Search Results (292)

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by dryness and itching. Steroids are the most common therapeutic agents, may induce skin atrophy, and damage the skin barrier. Therefore, we need to find a safer alternative option. Liquiritin (LQ), a flavonoid compound extracted from licorice rhizomes, possesses anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of LQ on AD, focusing on its potential skin barrier-protective and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. In this research, we prepared liquiritin carbomer gel (LQ-CG) and assessed its treatment effects on mice with AD triggered by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). It effectively attenuated AD progression by ameliorating skin lesions, decreasing epidermal thickness and mast cell infiltration, downregulating inflammatory cytokine levels, and restoring the expression of claudin-1, loricrin, and occludin. It also inhibited the release of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and showed no significant toxicity to major organs in mice. In summary, our findings demonstrate that LQ-CG can effectively alleviate atopic symptoms by repairing the skin barrier and inhibiting inflammatory responses without causing significant changes in organ indices Full article

This study evaluated how varying proportions of licorice residue and sweet sorghum affect pellet quality, growth performance, intestinal morphology, and cecal microflora in 120 healthy 30-day-old Ira rabbits, which were randomly assigned to five groups (six replicates of four rabbits each). Five experimental diets were formulated, each containing 30% licorice residue and sweet sorghum (with licorice residue at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% w/w) and 70% other components. We found that licorice residue level significantly affected pellet hardness, powder content, and volumetric weight (p < 0.05). The L25 group had significantly higher final body weight (FBW) and average daily gain (ADG) than other groups (p < 0.05). In the duodenum, villus height (VH) was improved in L25 (p < 0.05). Ileal VH increased significantly in L0, L25 and L50 (p < 0.05). At the phylum level, Firmicutes were most enriched. At the genus level, Faecousia and SFMI01 abundance increased with higher licorice residue. LEfSe analysis confirmed that varying licorice residue levels influenced cecal microbial composition from phylum to genus. The addition of 25% licorice residue to the diet can improve the growth performance of meat rabbits and improved both intestinal tissue morphology and the cecal microbiota of meat rabbits. Full article

Saponins, the primary bioactive constituents with immunomodulatory activities in Baoyuan decoction—a traditional Chinese medicine formula composed of ginseng, astragalus, licorice, and cinnamon—are limited by low extraction yield, poor stability, and easy degradation. In this study, cellulase and pectinase were used for the extraction of saponins from Baoyuan decoction and optimized by response surface methodology. Subsequently, the optimal extracts were microencapsulated by spray drying with soy protein isolate (SPI) or high-oleic acid soy protein isolate (HOSPI) and pectin (PE) as composite wall materials, followed by application evaluation in gummies and in vitro digestion. After optimization, the total saponin yield was 63.68 ± 0.15 mg/g. HOSPI-PE microcapsules (HBP) had a higher encapsulation efficiency (90.38%), smaller particle size, and lower hygroscopicity than SPI-PE ones (SBP). Furthermore, both microcapsules showed good stability during storage and controlled release, with 60.9% of saponins in SBP and 65.8% in HBP being delivered to the intestinal phase during in vitro digestion of microparticles. When applied in gummies, microcapsule gummies retained satisfactory sustained-release in vitro digestion (23.0% released in the stomach and 66.2% in the small intestine). In contrast, the unencapsulated gummies exhibited a burst release (74.4%) at 30 min in gastric digestion. This study provides theoretical and technical insights into the development of plant-derived functional foods and promotes the practical application of microencapsulation in functional gummy candies. Full article

Mowing is a widely used agricultural management practice, yet its role in shaping plant–insect interactions remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated how mowing influences resistance of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) to the whitefly Bemisia tabaci by integrating behavioral assays with volatile analysis, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. Feeding preference assays showed that adult whiteflies strongly preferred new plants over mowed plants. Developmental assays further revealed that whiteflies exhibited a prolonged egg stage and extended egg-to-adult developmental duration on mowed plants, while adult longevity was not significantly affected. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis identified 31 volatile compounds in licorice, with alcohols dominating the volatile profile of new plants and terpenoids dominating that of mowed plants. Whitefly infestation significantly increased ester compounds in both plant types. Differential volatile analysis highlighted cis-3-hexen-1-ol and trans-3-hexen-1-ol as dominant compounds in new plants, whereas 3-carene and β-pinene were predominant in mowed plants. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that mowing primarily affected genes associated with primary metabolism and ribosome-related pathways, whereas whitefly infestation induced extensive transcriptional reprogramming, including activation of flavonoid biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, MAPK signaling, and plant circadian rhythm pathways. Metabolomic profiling identified substantial accumulation of flavonoids, flavonols, and isoflavonoids following whitefly feeding. Integrated multi-omics analysis identified flavonol biosynthesis as a core pathway underlying licorice defense against B. tabaci. Overall, this study demonstrates that mowing primes G. uralensis for enhanced resistance to whitefly infestation by reshaping volatile emissions, activating secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and inducing coordinated defense signaling networks. These findings provide new insights into plant–insect interactions and highlight mowing as a potential component of sustainable pest management strategies. Full article

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology, characterized by non-specific colonic inflammation. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), a food–medicine dual-use botanical, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, suggesting therapeutic potential for UC. However, the specific bioactive components of licorice and their underlying mechanisms of action require further elucidation. In this study, we investigated the efficacy and mechanisms of licorice flavonoid extract (LF) in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine model of UC. The results demonstrated that oral administration of LF significantly alleviated disease pathology indices, reduced colon shortening, and improved histopathological colon damage. LF treatment suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, likely through inhibiting the phosphorylation of MAPK and NF-κB p65, while upregulating PPARγ expression. Additionally, LF intervention restored gut microbial diversity, increasing the abundance of beneficial taxa such as Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. The chemical characterization of LF revealed that 15 flavonoid compounds contribute to its therapeutic basis. These findings demonstrate that LF mitigates UC via integrated anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and microbiota-regulating mechanisms, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for UC management. Full article

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae) is a plant species with already demonstrated countless biological properties and many more still to be discovered. Here, root sample extracts from different geographical areas were compared based on their phytochemical profiles and biological activities. Both raw and hydrolysate extracts, as well as 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, glycyrrhizin, and isoliquiritigenin, considered as the main licorice secondary metabolites, were screened for antiproliferative and anti-migration properties in MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, A2780, HeLa, SiHa, and C33A breast and gynecological cancer cell lines. Hydrolysate extracts showed higher cytotoxicity than the raw extracts at the same final concentrations, 30 and 60 µg/mL, respectively. Among the standards, isoliquiritigenin showed the most pronounced cytotoxic activity, with inhibitory percentages exceeding 70% in each of the investigated cell lines at the lowest tested dose of 30 µg/mL. Then, the most effective extracts in the MTT assay, LIT2-H and LMO-H, were screened in a wound-healing test, demonstrating efficacy against ovarian (A2780) and cervical (C33A) cancer cell lines after 24 and 48 h of exposure. Full article

Licorice is an important specialty crop that links agricultural production, processing and trade, and rural livelihoods in the arid and semi-arid regions of China. Using UN Comtrade data for HS 130212 from 1990 to 2024, this study evaluates the international Trade Competitiveness of China’s licorice exports and identifies the sources of export growth. A multi-indicator static framework is constructed, combining International Market Share (IMS), the Trade Competitiveness Index (TC), the Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage index (RSCA) and the Revealed Competitive Advantage index (CA). The results show that China maintains a relatively large and stable global market share and a persistent net export position, but its comparative and net Competitive Advantages are weaker than those of high-end suppliers such as France and Israel, revealing a pattern of “large scale but weak competitiveness”. To capture dynamic drivers, an extended Constant Market Share (CMS) model is applied to decompose China’s licorice exports into world demand, structural and competitiveness effects. The decomposition indicates that export growth has gradually shifted from being mainly driven by global demand expansion to relying more on improvements in product competitiveness and market reconfiguration, particularly in emerging markets. These findings suggest that upgrading product quality and processing, strengthening standards and branding, and promoting more inclusive value-chain development are essential for transforming China’s licorice exports from scale expansion to high-quality growth and for enhancing rural incomes in producing regions. Full article

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by oxidative stress, innate immune dysregulation, vascular instability, and microbiome-related triggers. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Gg, licorice) root contains phenolics and triterpenoids with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-angiogenic properties that may benefit rosacea-prone skin. Xanthan-gum hydrogels containing 2% methanolic Gg extract (S1, S2) were prepared and characterized. Rheology, in vitro release, and in vitro permeation were evaluated, with the aim of assessing their suitability as topical formulations for rosacea-prone skin. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Antimicrobial effects were tested against S. pyogenes, S. aureus, and C. acnes. Safety and bioactivity were examined through HaCaT keratinocyte assays (MTT, Neutral Red, LDH), the HET-CAM irritation test, and the CAM angiogenesis assay. Immunocytochemistry was performed on rosacea-related inflammatory markers. Both hydrogels showed suitable rheology, sustained release, and preserved strong antioxidant activity. Moderate antimicrobial effects were observed, particularly against S. pyogenes and C. acnes. HaCaT cell viability remained above 84% for the S2 formulation at the highest concentration (200 µg/mL), indicating improved cytocompatibility compared with formulation S1. The hydrogels were non-irritant in the HET-CAM model and reduced neovascularization in the CAM assay, with a more sustained effect observed for formulation S2. Immunohistochemistry supported potential modulation of inflammatory pathways relevant to rosacea, evidencing suppressed VEGF expression and preserved CD44-mediated integrity, particularly in the Labrasol-based formulation (S2), while Caspase-3 staining indicated a controlled apoptotic profile. Overall, Gg hydrogels are safe, biocompatible, non-irritant, and exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-angiogenic activities, supporting their potential as biocompatible topical formulations with antioxidant and pathway-modulating properties relevant to the biological features associated with rosacea, while underscoring the importance of formulation design. Full article

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) is a widely used natural sweetener and functional food ingredient. Its sensory profile, nutritional value, and bioactive composition are strongly affected by geographical origin and cultivation mode, particularly the distinction between wild and cultivated resources. Consequently, developing a rapid and robust method for origin traceability is imperative for rigorous quality control and product standardization. This study proposes a non-destructive traceability framework integrating near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with a Support Vector Machine (SVM). The method’s validity was rigorously evaluated using a comprehensive dataset collected from China’s three primary production regions—Gansu Province, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, encompassing both wild and cultivated resources. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed framework achieved an overall classification accuracy exceeding 99%. The results show that the proposed method offers a rapid, efficient, and environmentally friendly analytical tool for the quality assessment of licorice, providing a scientific basis for rigorous quality control and standardization in the functional food industry. Full article

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of replacing alfalfa hay with Glycyrrhiza stem and leaf silage (moisture content: 45%) on rumen in vitro fermentation parameters, nutrient digestibility, and dynamic changes of microbial community composition. In vitro fermentation was conducted with 0% (control group G0A100), 50% (G50A50), and 100% (G100A0) alfalfa hay replaced by semi-dry silage of Glycyrrhiza stems and leaves with 45% moisture content for 72 h. Cumulative gas production (GP), fermentation parameters, microbial community composition at different time points, and post-fermentation nutrient digestibility were determined, with comprehensive evaluation by principal component analysis (PCA) and gray relational analysis (GRA). Results showed that GP of G50A50 and G100A0 was significantly higher than G0A100 at 3 h (p < 0.05), and that of G50A50 was significantly higher than the other two groups at 24 h (p < 0.05). pH of G50A50 was significantly lower than the other two groups at 3 h (p < 0.05). In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) at 24 h and 72 h, in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) at 12 h, and in vitro acid detergent fiber digestibility (IVADFD) at 12, 24 and 72 h of G0A100 and G50A50 were significantly higher than G100A0 (p < 0.05). PCA comprehensive scores ranked as G0A100 (0.170) > G50A50 (0.141) > G100A0 (−0.311). GRA comprehensive scores ranked as G50A50 (0.792) > G0A100 (0.756) > G100A0 (0.681). LEfSe analysis indicated distinct microbial biomarkers at 72 h, and KEGG functional profiles were highly consistent among groups. Under the experimental conditions, 50% Glycyrrhiza stem and leaf silage is recommended to replace alfalfa hay in dairy cow diets. Full article

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb traditionally valued for its aromatic and therapeutic properties. In recent years, however, growing attention has shifted toward the technical and environmental potential of the plant’s industrial by-products, particularly the fibrous material left after extraction. This review integrates botanical knowledge with engineering and industrial perspectives, highlighting the role of licorice fiber in advancing sustainable innovation. The natural fiber obtained from licorice roots exhibits notable physical and mechanical qualities, including lightness, biodegradability, and compatibility with bio-based polymer matrices. These attributes make it a promising candidate for biocomposites used in green building and other sectors of the circular economy. Developing efficient recovery processes requires collaboration across disciplines, combining expertise in plant science, materials engineering, and industrial technology. The article also examines the economic and regulatory context driving the transition toward more circular and traceable production models. Increasing interest from companies, research institutions, and public bodies in valorizing licorice fiber and its derivatives is opening new market opportunities. Potential applications extend to agroindustry, eco-friendly cosmetics, bioeconomy, and sustainable construction. By linking botanical insights with innovative waste management strategies, licorice emerges as a resource capable of supporting integrated, competitive, and environmentally responsible industrial practices. Full article

This study developed a biodegradable dissolvable face mask incorporating liposomal kojic acid (KA) and licochalcone A from licorice extract (LE) to enhance skin delivery and performance. Liposomes were prepared by thin-film hydration method. The film matrix, composed of PVA/PVP/PEG400/HA, was optimized using factorial design to achieve suitable mechanical strength and rapid dissolution. The optimized mask, containing liposomal KA (1% w/v) and licochalcone A (0.025% w/v), was evaluated for antioxidant activity, ex vivo skin deposition, and short-term efficacy (Approval from the Institutional Review Board of Silpakorn University, Thailand; Ethics Approval No. REC 67.1001-146-7726/COA 68.0320-013 Date of registration: 20 March 2025). The optimized liposomes exhibited a mean particle size of 66–72 nm, entrapment efficiency above 65%, and a zeta potential of −12.5 mV (licochalcone A) and −1.67 mV (KA). Liposomal licochalcone A and KA showed potent antioxidant activity compared to their native forms. The optimized film dissolved within approximately 15 min on moist skin and showed favorable handling properties. Ex vivo studies revealed significantly higher skin deposition of both KA and licochalcone A from the liposomal mask compared with free and liposomal dispersions (p < 0.05). In a 7-day clinical evaluation, the mask significantly improved skin hydration and reduced melanin index (p < 0.05). No irritation or adverse reactions were observed, and user satisfaction was high. This liposomal dissolvable mask offered an effective, well-tolerated, and eco-friendly approach to enhancing skin brightness and hydration, supporting its potential as a sustainable cosmeceutical innovation. Full article

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. is an economically significant plant that naturally grows in arid regions and is widely used in the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Its roots are the economically important part. However, it has weak drought tolerance during the seedling stage, and water scarcity has become a major limiting factor for improving the yield and quality of cultivated licorice. Therefore, this study conducted a pot experiment in which melatonin was applied via root irrigation to examine its effects on alleviating drought stress in G. glabra seedlings and on enhancing the yield and quality of its valuable parts. The results showed that under drought conditions, applying 100 μM melatonin yielded the most significant improvements in both yield and quality. Specifically, melatonin treatment increased root biomass by 138.10% and significantly boosted the levels of key bioactive compounds, including glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritin, glabridin, liquiritigenin, and isoliquiritigenin by 60.51%, 72.08%, 182.03%, 83.86%,and 30.68%, respectively. This study uniquely combined the Mantel test and random forest modeling for a comprehensive analysis of the experimental data. The analysis indicated that these effects were attributable to exogenous melatonin, which markedly enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities in G. glabra seedlings and reduced membrane lipid peroxidation products, thereby strengthening their antioxidant defense capabilities. Additionally, melatonin promoted the accumulation of osmotic adjustment substances and effectively improved photosynthetic performance. Our research provides a scientific basis for increasing both the quality and yield of G. glabra under drought conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs)—specifically, letrozole, anastrozole and exemestane—represent the current gold standard for patients with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer (ER + BC). This narrative review highlights potential interactions between nutrients and AIs, elucidating their molecular mechanisms involved. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases to identify scientific publications and elucidate recommended dietary regimes for ER + BC patients treated with AIs. Results: Certain bioactive substances found in licorice, rosemary, juniper, cannabis, and citrus fruits exhibit intrinsic aromatase-inhibiting effects. Additionally, other nutrients and compounds—including honey, ginger, turmeric, sweet potatoes, pomegranates, bitter melon, dark sweet cherries, resveratrol, and vitamins D and C—contribute to treatment outcomes through their demonstrated antiproliferative properties. Certain natural compounds, such as soy, cow’s milk, sesame seeds, and sesame oil, require caution due to their potential estrogen-like effects which could diminish the anti-estrogenic efficacy of AIs. Conclusions: These considerations hold significant weight in this context, as the management of oncological patients—particularly women with ER + BC—requires an integrated perspective. Antineoplastic treatment must be supported by appropriate nutrition to enhance antitumor efficacy and improve the patient’s quality of life. The data presented herein are derived from in vitro, in silico, and animal model studies and await validation in large patient cohorts. Nevertheless, these findings pave the way for future research to elucidate these molecular phenomena in humans and to establish clinically significant conclusions for ER + BC patients. Full article