α-Glucosidase Inhibitors from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.

Aim To screen for α-glucosidase inhibitor from Glyeyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.. Methods Glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, flavonoids of glycyrrhiza, alkaloids of glycyrrhiza, and glycyrrhiza polysaccharides were isolated from the root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. respectively. Three compounds were isolated from the flavonoids of glycyrrhiza as guided by the α-glucosidase inhibitory test in vitro. Moreover, the characteristics of inhibitory kinetics of glycyrol and glycyrrhetinic acid were investi- gated. Results The flavonoids of glycyrrhiza and glycyrrhetinic acid had the strongest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Glycyrol,β-sitosterol and liquifitin were isolated and identified. Glycyrol was a fast- binding, reversible, noncompetitive α-glucosidase inhibitor, showing IC50 at 0.26 μg·mL^-1 Glycyrrhetinic acid was a fast-binding, irreversible α-glucosidase inhibitor, showing IC50 at 102.4 μg·mL^-1. Conclusion Glycyrol is an effective α-glucosidase inhibitor.

Effect of Different Concentrations of Mo on Yield and Accumulation of Active Constituents of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch

[Objective] The aim was to explore the effects of different concentrations of molybdenum（Mo）on the growth,yield and the accumulations of active constituents of Glycyrrhiza uralensis.[Method] The seedlings of one-year-old G.uralensis were subjected to four concentrations of Mo（0,0.52,5.20 and 10.40 mg/L Mo）culturing in vermiculite and 0.52 mg/L Mo was the normal concentration in the complete Hoagland nutrition solution.The solution was irrigated to the pots every week.The fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots of the plants were measured by electronic balance.The contents of glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritin of roots were determined by HPLC.[Result] This result showed that both fresh and dry weights of the shoots and roots increased with the increasing of Mo concentrations.During the later period of this experiment,they showed significant differences among different Mo treatments.On the 105 d,both fresh and dry weights of the shoots and roots under 0 mg/L Mo reached the lowest,and the 5.20 and 10.40 mg/L Mo reached the highest.However,the contents of glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritin increased first and then decreased with increasing of Mo concentrations.During the whole experiment,the contents of glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritin under 5.20 mg/L Mo were always higher than that under other Mo treatments.[Conclusion] In conclusion,both the concentrations of 5.20 and 10.40 mg/L Mo could promote the accumulation of the shoots and roots of G.uralensis,but the 5.20 mg/L Mo was more useful for the accumulation of glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritin in the roots.

Measurement and comparison of glycyrrhizic acid contents in root of licorice(Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.)from different cultivating areas

The samples of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) from 14 different cultivated areas were determined by the method of high Performance Capillary Electrophoresis (HPCE) for the contents of glycyrrihizic acid (GA) in root. The results showed that the licorice plants come from various cultivated areas of China has different contents of GA. The GA content of licorice from Zhaodong in Heilongjiang Province is the highest, followed by those from E抰uoke, Chifeng, and Hangjin Banner in Inner Mongolia. Some suggestions for establishing the production base of licorice were put forward based on the study.

Primary Speciation Analysis on 6 Kinds of Microelements in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.

[Objective]The aim was to analyze the primary speciation of 6 microelements in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. and provide theoretical basis for explaining pharmacodynamic principle of liquorice and discussing quality control of liquorice planting. [Method]The 6 elements Cu,Zn,Ca,Fe,Mg and Mn in roots of G.uralensis were extracted based on traditional decoction method and were separated into water-soluble state and suspension state by micro porous filtering film. The elements in water-soluble state were detected by flame atomic adsorption spectrophotometry （FAAS）. [Result]The results showed that extractive rates of the elements were in the range of 1.71%-60.06%,and immerse-residue ratio in 0.018 3-1.682 0; the results also indicated that the immerse-residue ratio of Zn was biggest （1.68）,Zn played an important medical role and might be considered as the best characteristic element in G.uralensis; the recoveries of the elements were ranged from 95.72% to 103.15% and relative standard deviations （RSD） were less than 2.38%. [Conclusion]Because of its high accuracy,FAAS method is feasible for analyzing primary speciation of microelements in G.uralensis.

Optimization of RAPD-PCR Reaction System for Glycyrrhiza uralensis Based on Orthogonal Design

[Objective] The aim was to obtain the optimum RAPD-PCR reaction system for Glycyrrhiza uralensis.[Method] Orthogonal design was adopted to screen the suitable concentration of four major factors（dNTPs,primers,Taq polymerase and DNA template） in PCR reaction system.[Result] The optimal reaction system obtained by orthogonal design was 25 μl in total volume,containing 2.5 μl of 10×PCR buffer solution（include MgCl2）,2.5 μl of 10 mmol/L dNTPs,2 μl（100 ng） of DNA template,2 μl of 10 μmol/L primers,0.4 μl（5 U） of Taq polymerase;the optimum annealing temperature was 34 ℃.[Conclusion] Orthogonal design was an effective method for the optimization of RAPD-PCR reaction system for G.uralensis.

Effect of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch polysaccharide on growth performance and immunologic function in mice in Ural City,Xinjiang

Objective:To discuss the effect of Glycyrrhiza uralensis(G.uralensis) Fisch polysaccharide on growth performance and immunologic function in mice in Ural City,Xinjiang and to provide important data supporting the application of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide.Methods:A total of100 Kunming mice aged 3 weeks old were randomly divided into 5 groups with 20 mice in each group(10 were females and 10 were males).About 0.5 mL normal saline was given to the mice of control group every day and 0.5 mL G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide was given to the mice of other groups at the concentration of 1,20,50 and 100 mg/mL respectively.The growth performance(average body weight,average daily feed intake and feed efficiency),immune organ indexes(spleen index and thymus index) and immunologic function(serum IL-2,CD4^+/CD8^+ and the activity of NK cells) of mice in each group were detected continuously.Results:The average body weight,feed efficiency,serum IL-2,CD4^+/CD8^+ and the activity of NK cells of mice were increased with the increase of administrated time after administrating G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide and were reached up the largest level on Day 28.At the same time,each index was proportional to the given dose and was significantly higher than those of control group and reached up the largest level at the administrated dose of 100 mg/mL.After administrating G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide,the spleen index and thymus index of mice were increased with the increase of administrated dose and the spleen index and thymus index of mice administrated with the dose of 100 mg/mL were maximum which was more than 1.51 times and 1.43 times of that in control group respectively and the comparative differences showed statistical significance(P<0.05).The average daily feed intake of mice in each group was increased with the passage of lime and at the same time,the comparison of average daily feed intake of mice in each group was not significantly different(P>0.05).Conclusions:G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide can significantly improve the growth performance and immunologic function of mice and laid a research basis for the clinical application of G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide.

A New Dihydroflavone Glycoside from Glycyrrhiza uralensis

A new dihydroflavone glycoside was isolated from the underground parts of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Its structure was elucidated as 7-hydroxyl-4'-O-β-D-(6'-O-α-hydroxylpropionyl) glucopyranosyl dihydroflavone by spectral methods.

Molecular Cloning and Expression Analysis of an Actin Gene from Chinese Licorice(Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch)

A PCR-based homologous cloning strategy was used to identify an actin gene from the roots of Chinese licorice（Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch）. Results of sequence analysis indicate that a 1137 bp cDNA with an open reading frame encoding 377 amino acids, actin ortholog, GuActin, was successfully cloned and characterized（GenBank accession No. EU190972）. Thus far, GuActin is the first actin of Chinese licorice that has been identified at a molecular level. Analysis by Northern blot shows that GuActin was expressed strongly in the roots, particularly in radicles than in stems and leaves. These results suggest that GuActin may be a member of the vegetative subfamily of the actin family.

Conditions and Stimulation for Germination in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch Seeds

Evaluation of seed quality is the key to seed distributing and seeding of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, as an important species for pharmacy and soil conservation. Here, we study the effects of light and temperature on seed germination and mechanical and chemical scarification on breaking the seed coat. Seeds were collected in 2004, 2005, and 2006, placed in Petri dishes, and incubated at constant temperature 20, 25, and 30℃, and alternating temperature 15-25, 20-30, 15-30, and 20-35℃ under either an 8h photoperiod or total darkness for 28 consecutive days. Different methods were used to break the dormancy owing to hard seededness in this species such as chemical scarification by immersing in concentrated sulphuric acid for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, and 60 min, in 0.2% KNO3 solution to saturate the seedbed, and prechilling for 7 d at 7℃ and mechanical scarification by cutting. The results showed that alternating temperature at 20-30℃ with 8 h photoperiod and 16 h darkness was optimum for G. uralensis seed germinating in the laboratory. Hard seeds were broken by concentrated sulphuric acid soaking or mechanical scarification by cutting. Germination of seeds harvested in two different years was both promoted by immersing for 30-45 min in concentrated sulphuric acid. KNO3 solution was ineffective for reducing hard seeds. During seed germinating, the first count was on the 7th day and the last count was on the 14th day.

TWO NEM IS0PRENYL PLAVONOIDS FROM THE LEAVES OP GLYCYRRHIZA URALENSIS FISOH

Three flavonoids have been isolated from the leaves of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch(licorice,Leguminosae).The structures have been identified as 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-3-methoxy-5'-isoprenyl flavone(I,uralenol-3-methylether),5,6,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-3-methoxy-6'-isoprenyl flavone (Ⅱ, unalene) and quercetin(Ⅲ).Ⅰ and Ⅱ are new compound.

Effects of Different Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Growth and Protective Enzyme Activity of Glycyrrhiza uralensis

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of 5 kinds of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi( Acaulospora mellea,Glomus mosseae,Glomus versiforme,Glomus aggregatum,Glomus etunicatum) on the growth and protective enzyme activity of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. [Method] The growth indicators and protective enzymes activity of glycyrrhiza plants inoculated and uninoculated with fungi were compared. [Result] The plant height,basal diameter,main root length,aboveground fresh weight,underground fresh weight,aboveground dry weight and underground dry weight of the inoculated glycyrrhiza plants were increased significantly compared with those in the control( non-inoculation) group. In the inoculated glycyrrhiza plants,the growth index was significantly increased compared with that in the control group( P <0. 05); the activities of superoxide dismutase( SOD) and peroxidase( POD) increased first and then decreased; and the activity of catalase( CAT) showed a continuous rising trend. The effects of different inoculants on the growth of G. uralensis were significantly different.[Conclusion]G. etunicatum,G. mosseae and G. aggregatum had a significant effect on the growth of G. uralensis,and were superior to other fungi in resisting the adverse environment.

Effect of Ar Ion Beam Implantation on Morphological and Physiological Characteristics of Liquorice(Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch)Under Short-Term Artificial Drought Conditions

Ar^＋ ion beam with low energy of 30 keV was implanted into liquorice （Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch） seeds at the doses of 0, 600, 900 and 1200 × （2.6 × 10^13） ions/cm^2, respectively. The seeds were sowed in pots and after one month the plants were subjected to different drought conditions for two months. Then the plants＇ morphological and physiological characteristics, antioxidation enzymes and levels of endogenous hormones were investigated. The results showed that ion implantation at a proper dose can greatly enhance the liquorice seedlings＇ resistance against drought stress.

INHIBITORY EFFECT OF GLYCYRRHIZA URALENSIS FISH AND CHELIDONIUM MAJUS L ON GASTROCARCINOGENESIS . INDUCED BY N-METHYL-N' -NITRO-N-NITROSOGUANIDINE

In order to investigate the antagonistic effect of Glycyrrhlza Uralensis Fish (GUF) and Chelidonium maJus L (CML) on gastrccarcinogenesls Induced by MNNG in Wastar rats, we treated the rats with MNNG alone (group 1) and with MNNG plus GUF and CML (group 2 and 3) respectively. The Incidence of Infiltrating adenocarcinoma of the glandular stomach and duodenum in group 2 was significantly lower than that in group 1 (26.7% vs. 67.8%). The differentiation and aggresslvenees of carcinomas occured in group 2 were much better and mild than those in group 1. Present study also demonstrated that the Inhibitory effect of CML on proliferation of human stomach carcinoma cell line MGC-803 was very remarkable; in addition, GUF and CML were able to antagonise the mutagenlc activation of MNNG. These results suggest that GUF and CML may be empoyed In prevention of gastric carcinoma.

Impact of Ion Implantation on Licorice(Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch) Growth and Antioxidant Activity Under Drought Stress

Low energy ion beams are known to have stimulation effects on plant generation and to improve plants＇ intrinsic quality. In the present study, the growth and physiological index of licorice implanted with 0, 8, 10; 12 and 14× （2.6× 10^15） ions/cm^2 were investigated under well-watered and drought-stress conditions. The results showed that a proper dose of ion implan- tation was particularly efficient in stimulating the licorice growth and improving the plant biomass significantly in both the well-watered and drought-stress conditions. The physiological results of licorice measured by leaf water potential, lipid oxidation, soluble protein and antioxidant system showed a significant correlation between ion implantation and water regime except for leaf water potential. Therefore, the study indicated that ion implantation can enhance licorice＇s drought tolerance by increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, eatalase （CAT） and DPPH （1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl） radical scavenging ability to lower oxidative damage to lipids in plants. Ion beam implantation, therefore, provides an alternative method to enhance licorice drought tolerance.

THE BLOCKING EFFECTS OF GLYCYRRHIZE URALENSIS AND CHELIDONIUM MAJUS ON MUTAGENESIS INDUCED BY AFLATOXIN B1

Glycyrrhiza Uralensis(GU) and Chelidoniuni Majus (CM) (25,50,100, 200 mg/plate) have obvious blocking effects on Salmonella Typhimurium strains (TA97,TA98,TA100, TA102) mutagenesis induced by aflatoxim B1 (AFB1). The blocking rates of GU and CM are more dependent on the doses. A compound of GU and CM, called Wei Lingsu (WLS), could impede chromosomol aperrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) of human peripheral lymphocyte induced by AFB1, at the concentrations of 150 mg/ml, the blocking rates are 52. 94% 88. 24% and 15. 50% 38. 23% saperatly. WLS could also impede the inhibition of AFB1 to lymphocyte mitosis.

不同净化方法对甘草有机氯农药残留测定的比较研究

以甘草(Glycyrrhiza uralensis)作为研究对象,采用气相色谱法,分别通过磺化法及QuEChERS法进行样品净化处理,对2种净化方法进行评价。结果表明,2种净化方法所制样品中杂质对9种有机氯测定均无干扰,相对而言,QuEChERS处理效果更佳,杂质较少。对比研究试验中,重复性、回收率、检测限测定结果均表明,QuEChERS法略优于磺化法。QuEChERS法操作简单,步骤少,能专属、快速、灵敏、准确地实现样品处理分析,可作为甘草样品农药残留量测定的净化方法。

Ethanol Extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch:Antidiarrheal Activity in Mice and Contraction Effect in Isolated Rabbit Jejunum

Objective:To evaluate the antidiarrheal effect of ethanol extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch root(GFR)in vivo and jejunal contraction in vitro.Methods:In vivo,50 mice were divided into negative control,positive control(verapamil),low-,medium-and high-dose GFR(250,500,1,000 mg/kg)groups by a random number table,10 mice in each group.The antidiarrheal activity was evaluated in castor oil-induced diarrhea mice model by evacuation index(El).In vitro,the effects of GFR(0.01,0.03,0.1,0.3,1,3,and 10 g/L)on the spontaneous contraction of isolated smooth muscle of rabbit jejunum and contraction of pretreated by Acetylcholine(ACh,10μmol/L)and KCl(60 mmol/L)were observed for 200 s.In addition,CaCl_(2)was accumulated to further study its mechanism after pretreating jejunal smooth muscle with GFR(1 and 3 g/L)or verapamil(0.03 and 0.1μmol/L)in a Ca^(2+)-free-high-K+solution containing ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid(EDTA).Results:GFR(500 and 1,000 mg/kg)significantly reduced El in castor oil-induced diarrhea model mice(P<0.01).Meanwhile,GFR(0.01,0.03,0.1,0.3,1,3,and 10 g/L)inhibited the spontaneous contraction of rabbit jejunum(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Contraction of jejunums samples pretreated by ACh and KCI with 50% effective concentration(EC50)values was 1.05(0.71-1.24),0.34(0.29-0.41)and 0.15(0.11-0.20)g/L,respectively.In addition,GFR moved the concentration-effect curve of CaCl_(2)down to the right,showing a similar effect to verapamil.Conclusions:GFR can effectively reduce diarrhea and inhibit intestinal contraction,and these antidiarrheal effects may be based on blocking L-type Ca^(2+) channels and muscarinic receptors.

Glycnsisitin A:A promising bicyclic peptide against heart failure that facilitates TFRCmediated uptake of iron in cardiomyocytes

Zhigancao decoction is a traditional prescription for treating irregular pulse and palpitations in China.As the monarch drug of Zhigancao decoction,the bioactive molecules of licorice against heart diseases remain elusive.We established the HRESIMS-guided method leading to the isolation of three novel bicyclic peptides,glycnsisitins A-C(1-3),with distinctive C-C and C-O-C side-chain-toside-chain linkages from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis(Licorice).Glycnsisitin A demonstrated stronger cardioprotective activity than glycnsisitins B and C in an in vitro model of doxorubicin(DOX)-induced cardiomyocyte injury.Glycnsisitin A treatment not only reduced the mortality of heart failure(HF)mice in a dose-dependent manner but also significantly attenuated DOX-induced cardiac dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis.Gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)of the differentially expressed genes indicated that the cardioprotective effect of glycnsisitin A was mainly attributed to its ability to maintain iron homeostasis in the myocardium.Mechanistically,glycnsisitin A interacted with transferrin and facilitated its binding to the transferrin receptor(TFRC),which caused increased uptake of iron in cardiomyocytes.These findings highlight the key role of bicyclic peptides as bioactive molecules of Zhigancao decoction for the treatment of HF,and glycnsisitin A constitutes a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of HF.

Anti-aging Related Activities and Health Benefits of Licochalcone A:A Review

Background:Licochalcone A(LCA)is a flavonoid derived from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.ex DC and other related plants.Its natural source has been extensively used in complementary medicine,especially traditional Chinese medicine,to treat various ailments.Identified as a phenolic chalcone compound,LCA has gained significant attention in recent years due to its various pharmacological properties.Objective:The objective of this review article is to assess the anti-aging ralated pharmacological properties of LCA.Method:An exhaustive search of several scientific databases was conducted using various relevant keywords to write this review article on LCA,focusing on its therapeutic applications and anti-aging-related pharmacological activities.Some inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly followed to retrieve updated relevant articles.Results:A collection of 292 papers were screened,and 131 were included in this review for an in-depth analysis of Licochalcone A,focusing on its anti-aging-related pharmacological activities and relevant mechanisms,and its toxicity and side effects.Moreover,the potential of LCA as a pharmacological product is discussed,emphasizing its health benefits and potential as a pharmaceutical product.Conclusion:These findings indicate that Licochalcone A is a promising natural therapeutic agent for anti-aging therapy and other ailments.

Enhancing production of ergosterol in Pichia pastoris GS115 by over-expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase from Glycyrrhiza uralensis

The rate-limiting enzyme in the mevalonic acid(MVA)pathway which can lead to triterpenoid saponin glycyrrhizic acid(GA)is 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase(HMGR).In order to reveal the effect of copy number variation in the HMGR gene on the MVA pathway,the HMGR gene from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.(GuHMGR)was cloned and over-expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115.Six recombinant P.pastoris strains containing different copy numbers of the GuHMGR gene were obtained and the content of ergosterol was analyzed by HPLC.The results showed that all the recombinant P.pastoris strains contained more ergosterol than the negative control and the strains with 8 and 44 copies contained significantly more ergosterol than the other strains.However,as the copy number increased,the content of ergosterol showed an increasing–decreasing–increasing pattern.This study provides a rationale for increasing the content of GA through over-expressing the GuHMGR gene in cultivars of G.uralensis.