Search Results (31)

Licorice roots are a rich source of bioactive compounds with multiple biological activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of licorice root extract against a range of Listeria strains. In addition, the correlation of its phytochemical composition with antimicrobial properties was also investigated. Thus, the bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of licorice root extract on seven Listeria monocytogenes strains, L. grayi, L. seeligeri, and L. ivanovii were determined. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations ranged from 31.3 to 62.5 µg mL⁻¹ and from 62.5 to 250 µg mL⁻¹, respectively. The phytochemical composition of the extract was also analyzed using advanced LC-DAD- qTOF-MS; it is composed of fifty-one compounds belonging to different subgroups of flavonoids and triterpenoids. Subsequently, the anti-Listeria potency of the most abundant phytochemicals was determined using the AntiBac-Pred web tool. In silico calculation showed that liquiritin-apioside and licorice glycoside C1/C2 were strong growth inhibitors of L. monocytogenes, as their potency was comparable to well-known antibiotic substances. Overall, the present study demonstrates the potent antimicrobial effect of licorice root extract and reveals its active phytochemicals. Full article

This study investigated the therapeutic potential of licochalcone D (LicoD), which is derived from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, for improving glucose metabolism in AML12 hepatocytes with high-glucose-induced insulin resistance (IR). Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed that the LicoD content of G. uralensis was 8.61 µg/100 mg in the ethanol extract (GUE) and 0.85 µg/100 mg in the hot water extract. GUE and LicoD enhanced glucose consumption and uptake, as well as Glut2 mRNA expression, in high-glucose-induced IR AML12 cells. These effects were associated with the activation of the insulin receptor substrate/phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase signaling pathway, increased protein kinase B α phosphorylation, and suppression of gluconeogenesis-related genes, such as Pepck and G6pase. Furthermore, GUE and LicoD promoted glycogen synthesis by downregulating glycogen phosphorylase. Furthermore, LicoD and GUE mitigated the downregulated expression of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation proteins in IR hepatocytes by activating the PPARα/PGC1α pathway and increasing the mitochondrial DNA content. These findings demonstrate the potential of LicoD and GUE as therapeutic options for alleviating IR-induced metabolic disorders by improving glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function. Full article

We investigated the effects of epigenetic modifications on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using a novel combination of herbal medicines from Panax ginseng, Astragalus membranaceus, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The herbal formula extract (HFE) (250 mg/kg) was administered orally once daily for 14 days to determine its effects on PTSD in mice by combining prolonged stress and foot shock. The open field and Y-maze tests determined the effect of HFE on PTSD-induced anxiety and cognition. Hippocampal neuronal plastic changes and molecular mechanism were verified. Treatment with HFE decreased anxiety-like behavior and enhanced cognition. Moreover, it reduced the number of PTSD-related hilar ectopic granule cells in the dentate gyrus (DG). PTSD mice showed reduced neuronal plasticity of doublecortin⁺ cells in the DG, which was restored by HFE treatment. HFE reversed PTSD-induced inhibition of the Reelin/Dab1 pathway, a critical signaling cascade involved in brain development, and regulated Reelin methylation. Furthermore, DNA methylation, methyl-CpG binding protein 2, and DNA methyltransferase 1, which were elevated in the hippocampus of PTSD mice, were restored following HFE treatment. HFE increased the expression of synaptic plasticity-related factors in the hippocampus of PTSD mice. Our findings suggest that HFE can facilitate PTSD treatment by alleviating behavioral abnormalities through the restoration of hippocampal dysfunction via regulation of the Reelin/Dab-1 pathway and DNA methylation in the hippocampus. Full article

Sayeok-tang (SYT) is a traditional herbal formula comprising three medicinal herbs: Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Zingiber officinale, and Aconitum carmichaeli. Several studies have employed liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to qualitatively analyze the components and metabolites of SYT in vitro and in vivo; however, studies on quantitative analysis of SYT, which is important for quality control, are absent or limited to only a few components. In this study, ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole (UPLC-Q)-Orbitrap-MS was used to screen the phytochemicals of SYT, revealing a total of 42 compounds. Among them, 24 compounds were simultaneously quantified within 20 min via UPLC-TQ-MS/MS in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. The developed analytical method was validated for its linearity (r² ≥ 0.9992), precision (0.36–2.96%), accuracy (−6.52–4.64%), and recovery (94.39–119.07%) for all analytes, exhibiting acceptable results. The validated method was applied in the analysis of SYT extracts, and the 24 compounds were quantified in the range of 0.004–6.882 mg/g (CV ≤ 3.746%). Among them, liquiritin apioside (6.870–6.933 mg/g), glycyrrhizic acid (5.418–5.540 mg/g), and liquiritin (1.303–1.331 mg/g) from G. uralensis were identified as the relatively abundant compounds. The presented validated analytical method is highly promising for the comprehensive quality control of SYT, offering fast, highly sensitive, and reliable analysis. Full article

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most common pathogens of healthcare-associated infections. Medicinal plants have long been used in the traditional treatment of diseases or syndromes worldwide. Combined use of plant extracts could improve the effectiveness of pharmacological action by obtaining synergism, acting on multiple targets simultaneously, reducing the doses of individual components, and minimizing side effects. We aimed to investigate the synergistic inhibitory effects of selected medicinal plants (Caesalpinia sappan L. (CS), Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (GU), Sanguisorba officinalis L. (SO), and Uncaria gambir Roxb. (UG)) on the bacterial growth of MRSA and its clinical isolates. SO and UG extracts generated the best synergistic interaction as adjudged by checkerboard synergy assays. MICs of the individual extracts decreased 4-fold from 250 to 62.5 μg/mL, respectively. The SO + UG combination was further evaluated for its effects on bacterial growth inhibition, minimum bactericidal/inhibitory concentration (MBC/MIC) ratio, and time-kill kinetics. The results indicate that the SO + UG combination synergistically inhibited the bacterial growth of MRSA strains with bactericidal effects. SO + UG combination also exhibited more potent effects against clinical isolates. In multistep resistance selection experiments, both standard and isolates of MRSA showed no resistance to the SO + UG combination even after repeated exposure over fourteen passages. Our data suggest that using plant extract combinations could be a potential strategy to treat MRSA infections. Full article

Background and Objectives: The oral cavity is inhabited by pathogenic bacteria, whose growth can be inhibited by synthetic oral drugs, including antibiotics and other chemical compounds. Natural antimicrobial substances that elicit fewer negative side effects may serve as alternatives to synthetic agents for long-term use. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of edible mixed herbal extracts on the growth of oral pathogenic bacteria. Materials and Methods: The yield of each herbal extract was as follows: 5% Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq (STB), 10.94% Mentha piperascens (MP), 5.47% Acanthopanax sessiliflorus Seem (AS), and 10.66% Glycyrrhiza uralensis (GU). The herbal extracts used included 0.5 mg/mL STB, 1.5 mg/mL MP, 1.5 mg/mL AS, and 2.0 mg/mL GU. Antimicrobial tests, morphological analyses (using scanning electron microscopy), microbial surface hydrophobicity measurements, and oral malodor reduction tests were performed using each extract. Statistical analyses were performed with IBM^® SPSS^® (version 24), using paired t-tests. Results: The mixed herbal extracts significantly inhibited the growth of Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, and Porphyromonas gingivalis compared to the control (p < 0.001). Scanning electron microscopy results further revealed altered cellular morphology in the groups treated with the mixed herbal extracts. Additionally, the hydrophobicity assay results showed that the mixed herbal extracts reduced the oral adhesion capacities of bacteria (p < 0.001). Administration of the mixed herbal extracts also reduced the levels of volatile sulfur compounds, the main contributors to oral malodor (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Edible mixed herbal extracts can effectively eliminate oral pathogens and may be useful for improving oral health. The herbal extracts used were effective against all species of oral pathogens studied in this report. Full article

Skeletal muscle growth in livestock impacts meat quantity and quality. Concerns arise because certain feed additives, like beta-agonists, may affect food safety. Skeletal muscle is a specialized tissue consisting of nondividing and multinucleated muscle fibers. Myostatin (MSTN), a protein specific to skeletal muscle, is secreted and functions as a negative regulator of muscle mass by inhibiting the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts. To enhance livestock muscle growth, phytogenic feed additives could be an alternative as they inhibit MSTN activity. The objective of this study was to establish a systematic screening platform using MSTN activity to evaluate phytogenics, providing scientific evidence of their assessment and potency. In this study, we established a screening platform to monitor myostatin promoter activity in rat L8 myoblasts. Extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (GUE), an oriental herbal medicine, was identified through this screening platform, and the active fractions of GUE were identified using a process-scale liquid column chromatography system. For in vivo study, GUE as a feed additive was investigated in growth-finishing pigs. The results showed that GUE significantly increased body weight, carcass weight, and lean content in pigs. Microbiota analysis indicated that GUE did not affect the composition of gut microbiota in pigs. In summary, this established rodent myoblast screening platform was used to identify a myogenesis-related phytogenic, GUE, and further demonstrated that the active fractions and compounds inhibited MSTN expression. These findings suggest a novel application for GUE in growth performance enhancement through modulation of MSTN expression. Moreover, this well-established screening platform holds significant potential for identifying and assessing a diverse range of phytogenics that contribute to the process of myogenesis. Full article

Obesity is a global issue faced by many individuals worldwide. However, no drug has a pronounced effect with few side effects. Green tea, a well-known natural product, shows preventive effects against obesity by decreasing lipogenesis and increasing fat oxidation and antioxidant capacity. In contrast, other natural products are known to contribute to obesity. Relevant articles published on the therapeutic effect of natural products on obesity were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The search was conducted by entering keywords such as “obesity”, “natural product”, and “clinical trial”. The natural products were classified as single compounds, foods, teas, fruits, herbal medicines—single extract, herbal medicines—decoction, and herbal medicines—external preparation. Then, the mechanisms of these medicines were organized into lipid metabolism, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, appetite loss, and thermogenesis. This review aimed to assess the efficacy and mechanisms of effective natural products in managing obesity. Several clinical studies reported that natural products showed antiobesity effects, including Coffea arabica (coffee), Camellia sinensis (green tea), Caulerpa racemosa (green algae), Allium sativum (garlic), combined Ephedra intermedia Schrenk, Thea sinensis L., and Atractylodes lancea DC extract (known as Gambisan), Ephedra sinica Stapf, Angelica Gigantis Radix, Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba, Coicis semen, Cinnamomi cortex, Paeoniae radix alba, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (known as Euiiyin-tang formula). Further studies are expected to refine the pharmacological effects of natural products for clinical use. Full article

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by traumatic or frightening events, with intensified anxiety, fear memories, and cognitive impairment caused by a dysfunctional hippocampus. Owing to its complex phenotype, currently prescribed treatments for PTSD are limited. This study investigated the psychopharmacological effects of novel COMBINATION herbal medicines on the hippocampus of a PTSD murine model induced by combining single prolonged stress (SPS) and foot shock (FS). We designed a novel herbal formula extract (HFE) from Chaenomeles sinensis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and Atractylodes macrocephala. SPS+FS mice were administered HFE (500 and 1000 mg/kg) once daily for 14 days. The effects of HFE of HFE on the hippocampus were analyzed using behavioral tests, immunostaining, Golgi staining, and Western blotting. HFE alleviated anxiety-like behavior and fear response, improved short-term memory, and restored hippocampal dysfunction, including hippocampal neurogenesis alteration and aberrant migration and hyperactivation of dentate granule cells in SPS+FS mice. HFE increased phosphorylation of the Kv4.2 potassium channel, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and cAMP response element-binding protein, which were reduced in the hippocampus of SPS+FS mice. Therefore, our study suggests HFE as a potential therapeutic drug for PTSD by improving behavioral impairment and hippocampal dysfunction and regulating Kv4.2 potassium channel-related pathways in the hippocampus. Full article

Dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of the outer layer of the skin that causes itching, blisters, redness, swelling, and often exudation, scabs, and peeling. Among them, purulent inflammation is a symptom that often occurs on the skin and appears in the form of boils and acne. Various studies are being conducted to treat these inflammatory diseases. Accordingly, Lonicera japonica and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Polyphenolic Extract (LCPE), which uses herbal preparations such as Lonicera japonica, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis, has been used to suppress inflammation since ancient times, and its anti-inflammatory effect can be observed in skin keratinocytes after inducing inflammation. In this study, the major polyphenolic compounds in LCPE were quantitatively determined by analyzing the data through peak values using high-performance chromatography (HPLC-MS/MS) coupled with mass spectrometry. Additionally, bioactive compounds targeting 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were analyzed by ultrafiltration integrated with LC. Several compounds with the most significant effects were selected (chlorogenic acid, narirutin, and isorhamnetin). Skin keratinocytes induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were treated with LCPE to show its anti-inflammatory effects. After LCPE treatment, inflammation-mediating cytokines such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were decreased. In addition, nuclear factor kappa (NF-кB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were inhibited in important pathways related to inflammation. Lastly, molecular modeling was performed to determine binding scores with inflammation-related proteins using molecular docking for the selected compounds. According to these results, LCPE is effective in treating keratinocytes induced by LPS and reducing inflammation and has potential antioxidant effects, and the polyphenol components have been identified. Full article

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that affects millions of people all over the world. The objective of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (GU) and Donkey Hide Gelatin (DHG) water extracts on DNCB-induced NC/Nga mice and TNF-α/IFN-γ treated keratinocytes or LPS-stimulated macrophages. The combined treatment using the water extracts of GU and DHG improved the skin symptom evaluation score and skin histology, with increased expression of the skin barrier proteins Claudin 1 and Sirt 1 in lesion areas. The IFN-γ activity was promoted in PBMCs, ALN, and dorsal skin tissue, while the absolute cell number was reduced for T cells so that the production and expression of serum IgE and cytokines were suppressed. In TNF-α/IFN-γ induced HaCaT cells, IL-6, IL-8, MDC, and RANTES were all inhibited by GU and DHG water extracts, while ICAM-1 and COX-2 levels were similarly downregulated. In addition, GU and DHG water extracts decreased LPS-mediated nitric oxide, IL-6, TNF-α, and PGE₂ in RAW 264.7 cells, and the expression of iNOS and COX-2 also decreased. Notably, the DHG:GU ratio of 4:1 was shown to have the best effects of all ratios. In conclusion, GU and DHG have anti-skin inflammatory potentials that can be used as alternative ingredients in the formula of functional foods for people with atopic dermatitis. Full article

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is a target enzyme for the treatment of inflammation and cardiovascular disease. A Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract exhibited ~50% inhibition of sEH at 100 μg/mL, and column chromatography yielded compounds 1–11. Inhibitors 1, 4–6, 9, and 11 were non-competitive; inhibitors 3, 7, 8, and 10 were competitive. The IC₅₀ value of inhibitor 10 was below 2 μM. Molecular simulation was used to identify the sEH binding site. Glycycoumarin (10) requires further evaluation in cells and animals. Full article

Metformin, an antidiabetic drug, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer (GU), an oriental medicinal herb, have been reported to exert anti-obesity effects. This study investigated the synergistic action of metformin and GU in improving diet-induced obesity. Mice were fed a normal diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD + 0.015% GU water extract for 8 weeks. The HFD and GU groups were then randomly divided into two groups and fed the following diets for the next 8 weeks: HFD with 50 mg/kg metformin (HFDM) and GU with 50 mg/kg metformin (GUM). GUM prevented hepatic steatosis and adiposity by suppressing expression of mRNAs and enzyme activities related to lipogenesis in the liver and upregulating the expression of adipocyte mRNAs associated with fatty acid oxidation and lipolysis, and as a result, improved dyslipidemia. Moreover, GUM improved glucose homeostasis by inducing glucose uptake in tissues and upregulating mRNA expressions associated with glycolysis in the liver and muscle through AMP-activated protein kinase activation. GUM also improved inflammation by increasing antioxidant activity in the liver and erythrocytes and decreasing inflammatory cytokine productions. Here, we demonstrate that GU and metformin exert synergistic action in the prevention of obesity and its complications. Full article

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious threat to global public health due to its capacity of tolerate conventional antibiotics. Medicinal plants are traditionally used to treat infectious diseases caused by bacterial pathogens. In the present study, 16 medicinal plants were screened for antibacterial activities to preselect more effective species. Ethanol extracts of selected medicinal plants (Caesalpinia sappan L., Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Sanguisorba officinalis L., and Uncaria gambir Roxb) were partitioned successively with different solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, 1-butanol, and water). Disc diffusion assay and broth microdilution were performed to evaluate the antibacterial activities of plant extracts and fractions against Staphylococcus aureus strains. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the extracts and fractions was determined against the human hepatoma (HepG2) and human lung carcinoma (A549) cell lines using a trypan blue exclusion method. A few extracts and fractions showed significant inhibitory effects on the bacterial growth of all tested strains, including multidrug-resistance (MDR) clinical isolates. The ethyl acetate fraction of C. sappan had the most potent effects with minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC) of 31.2/62.5 μg/mL and showed low cytotoxicity with over 90% cell viability in both cells. Our results suggest that medicinal plants have considerable potential as alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Full article