, -B42 &-B44) corresponding to five AtABCs orthologs (-B1, -B4, -B11, -B19, &-B21). Significant transcript accumulation of ABCB6 (31.8 folds), -B14 (147.5 folds), -B15 (17 folds), -B25 (19.7 folds), -B26 (18.31 folds), -B31 (61.89 folds), -B40 (1273 folds) and -B42 (51 folds) was observed under the influence of auxin. Auxin transport-specific inhibitor, N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid, showed its effectiveness only at higher (10 µM) concentration where it down regulated the expression of ABCBs, PINs (PIN FORMED) and TWD1 (TWISTED DWARF 1) genes in shoot tissues, while their expression was seen to enhance in the root tissues. Further, qRT-PCR analysis under various growth conditions (in-vitro, field and growth chamber), and subjected to abiotic stresses revealed differential expression implicating role of ABCBs in stress management. Seven of the nine genes were shown to be involved in the stress physiology of the plant. GgABCB6, 15, 25 and ABCB31 were induced in multiple stresses, while GgABCB26, 40 & 42 were exclusively triggered under drought stress. No study pertaining to the ABC transporters from G. glabra is available till date. The present investigation will give an insight to auxin transportation which has been found to be associated with plant growth architecture; the knowledge will help to understand the association between auxin transportation and plant responses under the influence of various conditions.

Neuroprotective aftermath of Monodora myristica and Glycyrrhiza glabra against cassava diet containing vacuum gas oil induced brain injury in Wistar rats.

Vacuum gas oil (VGO) is a hydrocarbon combination formed during crude oil extraction, and its consumption may have neurological repercussions. This study investigated the neuroprotective properties of Monodora myristica and Glycyrrhiza glabra in rats given cassava flour diet containing vacuum gas oil (CFD-VGO). Thirty rats were separated into six groups and treated as follows: Group 1 severed as normal control. Group 2 were fed CFD-VGO only. After a normal diet was given to groups 3, 4, and 5, M. myristica, G. glabra, and M. myristica plus G. glabra extracts were administered. Group 6, 7, 8 and 9 were given CFD-VGO and then treated with M. myristica extract, G. glabra extract, M. myristica plus G. glabra extracts and 2-methyl cellulose respectively. The rats were euthanized using carbon dioxide after experimental period of 28 days. The brain was excised for biochemical assays. The results showed that the concentration of the assessed 16 PAHs in CFD-VGO using GC-MS was 53.38 ppm. Significant (p < 0.05) increase were observed in malondialdehyde (MDA), total cholesterol (T.Chl), triacylglycerol (TAG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and decrease in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and ATPases in the brain rats fed with CFD-VGO. On the other hand, administration of M. myristica and G. glabra extract effectively restored altered antioxidants, ATPases, and lipids in brain of rats fed with cassava diet containing VGO.

In silico network pharmacology study on Glycyrrhiza glabra: Analyzing the immune-boosting phytochemical properties of Siddha medicinal plant against COVID-19.

Immunosenescence is a pertinent factor in the mortality rate caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The changes in the immune system are strongly associated with age and provoke the deterioration of the individual's health. Traditional medical practices in ancient India effectively deal with COVID-19 by boosting natural immunity through medicinal plants. The anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties of Glycyrrhiza glabra are potent in fighting against COVID-19 and promote immunity boost against the severity of the infection. Athimadhura Chooranam, a polyherbal formulation containing Glycyrrhiza glabra as the main ingredient, is recommended as an antiviral Siddha herb by the Ministry of AYUSH. This paper is intended to identify the phytoconstituents of Glycyrrhiza glabra that are actively involved in preventing individuals from COVID-19 transmission. The modulated pathways, enrichment study, and drug-likeness are calculated from the target proteins of the phytoconstituents at the pharmacological activity (Pa) of more than 0.7. Liquiritigenin and Isoliquiritin, the natural compounds in Glycyrrhiza glabra, belong to the flavonoid class and exhibit ameliorative effects against COVID-19. The latter compound displays a higher protein interaction to a maximum of six, out of which HMOX1, PLAU, and PGR are top-hub genes. ADMET screening further confirms the significance of the abovementioned components containing better drug-likeness. The molecular docking and molecular dynamics method identified liquiritigenin as a possible lead molecule capable of inhibiting the activity of the major protease protein of SARS-CoV-2. The findings emphasize the importance of in silico network pharmacological assessments in delivering cost-effective, time-bound clinical drugs.

Prenylated flavonoid fractions from Glycyrrhiza glabra alleviate insulin resistance in HepG2 cells by regulating the ERK/IRS-1 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

Insulin resistance (IR) is a key factor in the pathogenesis of disrupted glucose metabolism. Although the extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra has shown significant hypoglycemic activity, its bioactive components remain to be identified, and their mechanisms of action, especially on hepatocyte glucose metabolism, are yet to be explored. In the present study, the primary compounds from Glycyrrhiza glabra [named prenylated flavonoid fractions (PFFs)] have been identified and their chemical structures have been elucidated. The therapeutic effects of PFFs extracted from G. glabra on glucose metabolism disorders and IR in high insulin-induced insulin-resistant HepG2 (IR-HepG2) cells have been determined. Glabridin (GLD) was used as a control. The results indicated that, similar to GLD, PFFs increased glucose consumption, glucose uptake, and translocation of glucose transporter 4 to the plasma membrane in IR-HepG2 cells. In addition, they enhanced the activities of glycogen synthase, glucokinase, and pyruvate kinase, while reducing the activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase. Furthermore, they activated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway and suppressed the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/insulin receptor substrate-1 (ERK/IRS-1) pathway. These findings suggest that, similar to GLD, PFFs can alleviate impaired glucose metabolism and alleviate IR in IR-HepG2 cells.Please check and confirm that the authors and their respective affiliations have been correctly identified and amend if necessary.The authors and their affiliations have been confirmed as correct.

Exploring Influence of Production Area and Harvest Time on Specialized Metabolite Content of Glycyrrhiza glabra Leaves and Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Properties.

Calabrian Glycyrrhiza glabra is one of the most appreciated licorice varieties worldwide, and its leaves are emerging as a valuable source of bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, this biomass is usually discarded, and its valorization could contribute to boost the economic value of the licorice production chain. In this study, the effects of production area and harvest time on the specialized metabolite content of G. glabra leaves (GGL) and also the antioxidant and anti-aging properties are evaluated to explore the potential of this untapped resource and to select the most optimal harvesting practices. GGL exhibited high levels of specialized metabolites (4-30 g/100 g of dry leaf) and the most abundant ones are pinocembrin, prenylated flavanones (licoflavanone and glabranin), and prenylated dihydrostilbenes. Their levels and antioxidant capacity in extracts are influenced by both production area and harvest time, showing a decisive role on specialized metabolites accumulation. Interestingly, GGL extracts strongly attenuate the toxicity of α-synuclein, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, and cellular senescence on Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing human α-synuclein model, showing great potential to prevent aging and age-related disorders. These results provide insights into the phytochemical dynamics of GGL, identifying the best harvesting site and period to obtain bioactive-rich sources with potential uses in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Heterologous biosynthesis of medicarpin using engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Medicarpin is an important bioactive compound with multiple medicinal activities, including anti-tumor, anti-osteoporosis, and anti-bacterial effects. Medicarpin is associated with pterocarpans derived from medicinal plants, such as Sophora japonica, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. However, these medicinal plants contain only low amounts of medicarpin. Moreover, the planting area for medicarpin-producing plants is limited; consequently, the current medicarpin supply cannot meet the high demands of medicinal markets. In this study, eight key genes involved in medicarpin biosynthesis were identified using comparative transcriptome and bioinformatic analyses. In vitro and in vivo enzymatic reaction confirmed the catalytic functions of candidate enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of medicarpin and medicarpin intermediates. Further engineering of these genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae achieved the heterologous biosynthesis of medicarpin using liquiritigenin as a substrate, with a final medicarpin yield of 0.82 ± 0.18 mg/L. By increasing the gene copy numbers of vestitone reductase (VR) and pterocarpan synthase (PTS), the final medicarpin yield was increased to 2.05 ± 0.72 mg/L. This study provides a solid foundation for the economic and sustainable production of medicarpin through a synthetic biology strategy.

The Power of Licorice (Radix glycyrrhizae) to Improve Oral Health: A Comprehensive Review of Its Pharmacological Properties and Clinical Implications.

Licorice (Radix glycyrrhizae) is a plant root extract widely used in various applications, including cosmetics, food supplements, and traditional medicine. It has a long history of medicinal use in different cultures due to its diverse pharmacological properties. Licorice has traditionally been used for treating gastrointestinal problems, respiratory infections, cough, bronchitis, arthritis, and skin conditions. In recent years, the potential therapeutic benefits of licorice for oral health have gained significant interest. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the effects of licorice extracts and their bioactive components on common oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis, halitosis, candidiasis, and recurrent aphthous ulcers. The chemical composition of licorice has shown the presence of several bioactive compounds such as glycyrrhizin, glabridin, isoliquiritigenin (ISL), and licochalcone exhibiting various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory effects. Interestingly, in certain patients, licorice has shown a promising potential to inhibit the spread of viruses, prevent biofilm formation, reduce inflammation, boost immune responses, alleviate pain, and exert antioxidative effects. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the current understanding of licorice's therapeutic benefits in the treatment of oral ailments, emphasising its potential as an alternative treatment option for oral diseases. Further research is warranted to explore its efficacy, safety, and clinical applications using placebo-controlled clinical trials.

In silico guided in vitro study of traditionally used medicinal plants reveal the alleviation of post-menopausal symptoms through ERß binding and MAO-A inhibition.

The slumping level of estrogen and serotonin in menopausal women is directly associated with the occurrence of menopausal symptoms where, estrogen receptor-ß (ERß) and monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) are directly involved. The present investigation aimed for validation of promising plants traditionally used to alleviate menopausal symptoms with ERß mediated MAO-A inhibition potential through in silico disease-target network construction using Cytoscape plugins followed by molecular docking of phytomolecules through AutoDock vina. ADMET parameters of identified bioactive phytomolecules were analysed through swissADME and ProTox II. The efficacy of promising plant leads was further established through in vitro ERß competitive binding, MAO-A inhibition, enzyme kinetics and free radical quenching assays. In silico analysis suggested glabrene (ΔG = -9.7 Kcal/mol) as most promising against ERß in comparison to 17ß-estradiol (ΔG = -11.4 Kcal/mol) whereas liquiritigenin (ΔG = -9.4 Kcal/mol) showed potential binding with MAO-A in comparison to standard harmine (ΔG = -8.8 Kcal/mol). In vitro analysis of promising plants segregated Glycyrrhiza glabra (IC50 = 0.052 ± 0.007 µg/ml) as most promising, followed by Hypericum perforatum (IC50 = 0.084 ± 0.01 µg/ml), Trifolium pratense (IC50 = 0.514 ± 0.01 µg/ml) and Rumex nepalensis (IC50 = 2.568 ± 0.11 µg/ml). The enzyme kinetics of promising plant leads showed reversible and competitive nature of inhibition against MAO-A. The potency of plant extracts in quenching free radicals was at par with ascorbic acid. The identified four potent medicinal plants with ERß selective, MAO-A inhibitory and free radical quenching abilities could be used against menopausal symptoms however, finding needs to be validated further for menopausal symptoms in in vivo conditions for drug development.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Revolutionizing anti-cancer drug discovery against breast cancer and lung cancer by modification of natural genistein: an advanced computational and drug design approach.

Breast and lung cancer are two of the most lethal forms of cancer, responsible for a disproportionately high number of deaths worldwide. Both doctors and cancer patients express alarm about the rising incidence of the disease globally. Although targeted treatment has achieved enormous advancements, it is not without its drawbacks. Numerous medicines and chemotherapeutic drugs have been authorized by the FDA; nevertheless, they can be quite costly and often fall short of completely curing the condition. Therefore, this investigation has been conducted to identify a potential medication against breast and lung cancer through structural modification of genistein. Genistein is the active compound in Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), and it exhibits solid anticancer efficiency against various cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and brain cancer. Hence, the design of its analogs with the interchange of five functional groups-COOH, NH2 and OCH3, Benzene, and NH-CH2-CH2-OH-have been employed to enhance affinities compared to primary genistein. Additionally, advanced computational studies such as PASS prediction, molecular docking, ADMET, and molecular dynamics simulation were conducted. Firstly, the PASS prediction spectrum was analyzed, revealing that the designed genistein analogs exhibit improved antineoplastic activity. In the prediction data, breast and lung cancer were selected as primary targets. Subsequently, other computational investigations were gradually conducted. The mentioned compounds have shown acceptable results for in silico ADME, AMES toxicity, and hepatotoxicity estimations, which are fundamental for their oral medication. It is noteworthy that the initial binding affinity was only -8.7 kcal/mol against the breast cancer targeted protein (PDB ID: 3HB5). However, after the modification of the functional group, when calculating the binding affinities, it becomes apparent that the binding affinities increase gradually, reaching a maximum of -11.0 and -10.0 kcal/mol. Similarly, the initial binding affinity was only -8.0 kcal/mol against lung cancer (PDB ID: 2P85), but after the addition of binding affinity, it reached -9.5 kcal/mol. Finally, a molecular dynamics simulation was conducted to study the molecular models over 100 ns and examine the stability of the docked complexes. The results indicate that the selected complexes remain highly stable throughout the 100-ns molecular dynamics simulation runs, displaying strong correlations with the binding of targeted ligands within the active site of the selected protein. It is important to further investigate and proceed to clinical or wet lab experiments to determine the practical value of the proposed compounds.