Licorice:comprehensive review of its chemical composition,pharmacodynamics,and medicinal value

Licorice,a perennial herb of Leguminosa,is one of the oldest and most widely used herbal medicines worldwide.Its distinct sweet flavor and rich medicinal value make it an integral component of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)formulations,which continue to be widely employed.The main chemical constituents of licorice include triterpenoid saponins,flavonoids,and polysaccharides.Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that various extracts and pure compounds derived from licorice exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,antimicrobial,antiviral,antitumor,immune-regulatory,and neuroprotective activities.The bioactive constituents of licorice offer therapeutic benefits for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases,diabetes mellitus,and liver disorders.This comprehensive review discusses the primary chemical constituents of licorice and their pharmacological activities,describes in vivo and in vitro models employed for studying licorice,and its potential targets and mechanisms of action.Furthermore,we discuss the toxicological profile,side effects,dosage recommendations,and clinical applications of licorice.This review aims to establish a foundation for further research on the safe and effective utilization of licorice while facilitating an in-depth exploration of its properties and fostering the development of novel therapeutic agents.

Exercise-induced modulation of miR-149-5p and MMP9 in LPS-triggered diabetic myoblast ER stress: licorice glycoside E as a potential therapeutic target

Background:This study explores the relationship between endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress and diabetes,particularly focusing on the impact of physical exercise on ER stress mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic drugs and targets for diabetes-related sepsis.The research also incorporates traditional physical therapy perspectives,emphasizing the genomic insights gained from exercise therapy in disease management and prevention.Methods:Gene analysis was conducted on the GSE168796 and GSE94717 datasets to identify ER stress-related genes.Gene interactions and immune cell correlations were mapped using GeneCard and STRING databases.A screening of 2,456 compounds from the TCMSP database was performed to identify potential therapeutic agents,with a focus on their docking potential.Techniques such as luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA interference were used to examine the interactions between microRNA-149-5p and MMP9.Results:The study identified 2,006 differentially expressed genes and 616 miRNAs.Key genes like MMP9,TNF-α,and IL1B were linked to an immunosuppressive state.Licorice glycoside E demonstrated high affinity for MMP9,suggesting its potential effectiveness in treating diabetes.The constructed miRNA network highlighted the regulatory roles of MMP9,IL1B,IFNG,and TNF-α.Experimental evidence confirmed the binding of microRNA-149-5p to MMP9,impacting apoptosis in diabetic cells.Conclusion:The findings highlight the regulatory role of microRNA-149-5p in managing MMP9,a crucial gene in diabetes pathophysiology.Licorice glycoside E emerges as a promising treatment option for diabetes,especially targeting MMP9 affected by ER stress.The study also underscores the significance of physical exercise in modulating ER stress pathways in diabetes management,bridging traditional physical therapy and modern scientific understanding.Our study has limitations.It focuses on the microRNA-149-5p-MMP9 network in sepsis,using cell-based methods without animal or clinical trials.Despite strong in vitro findings,in vivo studies are needed to confirm licorice glycoside E’s therapeutic potential and understand the microRNA-149-5p-MMP9 dynamics in real conditions.

Effect of Mongolian Vinegar Soaked Licorice on Liver Fibrosis Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride Combined with High-fat Diet in Rats

[Objectives]To determine the improvement effect of vinegar soaked licorice on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl_(4))combined with high-fat diet in rats.[Methods]Subcutaneous injection of 40%-60%CCl_(4)olive oil solution(0.3 mL/100 g)combined with a high-fat diet was used for 5 weeks to establish the rat model with liver fibrosis.After the modeling,the rats were divided into a low dose(0.8 g/kg),a medium dose(2.5 g/kg),a high dose(5 g/kg)group,a colchicine(1.5 mg/kg)positive group,and a vinegar group(2 mL/kg).The serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)levels in the rats were measured automatically.The serum hyaluronic acid(HA)was detected by radioimmunoassay,and the serum laminin(LN)and procollagen type III peptide(PIIIP)levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay.Liver histopathological morphological changes were observed by HE and Masson staining,and expressions of cytochrome CYP2E1 and transcription factor Nrf2 were detected by immunohistochemistry.[Results]The rat liver fibrosis model was established successfully at the 6~(th)week.Compared with the model group,the levels of ALT,AST,HA,LA,PIIIP,CYP2E1 and Nrf2 of all the examined indexes in the dosing group were decreased(P<0.05).As shown in the pictures of liver pathological tissue sections,the liver fibrosis was significantly alleviated in the positive group and the 3 administration groups.[Conclusions]Vinegar soaked licorice can significantly improve the liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride combined with high-fat diet in rats,and the effect of the high-dose group was similar to that of the positive group.

Resource utilization of hazardous gypsum sludge in oxidation smelting of lead concentrate

Gypsum sludge,a hazardous waste generated by the non-ferrous smelting industry,presents a significant challenge for disposal and utilization.To investigate the feasibility of substituting gypsum sludge for limestone as a flux for smelting,the effects of calcium sulfate(CaSO_(4))and smelting conditions on oxygen-rich smelting of lead concentrate were studied.The interaction between CaSO_(4)and sulfides facilitates the conversion of CaSO_(4)into CaO,which is crucial for slag formation.The order of the influence of sulfide minerals on the conversion of CaSO_(4)is pyrite>sphalerite>galena.When using gypsum sludge exclusively as the calcium source,under optimal conditions with a CaO/SiO_(2)mass ratio of 0.8,an FeO/SiO_(2)mass ratio of 1.2,a melting temperature of 1150℃,an oxygen flow rate of 1.3 L/min,the recovery rates of Pb and Zn in the lead-rich slag reached 85.01%and 95.69%,respectively,with a sulfur content of 2.65 wt%.The As content in the smelting slag obtained by reduction smelting was 0.02 wt%.Resource utilization of gypsum sludge in lead smelting is a feasible method.

Gypsum-based Silica Gel Humidity-controlling Composite Materials:Preparation,Characterization,and Performance

Gypsum was used as substrate,and silica gel was mixed into substrate at a certain mass ratio to prepare humidity-controlling composites;moreover,the moisture absorption and desorption properties of gypsum-based composites were compared with adding different silica gel particle size and proportion.The morphological characteristics,the isothermal equilibrium moisture content curve,moisture absorption and desorption rate,moisture absorption and desorption stability,and humidity-conditioning performance were tested and analyzed.The experimental results show that,compared with pure-gypsum,the surface structure of the gypsum-based composites is relatively loose,the quantity,density and aperture of the pores in the structure increase.The absorption and desorption capacity increase along with the increase of silica gel particle size and silica gel proportion.When 3 mm silica gel particle size is added with a mass ratio of 40%,the maximum equilibrium moisture content of humidity-controlling composites is 0.161 g/g at 98% relative humidity(RH),3.22 times that of pure-gypsum.The moisture absorption and desorption rates are increased,the equilibrium moisture absorption and desorption rates are 2.68 times and 1.61 times that of pure-gypsum at 58.5% RH,respectively.The gypsum-based composites have a good stability,which has better timely response to dynamic humidity changes and can effectively regulate indoor humidity under natural conditions.

Deterioration Reason and Improvement Measure of the Retarding Effect of Protein Retarder on Phosphorus Building Gypsum

The retarding effect of protein retarder on phosphorus building gypsum(PBG)and desulfurization building gypsum(DBG)was investigated,and the results show that protein retarder for DBG can effectively prolong the setting time and displays a better retarding effect,but for PBG shows a poor retarding effect.Furthermore,the deterioration reason of the retarding effect of protein retarder on PBG was investigated by measuring the pH value and the retarder concentration of the liquid phase from vacuum filtration of PBG slurry at different hydration time,and the measure to improve the retarding effect of protein retarding on PBG was suggested.The pH value of PBG slurry(<5.0)is lower than that of DBG slurry(7.8-8.5).After hydration for 5 min,the concentration of retarder in liquid phase of DBG slurry gradually decreases,but in liquid phase of PBG slurry continually increases,which results in the worse retarding effect of protein retarder on PBG.The liquid phase pH value of PBG slurry can be adjusted higher by sodium silicate,which is beneficial to improvement in the retarding effect of the retarder.By adding 1.0%of sodium silicate,the initial setting time of PBG was efficiently prolonged from 17 to 210 min,but little effect on the absolute dry flexural strength was observed.

New Data on Coal, Gypsum, Iron and Silica Sand Deposits and Geochemical Exploration (Pakistan): Revision of 25 Years History of Dinosaur Discoveries from Pakistan

Discoveries of many coal seams at depths by drilling carried by Geological Survey of Pakistan in Sor Range and Harnai Gochina, extended the coal seams at depth which is challenge for mine owners to exploit feasibly. Bed to bed gypsum samplings (and their chemical analyses) of huge gypsum deposits from Sulaiman foldbelt is a base for industrialist and also planers to develop cement and gypsum industries to increase export and foreign exchange for the development of area and Pakistan. Low and high grade sedimentary iron deposits, silica sand and uranium host rocks and their extensions in Sulaiman and Kirthar foldbelts are presented. Anomalies of a few base metals arise as a result of geochemical exploration carried at part of Loralai District of Balochistan. Theropod dinosaurs were frequent in India, while Poripuchian titanosaurs (Sauropoda, Dinosauria) were frequent in Pakistan. Besides some ichnotaxa, many bone taxa such as 1 titanosauriform, 14 titanosaurian sauropod (including one new titanosaur), and 3 theropod dinosaurs are established from Pakistan. Among these 12 titanosaur species and 3 theropod species are named in about 10 km2 area of Vitakri dome and 2 titanosaur species are named in about a few hundred square meter area of Mari Bohri (Kachi Bohri) which is about 10 km westward from Vitakri dome. Pakistan is a unique country which discoverd 14 diversified titanosaurs in a short area and also in a short period (67 - 66 million years ago/Ma). About 400 bones found from a few meter thick upper part of upper shale horizon of latest Maastrichtian Vitakri Formation which is base for titanosaur taxa. Cranial material is in low fraction (but include significant diverse snouts), caudal vertebrae are prominent, the cervicals, dorsals and sacrals have significant numbers, forelimb and hind limb bones have balanced fraction. Humeri, femora and tibiae are most common. To know the position of Pakistani titanosaurs among titanosaurs and sauropods, there is a need to extend list of characters for phylogenetic analyses. This broad feature list should include main characters of titanosaurs from Pakistan and also from global world.

Evolution and Application of Sealing Ability of Gypsum Caprocks under Temperature-Pressure Coupling:An Example of the ZS5 Well in the Tazhong Area of the Tarim Basin

Gypsum caprocks'sealing ability is affected by temperature-pressure coupling.Due to the limitations of experimental conditions,there is still a lack of triaxial stress-strain experiments that simultaneously consider changes in temperature and pressure conditions,which limits the accuracy of the comprehensive evaluation of the brittle plastic evolution and sealing ability of gypsum rocks using temperature pressure coupling.Triaxial stress-strain tests were utilized to investigate the differences in the evolution of the confinement capacity of gypsum rocks under coupled temperaturepressure action and isothermal-variable pressure action on the basis of sample feasibility analysis.According to research,the gypsum rock's peak and residual strengths decrease under simultaneous increases in temperature and pressure over isothermal pressurization experimental conditions,and it becomes more ductile.This reduces the amount of time it takes for the rock to transition from brittle to plastic.When temperature is taken into account,both the brittle–plastic transformation's depth limit and the lithological transformation of gypsum rocks become shallower,and the evolution of gypsum rocks under variable temperature and pressure conditions is more complicated than that under isothermal pressurization.The sealing ability under the temperature-pressure coupling is more in line with the actual geological context when the application results of the Well#ZS5 are compared.This provides a theoretical basis for precisely determining the process of hydrocarbon accumulation and explains why the early hydrocarbon were not well preserved.

Deep decalcification of factory-provided freezing acidolysis solution to achieveα-high-strength gypsum

The freezing acidolysis solution of the nitric acid-phosphate fertilizer process has a high calcium content,which makes it difficult to produce fine phosphate and high water-soluble phosphate fertilizer products.Here,based on the potential crystallization principle of calcium sulfate in NH_(4)NO_(3)-H_(3)PO_(4)-H_(2)O,the deep decalcification(i.e.calcium removal)technology to achieveα-high-strength gypsum originated from freezing acidolysis-solutions has been firstly proposed and investigated.Typically,calcium can be removed from the factory-provided freezing acidolysis-solution by neutralizing it with ammonia,followed by the addition of ammonium sulfate solution.As a result,the formation of calcium sulfate in the reaction system undergoes the nucleation and growth of CaSO_(4)·2H_(2)O(DH),as well as its dissolution and crystallization into short columnarα-CaSO_(4)·0.5H_(2)O(α-HH).Remarkably,with the molar ratio of SO_(4)^(2-)/Ca^(2+)at 1.8,the degree of neutralization(NH_(3)/HNO_(3) molar ratio)at 1.7,the reaction temperature of 94℃,and the reaction time of 300 min,the decalcification rate can reach 86.89%,of which the high-strengthα-CaSO_(4)·0.5H_(2)O(α-HH)will be obtained.Noteworthy,the deep decalcification product meets the standards for the production of fine phosphates and highly water-soluble phosphate fertilizers.Consequently,the 2 h flexural strength ofα-HH is 5.3 MPa and the dry compressive strength is 36.8 MPa,which is up to the standard of commercialα-HH.

Enhanced dealkalization of bauxite residue through calcium-activated desulfurization gypsum

A novel integrated approach to remove the free alkalis and stabilize solid-phase alkalinity by controlling the release of Ca from desulfurization gypsum was developed.The combination of recycled FeCl_(3)solution and EDTA activated desulfurization gypsum lowered the bauxite residue pH to 7.20.Moreover,it also improved the residual Ca state,with its contribution to the total exchangeable cations increased(68%-92%).Notably,the slow release of exchangeable Ca introduced through modified desulfurization gypsum induced a phase transition of the alkaline minerals.This treatment stabilized the dealkalization effect of bauxite residue via reducing its overall acid neutralization capacity in abating pH rebound.Hence,this approach can provide guidance for effectively utilizing desulfurization gypsum to achieve stable regulation of alkalinity in bauxite residue.

Preparation of α-High Strength Gypsum from Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum Pretreated by Hydrothermal-aging Method

The synthesis of α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate (α-CSH) from flue gas desulfurization (FGD)gypsum is a good way to realize the comprehensive utilization of FGD gypsum. To obtainα-CSH with the satisfactory performances, a facile hydrothermal-aging pretreatment process for FGD gypsum raw materials was proposed, where FGD gypsum was firstly hydrothermally converted to α-CSH whiskers, and α-CSH whiskers were further hydrated to synthesize CaSO4·2H2O (CSD) by aging under the regulation of N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA). The effects of aging time, MBA addition, aging temperature, and pH on the morphology of the synthesized CSD were investigated. The synthesized CSD crystals exhibit highly uniform prismatic morphology with the length of ca 100μm and the whiteness of 91.56%. The regulation mechanism of MBA was also illustrated. The synthesized CSD crystals with prismatic morphology were further used as raw materials to synthesize the short columnar α-CSH. The absolute dry compressive strength of paste prepared from the short columnar α-CSH is 40.85 MPa, which reaches α40 strength grade.

Effect of integration of mechanical ball milling and flue gas desulfurization gypsum on dealkalization of bauxite residue

The synergistic impact of mechanical ball milling and flue gas desulfurization(FGD)gypsum on the dealkalization of bauxite residue was investigated through integrated analyses of solution chemistry,mineralogy,and microtopography.The results showed a significant decrease in Na_(2)O content(>30 wt.%)of FGD gypsum-treated bauxite residue after 30 min of mechanical ball milling.Mechanical ball milling resulted in differentiation of the elemental distribution,modification of the minerals in crystalline structure,and promotion in the dissolution of alkaline minerals,thus enhancing the acid neutralization capacity of bauxite residue.5 wt.%FGD gypsum combined with 30 min mechanical ball milling was optimal for the dealkalization of bauxite residue.

Effect of Low pH on Forming Process of Desulfurization Gypsum Composite Boards Strengthened by Melamine-formaldehyde Resin

Through exploring the effects of low pH on the composite system of desulfurization gypsum(DG)enhanced by melamine-formaldehyde resin(MF),it is found that the inducing of sulfate-ion,in contrast to chloride and oxalate ions,favors the longitudinal growth of the crystalline form of the hydration product,which was relatively simple and had the highest length to width(L/D)ratio.At the same time,MF can also improve L/D ratio of gypsum hydration products,which favors the formation of hydrated whiskers.Finally,in a composite system composed of hemihydrate gypsum,MF,and glass fibers,when dilute sulfuric acid was used to regulate pH=3-4,the tight binding formed among the components of the composite system compared to pH=5-6.The hydration product of gypsum adheres tightly to glass fiber surface and produces a good cross-linking and binding effect with MF.The flexural strength,compressive strength,elastic modulus,and water absorption of the desulphurized gypsum composite board is 22.7 MPa,39.8 MPa,5608 MPa,and 1.8%,respectively.

Efficacy of borneol-gypsum in skin regeneration and pain control in toxic epidermal necrolysis:A case report

BACKGROUND Toxic epidermal necrolysis(TEN)is a life-threatening dermatological emergency mainly induced by drug hypersensitivity reactions.Standard management includes discontinuation of culprit drug and application of immunomodulatory therapy.However,mortality remains high due to complications like septic shock and multiorgan failures.Innovative approaches for skin care are crucial.This report introduces borneol-gypsum,a traditional Chinese drug but a novel dressing serving as an adjuvant of TEN therapy,might significantly improve skin conditions and patient outcomes in TEN.CASE SUMMARY A 38-year-old woman diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis experienced gangrenous complications and motor nerve involvement.After initial treatment of high-dose corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide,symptom of foot drop improved,absolute eosinophil counts decreased,while limb pain sustained.Duloxetine was added to alleviate her symptom.Subsequently,TEN developed.Additional topical application of borneol-gypsum dressing not only protected the skin lesions from infection but also significantly eased localized pain.This approach demonstrated its merit in TEN management by promoting skin healing and potentially reducing infection risks.CONCLUSION Borneol-gypsum dressing is a promising adjuvant that could significantly improve TEN management,skin regeneration,and patient comfort.

MICROWAVE-ASSISTED EXTRACTION OF GLYCYRRHIZIC ACID FROM LICORICE ROOT-EFFECT OF THE PROPERTY OF SOLUTION ON EXTRACTION OF GA

The property of extraction solution is an important factor influencing the extraction efficiency. In the present work, the effect of the property of solution on extraction of GA was studied, which including the concentration of ethanol, ammonia and cation (M+), pH of extraction solution, different kinds of organic solvent etc. The results show that 50%-60%(v/v) ethanol can reach high percentage extraction of GA. If 1% (v/v) ammonia solution was added into 60%(v/v) ethanol, the percentage extraction can be increased from 2.0% to 2.31%. Without ammonia, 50mmol/L [M+] (M+ = K+, NH4+) was added into 60%(v/v) ethanol, percentage extraction of GA can reach about 2.26%. If pH of solution (60% ethanol) was adjust to pH=4.0, it can reach high percentage extraction. If pH of solution (60% ethanol + 50mmol [M+], pH=6.1) was adjust tO PH=4.0, especially M+ is K+ or NH4+, it can reach almost same extraction efficiency as that of 1% ammonia solution + 60% ethanol, and the operation environment can be greatly improved.

Elucidating the interaction of kansui and licorice by comparative plasma/tissue metabolomics and a heatmap with relative fold change

Although compatibility is highly advocated in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), inappropriate combination of some herbs may reduce the therapeutic action and even produce toxic effects. Kansui and licorice, one of TCM “Eighteen Incompatible Medicaments”, are the most representative cases of improper herbal combination, which may still be applied simultaneously under given conditions. However, the potential mechanism of their compatibility and incompatibility is unclear. In the present study, two different ratios of kansui and licorice, representing their compatibility and incompatibility respectively, were designed to elucidate their interaction by comparative plasma/tissue metabolomics and a heatmap with relative fold change. As a result, glycocholic acid, prostaglandin F2a, dihydroceramide and sphinganine were screened out as the principal alternative biomarkers of compatibility group;sphinganine, dihydroceramide, arachidonic acid, leukotriene B4, acetoacetic acid and linoleic acid were those of incompatibility group. Based on the values of biomarkers in each tissue, the liver was identified as the compatible target organ, while the heart, liver, and kidney were the incompatible target organs. Furthermore, important pathways for compatibility and incompatibility were also constructed. These results help us to better understand and utilize the two herbs, and the study was the first to reveal some innate characters of herbs related to TCM “Eighteen Incompatible Medicaments”.

Licorice Extracts Attenuate Nephrotoxicity Induced by Brucine Through Suppression of Mitochondria Apoptotic Pathway and STAT3 Activation

Licorice,one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in East Asia,has effects such as anti-inflammation,antioxidant,and detoxifying.This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of licorice on brucine-induced nephrotoxicity.Sprague Dawley rats were administered with brucine intraperitoneally for 7 consecutive days with or without treatment with licorice.The content of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine in serum,the activities of superoxide dismutase and content of glutathione,malonaldehyde in kidney tissue were detected.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes of kidney.The expression and phosphorylation levels of protein were evaluated by Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis.The results illustrated that treatment with licorice extracts(LE)significantly protected against the brucineinduced nephrotoxicity by reducing the content of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine,attenuating pathologic damage.The unbalance of oxidative stress was repaired by LE via increasing the level of glutathione,promoting the activities of superoxide dismutase and decreasing the content of malonaldehyde.In addition,LE overturned the influence of brucine on apoptosis-related protein and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3(STAT3)activation.Taken together,these data demonstrate that licorice may attenuate brucine-induced nephrotoxicity via inactivation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis pathway.More importantly,the renoprotective effects may be mediated,at least partly,by preventing the activation of STAT3 protein.

Performance, Immune, and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens as Affected by Thyme and Licorice or Enzyme Supplemented Diets

Numbers of 300 day-old broiler chickens through a CRD design with 5 treatments, 3 replicates and 20 chicks in each pen were used to evaluate the effect of thyme (T), licorice (L), thyme + licorice (TL), and enzyme supplemented (E) diets on performance, immune and carcass characteristics. According to the results, performance traits, immune indices, and carcass traits in herbal medicine and enzyme supplemented diets were improved significantly than control diet (P < 0.05). Weight gain and FCR in T and E groups were significantly higher and lower than other groups respectively (P < 0.05). Internal organs such as abdominal fat and liver weight as indicators of lipogenesis rate were decreased in T, L, and TL diets than control or E diet significantly (P < 0.05). Immune organs such as burse and spleen weight as indicators of immune situation were increased in TL diet than other treatments significantly (P < 0.05). These findings indicated that thyme and licorice singly or in combination as organic herbal medicine can affect performance, carcass and immune characteristics. Also an improved immune organ such as burse or spleen in this study indicates that this herbal medicine can promote the immune situation and efficacy of health and livability.

Improving the Antibacterial Property of Chitosan Hydrogel Wound Dressing with Licorice Polysaccharide

A series of hydrogels with different ratios of chitosan and licorice polysaccharide(LP)were prepared by crosslinking to different concentrations of genipin(gp).They were characterized by FTIR(Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy),SEM(Scanning electron microscope),swelling ratio,rheological measurements,degradation with time,cytotoxicity,and antibacterial efficacy.Results show that the hydrogels have porous structures.With an increase in LP content,the swelling rate grows in the early stage of immersion in buffer and drops later.The swelling ratio ranged from 986%to 1677%,and stiffness varied from 777 Pa to 1792 Pa.The addition of LP reduced the mechanical strength and delayed gelation and degradation of the hydrogels.However,the most important discovery was that gp increases the viability of NIH 3T3 cells from 94%to 137%,and LP raises the bacteriostatic efficacy from 51%to 78%.Hydrogels synthesized from 1%genipin,3%chitosan,and 4%licorice polysaccharide showed the best antibacterial and fibroblast proliferation promoting activities.They exhibited moderate swelling and degradation rates over time,while being more suitable to affect healing of chronic wound infections.These results provide a new strategy to improve the antibacterial effectiveness and cyto-compatibility of chitosan hydrogels with water soluble active LPs from Glycyrrhiza that derive from traditional Chinese medicine.

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.