Research Update:Licorice

  seminal trace...Licorice:Glycyrrhiza Glabra,Licorice Root Extract.Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract.CAS.NO.8008-94-4,68916-91-6;:Glycyrrhiza Extract.Powdered licorice root,Liquirita officinalis,reglisse, lacrisse, sweet licorice,licorice root,sweet wood,Chinese Licorice,Gan Cao,Kan-tsao,Kuo-lao,Licorice,Licorice Root,Ling-tung,Liquorice......

 


   Phytochemical info of Licorice:

 Product Name:
 Synonym:
 Definition:Licorice extract are majorly composed of
 Chemical information disclosed as following table:


  Research Update:Licorice

  Effect of licorice on PTH levels in healthy women.:Steroids. 2006 May;71(5):403-8. Epub 2006 Mar 2.Mattarello MJ, Benedini S, Fiore C, Camozzi V, Sartorato P, Luisetto G, Armanini D. Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences-Endocrinology, University of Padua, Italy.

 Licorice has been considered a medicinal plant for thousands of years. Its most common side effect is hypokalemic hypertension, which is secondary to a block of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 at the level of the kidney, leading to an enhanced mineralocorticoid effect of cortisol. This effect is due to glycyrrhetinic acid, which is the main constituent of the root, but other components are also present, including isoflavans, which have estrogen-like activity, and are thus involved in the modulation of bone metabolism. We investigated nine healthy women 22-26 years old, in the luteal phase of the cycle. They were given 3.5 g of a commercial preparation of licorice (containing 7.6%, w/w of glycyrrhizic acid) daily for 2 months. Plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone, cortisol, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D (1,25OHD), 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD), estradiol, FHS, LH, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, phosphate and creatinine, urinary calcium and phosphate and mineralometry were measured. PTH, 25OHD and urinary calcium increased significantly from baseline values after 2 months of therapy, while 1,25OHD and ALP did not change during treatment. All these parameters returned to pretreatment levels 1 month after discontinuation of licorice. PRA and aldosterone were depressed during therapy, while blood pressure and plasma cortisol remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: licorice can increase serum PTH and urinary calcium levels from baseline value in healthy women after only 2 months of treatment. The effect of licorice on calcium metabolism is probably influenced by several components of the root, which show aldosterone-like, estrogen-like and antiandrogen activity.

  Licorice-induced hypokalemia.:Int J Cardiol. 2007 Feb 21;Mumoli N, Cei M.Section of Emergency Medicine and Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Livorno Hospital, viale Alfieri 36, 57100 Livorno, Italy.

 Excessive intake of licorice can cause hypokalemia and hypertension and generally, the onset and severity of symptoms depend on the dose and duration of licorice intake, as well as individual susceptibility. We describe a patient with hypokalemia caused by long term consumption of natural licorice root after quitting smoking. The case emphasizes the importance of considering a detailed patients' history, which often may lead the treating physician to the correct clinical diagnosis.

  Blockade of cytokine-induced endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression by licorice isoliquiritigenin through NF-kappaB signal disruption.:Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2007 Feb;232(2):235-45.Kwon HM, Choi YJ, Choi JS, Kang SW, Bae JY, Kang IJ, Jun JG, Lee SS, Lim SS, Kang YH. Department of Food and Nutrition and Institute of Korea Nutrition Research, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do, 200-702, Republic of Korea.

 Numerous polyphenolic compounds have been found to inhibit adhesion and migration of leukocytes to sites of inflammation that are partly regulated by the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAM) such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1). Licorice root extracts have been used in traditional Chinese, Tibetan, and Indian medicine for the treatment of pulmonary diseases and inflammatory processes. Expression of CAM proteins was examined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) treated with a licorice component (isoliquiritigenin, 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, glycyrrhizin, formononetin, or ononin) and exposed to TNF-alpha. The involvement of NF-kappaB in the transcriptional control of CAM proteins was assessed by degradation of IkappaBalpha and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB using Western blotting techniques and immunocytochemical staining. At nontoxic > or =10 microM, isoliquiritigenin blocked the induction of VCAM-1 and E-selectin on activated HUVEC and markedly interfered with THP-1 monocyte adhesion to TNF-alpha-activated endothelial cells. Isoliquiritigenin abolished TNF-alpha-induced mRNA accumulation of VCAM-1 and E-selectin. Additionally, immunocytochemical staining revealed that isoliquiritigenin attenuated PECAM-1 expression induced by TNF-alpha. In contrast, other components recognized in licorice, 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, glycyrrhizin, formononetin, and ononin did not down-regulate the expression of VCAM-1 and/or PECAM-1 activated by TNF-alpha, implying that these components are inactive in modulating adhesion of leukocytes to stimulated endothelial cells. Isoliquiritigenin downregulated CAM proteins in TNF-alpha-activated HUVEC at the transcriptional levels by blocking degradation of IkappaBalpha and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB. These results demonstrate that the induction blockade of VCAM-1 and E-selectin by isoliquiritigenin was directly mediated by its interference with the CAM mRNA transcription through NF-kappaB-dependent mechanisms under inflammatory conditions.

  Role of P-glycoprotein in the intestinal absorption of glabridin, an active flavonoid from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra.:Drug Metab Dispos. 2007 Apr;35(4):539-53. Epub 2007 Jan 12.Cao J, Chen X, Liang J, Yu XQ, Xu AL, Chan E, Wei D, Huang M, Wen JY, Yu XY, Li XT, Sheu FS, Zhou SF. Department of Pharmacy, School of Life Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4001 Australia.

 Glabridin is a major constituent of the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, which is commonly used in the treatment of cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases. This study aimed to investigate the role of P-glycoprotein (PgP/MDR1) in the intestinal absorption of glabridin. The systemic bioavailability of glabridin was approximately 7.5% in rats, but increased when combined with verapamil. In single-pass perfused rat ileum with mesenteric vein cannulation, the permeability coefficient of glabridin based on drug disappearance in luminal perfusates (P(lumen)) was approximately 7-fold higher than that based on drug appearance in the blood (P(blood)). Glabridin was mainly metabolized by glucuronidation, and the metabolic capacity of intestine microsomes was 1/15 to 1/20 of that in liver microsomes. Polarized transport of glabridin was found in Caco-2 and MDCKII monolayers. Addition of verapamil in both apical (AP) and basolateral (BL) sides abolished the polarized transport of glabridin across Caco-2 cells. Incubation of verapamil significantly altered the intracellular accumulation and efflux of glabridin in Caco-2 cells. The transport of glabridin in the BL-AP direction was significantly higher in MDCKII cells overexpressing PgP/MDR1 than in the control cells. Glabridin inhibited PgP-mediated transport of digoxin with an IC(50) value of 2.56 microM, but stimulated PgP/MDR1 ATPase activity with a K(m) of 25.1 microM. The plasma AUC(0-24h) of glabridin in mdr1a(-/-) mice was 3.8-fold higher than that in wild-type mice. These findings indicate that glabridin is a substrate for PgP and that both PgP/MDR1-mediated efflux and first-pass metabolism contribute to the low oral bioavailability of glabridin.

  Content deternmination of glycyrrhizic acid in cortex glycyrrhizae:Zhong Yao Cai. 2006 Sep;29(9):891-2.Rong QX, Liu CS, Duan TX. School of Pharmacology, Beijing University of TCM, Beijing 100029, China.

 Glycyrrhizic acid content in Fen Gancao (barked licorice root) and its rough bark (Cortex Glycyrrhizae) was determined by HPLC. The result showed that at least three unknown ingredients were detected in Cortex Glycyrrhizae which were not in Fen Gancao, and glycyrrhizic acid content in the Cortex Glycyrrhizae is higher than that in Fen Gancao. It suggests that Cortex Glycyrrhizae can be used as the material not only to extract glycyrrhizic acid but also for making additives. Furtheronore, Fen Gancao should be further studied in order to reveal the differences of pharmacological effects between Fen Gancao and Licorice Root (Radix Glycyrrhizae).


  Hypocholesterolaemic and antioxidant effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Linn) in rats.:Mol Nutr Food Res. 2006 Nov;50(11):1080-6.

  High levels of ochratoxin A in licorice and derived products.:Int J Food Microbiol. 2007 Mar 20;114(3):366-9. Epub 2006 Nov 14.Arino A, Herrera M, Estopanan G, Juan T. University of Zaragoza, c/Miguel Servet 177, E-50013 Zaragoza, Spain. aarino@unizar.es

 The ochratoxin A (OTA) content of 30 samples of licorice root and derived products (licorice-confectionery, licorice block, and licorice extract) was analyzed by a standard HPLC-fluorescence technique and confirmed by methyl-ester formation. All analyzed samples of licorice and derived products were found to contain ochratoxin A, and some of them showed extremely high concentrations up to 252.8 ng/g of OTA. Highest levels of ochratoxin A were found in dry licorice root, averaging 63.6 ng/g, while mean contents in fresh licorice root were 9.2 ng/g. Licorice-confectionery (sweets) contained 3.8 ng/g of OTA. Ochratoxin A was also abundant in two licorice derivatives, liquid licorice extract (16.0 ng/g) and solid licorice block (39.5 ng/g). The ochratoxin levels found in licorice and derived products are higher than those reported in the literature for other food commodities. The experiments of OTA transfer into the tea beverages showed that almost 5% of the OTA present in dry licorice root is transferred to the corresponding decoction tea, whereas only 1% of OTA remains in infusion tea. The significance of the levels of ochratoxin A in licorice and its derivatives is discussed in the context of existing data on ochratoxin contamination in foods.

 The hypocholesterolaemic and antioxidant effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) root powder were examined in hypercholesterolaemic male albino rats. A 4-week administration of GG root powder (5 and 10 gm% in diet) to hypercholesterolaemic rats resulted in significant reduction in plasma, hepatic total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides and plasma low-density lipoprotein and VLDL-cholesterol accompanied by significant increases in HDL-cholesterol levels. Furthermore, significant increases in fecal cholesterol, neutral sterols and bile acid excretion along with an increase in hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity and bile acid production were observed in these animals. The root powder administration to hypercholesterolaemic rats also decreased hepatic lipid peroxidation with a concomitant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities and total ascorbic acid content. Thus, the hypocholesterolaemic and antioxidant effects of GG root appeared to be mediated via (i) accelerated cholesterol, neutral sterol and bile acid elimination through fecal matter with an increased hepatic bile acid production and (ii) improving the activities of hepatic SOD, catalase and increasing the ascorbic acid content. The normo-cholesterolaemic animals when fed with GG root powder at 10 gm% level, registered a significant decline in plasma lipid profiles and an increase in HDL-cholesterol content. The antioxidant status of these animals also was improved upon treatment.

  Risk and safety assessment on the consumption of Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza sp.), its extract and powder as a food ingredient, with emphasis on the pharmacology and toxicology of glycyrrhizin.:Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2006 Dec;46(3):167-92. Epub 2006 Aug 1.Isbrucker RA, Burdock GA. Burdock Group, 888 17th Street, NW, Suite 810 Washington, DC 20006, USA.

 Licorice (or 'liquorice') is a plant of ancient origin and steeped in history. Licorice extracts and its principle component, glycyrrhizin, have extensive use in foods, tobacco and in both traditional and herbal medicine. As a result, there is a high level of use of licorice and glycyrrhizin in the US with an estimated consumption of 0.027-3.6 mg glycyrrhizin/kg/day. Both products have been approved for use in foods by most national and supranational regulatory agencies. Biochemical studies indicate that glycyrrhizinates inhibit 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for inactivating cortisol. As a result, the continuous, high level exposure to glycyrrhizin compounds can produce hypermineralocorticoid-like effects in both animals and humans. These effects are reversible upon withdrawal of licorice or glycyrrhizin. Other in vivo and clinical studies have reported beneficial effects of both licorice and glycyrrhizin consumption including anti-ulcer, anti-viral, and hepatoprotective responses. Various genotoxic studies have indicated that glycyrrhizin is neither teratogenic nor mutagenic, and may possess anti-genotoxic properties under certain conditions. The pharmacokinetics of glycyrrhizin have been described and show that its bioavailability is reduced when consumed as licorice; this has hampered attempts to establish clear dose-effect levels in animals and humans. Based on the in vivo and clinical evidence, we propose an acceptable daily intake of 0.015-0.229 mg glycyrrhizin/kg body weight/day.

  Combinational numeral fingerprint spectra of Glycyrrhiza and analysis of common peak ratio invariableness in HPLC.:Biomed Chromatogr. 2006 Jun-Jul;20(6-7):642-55.Zou H, Yang G, Du A, Yuan J, Qin Z, Xia Y, Aboul-Enein HY. School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.

 To overcome the instability of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) fingerprint spectra (FPS) and to build up absolute identification standard of TCM, the construction method of combinational numeral fingerprint spectra (CNFPS) was set up. The analysis of invariableness based on CNFPS was carried out. It can be used as absolute quantitative standard to identify the difference of TCM samples. According to this method, the HPLC FPS of components extracted from Glycyrrhiza root samples by ethanol was analyzed. Stable results and accurate quality evaluation were obtained perfectly. The common peak ratio invariableness is an absolute standard in identifying TCM samples, which is better than the similarity method of the FPS.

  Antibacterial compounds from Glycyrrhiza uralensis.:J Nat Prod. 2006 Jan;69(1):121-4.He J, Chen L, Heber D, Shi W, Lu QY.School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.

 From the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, two new pterocarpenes, glycyrrhizol A (1) and glycyrrhizol B (2), along with four known isoflavonoids, 5-O-methylglycryol (3), isoglycyrol (4), 6,8-diisoprenyl-5,7,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone (5), and gancaonin G (6), were isolated using a bioassay-guided fractionation method. The structures of the new compounds (1and 2) were elucidated by spectroscopic data interpretation. The known compounds (3-6) were identified by comparison of their spectroscopic data with reported values in the literature. Glycyrrhizol A (1) and 6,8-diisoprenyl-5,7,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone (5) exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1 and 2 microg/mL, respectively, while glycyrrhizol B (2) and gancaonin G (6) showed more moderate activity.


  The presence of natural human antibodies reactive against pharmacologically active pectic polysaccharides from herbal medicines.: Phytomedicine. 2006 Jul;13(7):494-500. Epub 2006 Jan 19.

 Direct ELISA was performed using normal human sera and human colostrum, to analyse the presence of antibodies which react with pharmacologically active pectic polysaccharides isolated from plants used in traditional herbal medicine. All sera and colostrum were shown to contain IgM, IgG, IgA and secretory IgA class antibodies which react with the active pectic polysaccharides to different degrees. The reacting IgG antibody in normal human serum recognized the ramified regions (rhamnogalacturonan core with carbohydrate side-chains) of the pharmacologically active pectic polysaccharides as the active sites for complement-activating activity. Correlation analysis indicated that a significant and positive correlation was observed between reactivity with the reacting antibody of IgG class and the degree of complement-activating activity of the active polysaccharides. The reacting IgG class antibody, which was purified from normal human serum by affinity chromatography on bupleuran 2IIc (a pharmacologically active pectic polysaccharide from the roots of Bupleurum falcatum)-immobilized Sepharose, showed cross-reactivity not only with some other pharmacologically active pectic polysaccharides from other medicinal herbs but also with autoantigens such as single-strand DNA, myosin and tublin from mammals.

  Effect of licorice root on peripheral blood indexes upon vibration exposure.:Bull Exp Biol Med. 2005 Aug;140(2):197-200.Adamyan TI, Gevorkyan ES, Minasyan SM, Oganesyan KR, Kirakosyan KA. Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Erevan State University, Erevan. anatom@ysu.am

 We studied the effect of continuous vibration and treatment with licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) on peripheral blood red cells in rabbits. Active substances of licorice root accelerated metabolism in cells of the bone marrow erythroid stem, enhanced compensatory reserve of the organism, and increased animal's resistance to stress.

  Two new compounds from Glycyrrhiza glabra.:J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2005 Aug;7(4):677-80.Li JR, Wang YQ, Deng ZZ.Pharmaceutical Department, Medical College of the Chinese People Armed Police Force, Tianjin 300162, China. jirenli@sina.com.cn

 Two new flavonosides have been isolated from the roots of Glychirriza glabra and identified as 5,8-dihydroxy-flavone-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide, glychionide A, and 5-hydroxy-8-methoxyl-flavone-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide, glychionide B.

  A history of the therapeutic use of liquorice in Europe.:J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jul 14;99(3):317-24.Fiore C, Eisenhut M, Ragazzi E, Zanchin G, Armanini D. Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrinology, University of Padua, Via Ospedale 105, 35128 Padua, Italy. cristina.fiore@unipd.it

 Liquorice root has been used in Europe since prehistoric times, and is well documented in written form starting with the ancient Greeks. In this review we compare the independent development of medical uses of this botanical drug in several ancient cultures, attempting to show the rationality of specific indications across different ethnic groups with different cultural backgrounds. Identical specific indications in different cultures highlight universally reproducible therapeutic effects that are beyond those of a mere placebo. In the first part of the review, historical sources dealing with liquorice (Scythian, Greek, Roman, and from the Middle Ages in Germany, Italy, Spain, England) have been considered. In the second part, the historical records of diseases treated with liquorice have been presented. Finally, a comparison between traditional use in and outside Europe, with the most important recent scientific studies concerning its use, is presented.

  Memory enhancing activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra in mice.:J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Apr;91(2-3):361-5.

 In the traditional system of medicine, the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra (family: Leguminosae) have been employed clinically for centuries for their anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, expectorant, antimicrobial and anxiolytic activities. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (popularly known as liquorice) on learning and memory in mice. Elevated plus-maze and passive avoidance paradigm were employed to test learning and memory. Three doses (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg p.o.) of aqueous extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra were administered for 7 successive days in separate groups of animals. The dose of 150 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of liquorice significantly improved learning and memory of mice. Furthermore, this dose significantly reversed the amnesia induced by diazepam (1 mg/kg i.p.) and scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg i.p.). Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of liquorice may be contributing favorably to the memory enhancement effect. Since scopolamine-induced amnesia was reversed by liquorice, it is possible that the beneficial effect on learning and memory was due to facilitation of cholinergic-transmission in mouse brain. However, further studies are necessitated to identify the exact mechanism of action. In the present investigation, Glycyrrhiza glabra has shown promise as a memory enhancing agent in all the laboratory models employed.


  Simultaneous HPLC analysis, with isocratic elution, of glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetic acid in liquorice roots and confectionery products.:

 Glycyrrhizin (1), the main active principle of Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) roots, is extensively used in herbal medicines, in pharmaceutical preparations and confectionery products. A feasible and reliable method which allows the simultaneous analysis of 1 and its aglycone, 18beta-glycyrrhetic acid (2), by means of an isocratic HPLC procedure is described. The system uses a C8 column as the stationary phase, and a mixture of acetonitrile, methanol, water and glacial acetic acid as the mobile phase. Good linearity was found in the concentration ranges 1-50 and 0.05-2.50 microg/mL for 1 and 2, respectively. A simple and rapid sample pre-treatment, based on the extraction of the two analytes with a mixture of water and ethanol, was developed for the examination of liquorice confectionery products and root samples. The HPLC method was shown to be appropriate, in terms of precision and feasibility, for the quality control of the analytes in these matrices.

  Two new compounds from Glycyrrhiza glabra.:

 Two new flavonosides have been isolated from the roots of Glychirriza glabra and identified as 5,8-dihydroxy-flavone-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide, glychionide A, and 5-hydroxy-8-methoxyl-flavone-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide, glychionide B.

  Dihydrostilbene derivatives from Glycyrrhiza glabra leaves.:

 Four new dihydrostilbenes, alpha,alpha'-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-4'-acetoxy-5'-isopentenylstilbene (1), alpha,alpha'-dihydro-3,3',4'-trihydroxy-5-O-isopentenyl-6-isopentenylstilbene (2), alpha,alpha'-dihydro-3,5,3'-trihydroxy-4'-methoxystilbene (3), and alpha,alpha'-dihydro-3,3'-dihydroxy-5beta-d-O-glucopyranosyloxy-4'-methoxystilbene (4), together with seven known flavonoids, glabranin isomer, naringenin, lupiwighteone, pinocembrin 7-O-glucoside, astragalin, isoquercitrin, vicenin II, and the inositol, pinitol, were isolated from the leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra grown in Sicily. The structures of 1-4 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.

  Separation and analysis of glycyrrhizin, 18beta-glycyrrhetic acid and 18alpha-glycyrrhetic acid in liquorice roots by means of capillary zone electrophoresis.:

 Glycyrrhizin is the main active compound of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extracts; according to recent studies, glycyrrhizin and its aglycon, glycyrrhetic acid, have interesting therapeutic properties. A new capillary electrophoretic method has been developed for the separation and quantification of glycyrrhizin, beta-glycyrrhetic acid and its isomer a-glycyrrhetic acid. Separation of the analytes was achieved in less than 3 min on a fused silica capillary, by injecting the samples at the short end of the capillary (effective length: 8.5 cm). The background electrolyte was composed of pH 10.0 carbonate buffer, methanol and ethylene glycol (80/10/10) and contained 0.4% beta-cyclodextrin; indomethacin was used as the internal standard. Diode array detection was used, with quantitative assays carried out at 254 nm. Linearity was found over the 5-200 and 2.5-100 microg mL(-1) concentration ranges for glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetic acid, respectively. This method has been applied to the determination of the analytes in different matrices (liquorice roots and commercial confectionery products), and to the purity control of beta-glycyrrhetic acid obtained from the hydrolysis of glycyrrhizin. When analysing beta-glycyrrhetic acid and its epimer in roots, the samples were purified by means of a suitable solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure with Oasis HLB cartridges, which granted good selectivity, eliminating matrix interference.


  Glabrizoflavone:a novel isoflavone from Glycyrrhiza glabra L:

 7-O-Methylglabranin, 6-C-prenylpinocembrin, glabranin, pinocembrin, galangin, and a novel isoflavonoid, (E)-5,7,4'-trihydroxy-6-(3-hydroxymethyl-2-butenyl)isoflavone (glabrisoflavone) were isolated from the aerial parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. The structure of the novel isoflavonoid was elucidated on the basis of chemical transformations and spectral data.

  Flavonoid constituents from Glycyrrhiza glabra hairy root cultures.:

 An unusual biflavonoid named licoagrodin was isolated from the hairy root cultures of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Leguminosae) along with three prenylated retrochalcones, licoagrochalcones B, C, D, a prenylated aurone, licoagroaurone and four known prenylated flavonoids, licochalcone C, kanzonol Y, glyinflanin B and glycyrdione A. From the glycosidic fraction, a isoflavone glycoside, licoagroside A, and a maltol glycoside, licoagroside B were isolated together with four known isoflavone glycosides, two flavone C-glycosides, and three other glycosides. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence.

  Polysaccharides of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and Glycyrrhiza echinata L. Medicinal plants II:

 Comparative study was carried out among the polysaccharides of Chinese, Lithuanian and Hungarian origin Glycyrrhiza glabra root samples as well as the Hungarian origin Glycyrrhiza echinata, which has not been studied earlier. The plant material was extracted with boiling water and the yield, the carbohydrate and the uronic acid content was measured by the alpha-naphtol and the Bitter method, respectively. Although the yield of Hungarian origin species was found lower than the yield of eastern species, the uronic acid content was similar. Our results show that to extract polysaccharides containing uronic acids needed longer extraction time, about 4 hours. The stem of Glycyrrhiza echinata might be useful from a practical point of view because of its large size and easy of access. Some fractions containing uronic acid in higher amount were separated on DEAE Sepharose CL-6B anion exchange column. After hydrolysis, reduction and acetylation the monosaccharide composition of this fractions was analysed by GC.


  Seasonal variation of glycyrrhizin and isoliquiritigenin glycosides in the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra L.:

 The time courses of the glycyrrhizin and isoliquiritigenin glycoside contents in the thickening roots of licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra L., have been determined. The glycyrrhizin content in 1-year-old roots rapidly increased from October to November, whereas the isoliquiritigenin glycoside content increased up to October. In 3-year-old plants, although the isoliquiritigenin glycoside content rapidly increased from June to July, the glycyrrhizin content did not show any significant increase from May to August. The glycyrrhizin content increased during the senescence of the aerial parts as well as during the early stage of shoot elongation. The incorporation of [14C]mevalonic acid into the glycyrrhizin fraction by the root segments was high in May, June and September, and low in August and winter. These results indicated that the biosynthesis of glycyrrhizin is differently regulated from that of isoliquiritigenin glycoside in the thickening root of G. glabra.

  Antioxidant constituents from licorice roots: isolation, structure elucidation and antioxidative capacity toward LDL oxidation.:

 The present study analyzed the antioxidative properties of natural compounds from the root of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) toward LDL oxidation. Seven constituents, with antioxidant capacity were isolated from Glycyrrhiza glabra. The isolated compounds were identified as the isoflavans Hispaglabridin A (1), Hispaglabridin B (4), Glabridin (3), and 4'-O-Methylglabridin (2), the two chalcones, isoprenylchalcone derivative (5) and Isoliquiritigenin (6), and the isoflavone, Formononetin (7). Among these compounds, Glabridin constituted the major amount in the crude extract (11.6%, w/w) as detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The antioxidative capacities of the isolated compounds (1-7) were tested against beta-carotene destruction and LDL oxidation. The isoflavans (1-4) at a concentration of 50 microM inhibited beta-carotene consumption, following 90 min of incubation at 50 degrees C, similar to the inhibitory effect of the whole licorice crude extract (at 16 mg/1). The chalcones (5 and 6) exhibited moderate inhibition and the isoflavone 7 was almost inactive, whereas vitamin E (50 microM) completely inhibited beta-carotene consumption. The inhibitory effect of the constituents 1-7, at a concentration of 30 microM on 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced LDL oxidation was determined by measuring the amount of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and the amount of lipid peroxides. While compounds 1-6 exhibited high inhibitory activity, compound 7 and vitamin E were not active. A dose-dependent inhibitory effect of Glabridin, on the formation of cholesteryl linoleate hydroperoxide (CLOOH), in an AAPH-induced LDL oxidation system was also shown. Glabridin, at 5 or 40-60 microM concentration, inhibited the CLOOH formation by 62% and 90%, respectively. These results suggest that constituents 1-6 are very potent antioxidants toward LDL oxidation with Glabridin being the most abundant and potent antioxidant. As LDL oxidation is a key event in the formation of the early atherosclerotic lesion, the use of these natural antioxidants may be proven beneficial to attenuate atherosclerosis.

  Chemical studies of Chinese licorice-roots. I. Elucidation of five new flavonoid constituents from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. collected in Xinjiang.:

 From the air-dried roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Leguminosae) collected in Xinjiang province, China, five new flavonoid compounds named glucoliquiritin apioside (1) (a flavonone bisdesmoside), prenyllicoflavone A (5) (a bisprenylflavone), shinflavone (7) (a prenylated pyranoflavanone), shinpterocarpin (9) and 1-methoxyphaseollin (12) (both pyranopterocarpans), were isolated together with eight known saponins, seven known flavonoid glycosides, and eleven flavonoids. The structures of the new compounds have been elucidated on the basis of their chemical and physicochemical properties.


  Core structure of glycyrrhizan GA, the main polysaccharide from the stolon of Glycyrrhiza glabra var. glandulifera; anti-complementary and alkaline phosphatase-inducing activities of the polysaccharide and its degradation products.:

 The controlled Smith degradation and limited hydrolysis of glycyrrhizan GA, a representative polysaccharide with remarkable phagocytosis-enhancing activity isolated from the stolon of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. var. glandulifera Reg. et Herd. were carried out. Methylation analyses of the primary and the secondary Smith degradation products and of the limited hydrolysis product indicated that the core structural features of glycyrrhizan GA include a backbone chain composed of beta-1,3-linked D-galactose residues. Three-fifths of the galactose units in the backbone carry side chains composed of beta-1,3- and beta-1,6-linked D-galactosyl residues at position 6. Anti-complementary and alkaline phosphatase-inducing activities of the polysaccharide, periodate oxidation-reduction and the controlled Smith degradation products were investigated, and the controlled Smith degradation product showed significant activity.


  The effect of Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza glabra on CD69 expression and immune cell activation in humans.:

 The increasing use of medicinal herbs among the general public has piqued the need for scientific-based research to determine the mechanism of action of herbs administered orally in human subjects. The ability of three herbs, Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza glabra, to activate immune cells in human subjects was assessed in this pilot study. The effect of these herbs when ingested for 7 days was measured both when administered singly, and in combination, using flow cytometry. The primary cell activation marker measured was CD69. The results demonstrate that Echinacea, Astragalus and Glycyrrhiza herbal tinctures stimulated immune cells as quantified by CD69 expression on CD4 and CD8 T cells. This activation took place within 24 h of ingestion, and continued for at least 7 days. In addition, these three herbs had an additive effect on CD69 expression when used in combination.

  Memory-strengthening activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra in exteroceptive and interoceptive behavioral models.:

 In the traditional system of medicine, the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra have been employed clinically for centuries for their anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, expectorant, antimicrobial, and anxiolytic activities. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of G. glabra, popularly known as liquorice (Mulathi), on learning and memory. The elevated plus-maze and passive avoidance paradigm were employed to evaluate learning and memory parameters. Three doses (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg p.o.) of aqueous extract of G. glabra were administered for 7 successive days in separate groups of mice. The dose of 150 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of liquorice significantly improved learning and memory of mice. Furthermore, this dose reversed the amnesia induced by diazepam (1 mg/kg i.p.), scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg i.p.), and ethanol (1 g/kg i.p.). Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of liquorice may be contributing favorably to the memory enhancement effect. Since scopolamine-induced amnesia was reversed by liquorice, it is possible that the beneficial effect on learning and memory may be because of facilitation of cholinergic transmission in brain. However, further studies are necessitated to identify the exact mechanism of action. In the present investigation, G. glabra has shown promise as a memory enhancer in both exteroceptive and interoceptive behavioral models of memory.


  Variability in the content of active constituents and biological activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra.:

 Nine samples of Glycyrrhiza glabra were collected in various sites of Calabria, Italy, with the aim to determine the variability in the confront of active constituents and in antibacterial and antifungal activities of the extracts. The samples showed remarkable differences in chemical composition and biological activity.

  Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, pilot clinical trial of ImmunoGuard--a standardized fixed combination of Andrographis paniculata Nees, with Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim, Schizandra chinensis Bail. and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extracts in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever.:

 Double blind, randomized, placebo controlled pilot study of ImmunoGuard--a standardized fixed combination of Andrographis paniculata Nees., Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim., Schizandra chinensis Bail., and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. special extracts standardized for the content of Andrographolide (4 mg/tablet), Eleuteroside E, Schisandrins and Glycyrrhizin, was carried out in two parallel groups of patients. The study was conducted in 24 (3-15 years of both genders) patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), 14 were treated with tablets of series A (verum) and 10 patients received series B product (placebo). The study medication was taken three times of four tablets daily for 1 month. Daily dose of the andrographolide--48 mg. The primary outcome measures in physician's evaluation were related to duration, frequency and severity of attacks in FMF patients (attacks characteristics score). The patient's self-evaluation was based mainly on symptoms--abdominal, chest pains, temperature, arthritis, myalgia, erysipelas-like erythema. All of 3 features (duration, frequency, severity of attacks) showed significant improvement in the verum group as compared with the placebo. In both clinical and self evaluation the severity of attacks was found to show the most significant improvement in the verum group. Both the clinical and laboratory results of the present phase II (pilot) clinical study suggest that ImmunoGuard is a safe and efficacious herbal drug for the management of patients with FMF.

  Isoliquiritigenin inhibits the growth of prostate cancer:

 Objective: Isoliquiritigenin, one of the components in the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., is a member of the flavonoids, which are known to have an anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of isoliquiritigenin on prostate cancer in vitro.Methods: DU145 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell lines were used as targets. We examined the effects of isoliquiritigenin on cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation and cell cycle-regulating gene expression. Further, we investigated the effects of isoliquiritigenin on the GADD153 mRNA and protein expression, and promoter activity.Results: Isoliquiritigenin significantly inhibited the proliferation of prostate cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis indicated that isoliquiritigenin induced S and G2/M phase arrest. Isoliquiritigenin enhanced the expression of GADD153 mRNA and protein associated with cell cycle arrest. Further, isoliquiritigenin stimulated transcriptional activity of GADD153 promoter dose-dependently.Conclusion: These findings suggest that isoliquiritigenin is a candidate agent for the treatment of prostate cancer and GADD153 may play an important role in isoliquiritigenin-induced cell cycle arrest and cell growth inhibition.


  Antioxidant effect of licorice root on blood catalase activity in vibration stress.:

 Rabbits were treated (orally) with a preparation of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. for 30 days and in parallel were exposed to vibration stress (30 days). The licorice preparation reduced catalase activity in the peripheral blood and increased animal resistance to vibration stress.

  Antimicrobial activity of licorice flavonoids against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.:

 Nineteen flavonoids isolated from licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. inflata and G. uralensis) were tested for their antimicrobial activities against methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin resistant S. aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

  Immunological studies of Revitonil, a phytopharmaceutical containing Echinacea purpurea and Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract.:

 A phytopharmaceutical containing an extract of Echinacea purpurea and Glycyrrhiza glabra root (Revitonil tablets) was investigated for its suggested immunostimulating potential, using several in vitro tests and the in vivo carbon-clearance model in mice. In the in vitro phagocytosis test with human granulocytes, Revitonil showed a 44-53% stimulating effect at a concentration of 100 microg/ml. Whereas in the chemoluminescence test at a concentration of 1.25 microg/ml, Revitonil tablets exhibited a moderate enhancing effect only, a remarkable stimulating activity (30-50%) was observed in the T-lymphocyte CD69 bioassay at a concentration of 100 microg-1 microg/ml. The highest immunological efficacy could be assigned to Revitonil as revealed by the in vivo carbon-clearance model in mice. With RCt/RCc-values of 2.0, Revitonil exhibited a very high carbon elimination rate at oral administration. Because the Echinacea and Glycyrrhiza monoextracts alone showed lower RCt/RCc-values (1.3-1.7) than Revitonil, a potentiating synergistic effect of the extract mixture in Revitonil can be postulated.

  Activation of macrophages by crude polysaccharide fractions obtained from shoots of Glycyrrhiza glabra and hairy roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis in vitro.:

 Many plant polysaccharide fractions have been reported as immunomodulatory agents. However, sometimes the possibility of contamination with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a potent B cell mitogen and immune modulator, is discussed. In the present paper, we investigated the effects of crude polysaccharide fractions obtained from the shoot and hairy root of Glycyrrhizae sp. on murine peritoneal macrophage function, in order to clarify whether plants grown under aseptic conditions produce immunomodulatory polysaccharides. All crude polysaccharide fractions induced nitric oxide production by murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro. Chemical analysis revealed that LPS-like molecules were not present in all preparations. These results suggested that shoot and hairy root biosynthesized polysaccharides that could stimulate macrophages de novo.


  Structural aspects of the inhibitory effect of glabridin on LDL oxidation.:

 The inhibitory effects of glabridin, an isoflavan isolated from licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root, and its derivatives on the oxidation of LDL induced by copper ions or mediated by macrophages were studied, in order to evaluate the contribution of the different parts of the isoflavan molecule to its antioxidant activity. The peak potential (E1/2) of the isoflavan derivatives, their radical scavenging capacity toward 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical and their ability to chelate heavy metals were also analyzed and compared to their inhibitory activity on LDL oxidation. In copper ion-induced LDL oxidation, glabridin (1), 4'-O-methylglabridin (2), hispaglabridin A (3), and hispaglabridin B (4), which have two hydroxyl groups at positions 2' and 4' or one hydroxyl at position 2' on ring B, successfully inhibited the formation of conjugated dienes, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipid peroxides, and inhibited the electrophoretic mobility of LDL under oxidation. Compounds 1-3 exhibited similar activities, whereas compound 4 was less active. In macrophage-mediated LDL oxidation, the TBARS formation was also inhibited by these isoflavans (1-4) at a similar order of activity to that obtained in copper ion-induced LDL oxidation. On the other hand, 2'-O-methylglabridin (5), a synthesized compound, whose hydroxyl at 2'-position is protected and the hydroxyl at 4'-position is free, showed only minor inhibitory activity in both LDL oxidation systems. 2',4'-O-Dimethylglabridin (6), whose hydroxyls at 2'- and 4'-positions are both protected, was inactive. Resorcinol (7), which is identical to the phenolic B ring in glabridin, presented low activity in these oxidation systems. The isoflavene glabrene (8), which contains an additional double bond in the heterocyclic C ring, was the most active compound of the flavonoid derivatives tested in both oxidation systems. The peak potential of compounds 1-5 (300 microM), tested at pH 7.4, was similar (425-530 mV), and that for compound 6 and 8 was 1078 and 80 mV, respectively. Within 30 min of incubation, compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 scavenged 31%, 16%, 74%, 51%, 86%, respectively, of DPPH radical, whereas compounds 5 and 6, which almost did not inhibit LDL oxidation, also failed to scavenge DPPH. None of the isoflavan derivatives nor the isoflavene compound were able to chelate iron, or copper ions. These results suggest that the antioxidant effect of glabridin on LDL oxidation appears to reside mainly in the 2' hydroxyl, and that the hydrophobic moiety of the isoflavan is essential to obtain this effect. It was also shown that the position of the hydroxyl group at B ring significantly affected the inhibitory efficiency of the isoflavan derivatives on LDL oxidation, but did not influence their ability to donate an electron to DPPH or their peak potential values.


  Licorice ingestion and blood pressure regulating hormones.:

 Nearly half a century ago Revers reported that administration of a paste prepared from succus liquiritiae, a dried watery extract of the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, resulted in a reduction in abdominal symptoms as well as radiographic evidence of healing in patients suffering from gastric ulcer. Subsequent studies demonstrated that this preparation could prevent the formation of gastric ulcers in experimental animals and confirmed the salutary effects in patients, but found that approximately 20% of patients so treated developed facial and dependent edema, often accompanied by headache, shortness of breath, stiffness, and pain in the upper abdomen. Although these symptoms suggested an allergic reaction, they were not accompanied by eosinophilia or relieved by antihistamines. These untoward effects usually subsided with a reduction of dose, although in some patients treatment had to be discontinued entirely. Given this profile of side effects, enthusiasm for licorice as a remedy for peptic ulcer disease soon faded. However, the popularity of licorice flavoring in candy and in other products such as chewing tobacco persists to this day, as do the problems in electrolyte and blood pressure homeostasis that can occasionally occur in individuals ingesting large quantities of licorice-containing products. Although the pattern of the renal response suggested that the active ingredients in licorice were acting directly on the mineralocorticoid receptors in the kidney, an even more fascinating explanation for the toxic effects of licorice has emerged in the past decade.


  Anti-acne effects of Oriental herb extracts: a novel screening method to select anti-acne agents.:

 The acne-therapeutic effects of Oriental herb extracts were investigated in terms of antichemotactic effect on polymorphonuclear leucocytes, antilipogenic actions, antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes and resistance induction potency in the bacteria. The ethanol extract (0.01%) of Angelica dahurica markedly suppressed neutrophil chemotaxis, comparable to the effect of erythromycin (0.01%), whereas a strong antilipogenic effect was obtained with rhizoma coptidis (Coptis chinensis) extract (0.01%), leading to a higher efficacy than that of retinoic acid (0.01%). Interestingly, only Glycyrrhiza glabra showed a remarkable antibacterial activity against P. acnes, resulting in negligible induction of resistance, in comparison with a marked development of resistance in the bacteria treated with erythromycin. We suggest that an appropriate formulation containing A. dahurica, rhizoma coptidis and G. glabra could be helpful for the prevention and treatment of acne lesions.

 The effect of glycyrrhizin on the release rate and skin penetration of diclofenac sodium from topical formulations.:

 The influence of glycyrrhizin extracted from Glycyrrhiza glabra var. glandulifera (licorice roots) on the percutaneous absorption of diclofenac sodium from sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) gels or oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion was investigated. Skin permeation experiments were carried out using excised abdominal rat skin. The results showed that the efficiency of glycyrrhizin as an enhancer agent is greater in gel formulations than it is in the emulsions. The enhancer with the concentration of 0.1% w/w in gel increased diclofenac sodium flux value to tenfold compared with the control gel.


  How Search Engine think about Licorice.:

licorice is an enhancer for souhakuhi and morehairin
licorice is somehow better absorbed when
licorice is a perennial herb native to southern europe
licorice is used to improve eyesight
licorice is made two different ways
licorice is cut to length and coated in a hard glaze for a very traditional taste treat
licorice is perennial from long
licorice is native to south
licorice is 6 to 25 degrees centigrade with an annual precipitation of 0
licorice is contained in a booklet "absolutely delicious licorice' obtainable from the author
licorice is a botanical
licorice is extracted from varieties of g
licorice is a herbal
licorice is a medical plant in china and india
licorice is also known for its anti
licorice is one of the mainstays of traditional chinese medicine and has been used for over 3
licorice is the root from a leguminous plant in the same family as astragalus
licorice is associated with mercury
licorice is a standardized extract of deglycyrrhizinated licorice
licorice is the assistance it gives to respiratory problems as it fights the viruses attaching the respiratory tract
licorice is an ancient herb
licorice is the chemical glycyrrhizin
licorice is a hardy plant that thrives in full sun or partial shade and
licorice is very old
licorice is made by venco out of special selected ingredients
licorice is an ingredient in cough drops and syrups
licorice is one of those herbs that crosses the lines among fragrance
licorice is known to most as a candy
licorice is planted with peas and corn
licorice is the root of a member of the pea family native to eurasia
licorice is the most widely used "drug" in the world due to its volume of consumption in china
licorice is useful in the treatment of irritated mucous membranes throughout the body
licorice is actually a potent and controversial herb
licorice is the second most prescribed herb in china followed by ginseng
licorice is unlikely to produce any side effects
licorice is widely used as a flavoring
licorice is sweet
licorice is a perennial
licorice is indispensable to morehairin and is recommended for compounding souhakuhi
licorice is then extruded
licorice is readily apparent in kookaburra licorice from the vermont country store
licorice is soft and chewy
licorice is for treating upper respiratory ailments including coughs
licorice is a plant native to parts of europe and china
licorice is very sweet and contains glycyrrhizic acid which is fifty times sweeter than sugar
licorice is hard to get
licorice is glycyrrhizin
licorice is effective in regulating blood pressure
licorice is a plant that grows well in temperate climates
licorice is a hardy perennial
licorice is a source of the female hormone estrogen
licorice is available in many forms
licorice is good for your health
licorice is beneficial in gastric and duodenal ulcers
;licorice is low
licorice is a perennial plant indigenous to southern europe
licorice is plenty good
licorice is a charming ornamental originally from south africa
licorice is a legume
licorice is a very versatile medicine
licorice is called
licorice is eaten by deer and pronghorn
licorice is a traditional herbal remedy with an ancient history and world wide usage
licorice is derived from the from the roots and stems of the plant glycyrrhiza glabra
licorice is the most common name but it is also referred to as american licorice
licorice is more prevalent and important
licorice is an ancient herb that rarely finds its way into american gardens
licorice is also classified as a
licorice is a powerful drug and serious health problems can result from taking it at medicinal levels for long periods of time
licorice is glycyrrhizine
licorice is used to reduced coughing and to clear up the congestion associated with a cold
licorice is a very famous plant not only in syria but also in many other countries
licorice is found in moist habi
licorice is a firm but chewy candy that reminds us of an old fashioned soothing syrup
licorice is a perennial erect branching plant 3
licorice is an herb that is commonly used by both western herbologists and traditional chinese medicine
licorice is a food people either love or hate
licorice is for the real connoisseur
licorice is an herb with an unparalleled reputation for promoting health and longevity
licorice is often used as a remedy for jaundice and is considered a great liver detoxifier
licorice is strongly evident in french tarragon
licorice is also a
licorice is popular herb and is present in many chinese herb formulas
licorice is a shrub native to southern europe and asia


  Scientific References:

  1.Research Update:Licorice.
  2.Licorice:Glycyrrhiza Glabra,Licorice Root Extract.