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.

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.

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.

Cloning and characterization of the gene encoding β-amyrin synthase in the glycyrrhizic acid biosynthetic pathway in Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Glycyrrhiza uralensis is considered to be one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine due to its numerous pharmacological effects particularly its ability to relieve cough and act as a mucolytic.Based on previous research,these effects are mediated by a number of active ingredients,especially glycyrrhizic acid(GA).In the present study,a gene encodingβ-amyrin synthase(β-AS)involved in GA biosynthesis in G.uralensis has been cloned and expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.The cloned enzyme showed similar activity to native enzymes isolated from other Glycyrrhiza species to catalyze the conversion of 2,3-oxidosqualene intoβ-amyrin.In fact theβ-AS gene is particularly important in the GA biosynthetic pathway in G.uralensis.The complete sequence of the enzyme was determined and a phylogenetic tree based on theβ-AS gene of G.uralensis and 20 other species was created.This showed that Glycyrrhiza glabra had the closest kinship with G.uralensis.The results of this work will be useful in determining how to improve the efficacy of G.uralensis by improving its GA content and in exploring the biosynthesis of GA in vitro.

Genome-wide identification of abscisic acid(ABA) receptor pyrabactin resistance 1-like protein(PYL) family members and expression analysis of PYL genes in response to different concentrations of ABA stress in Glycyrrhiza uralensis

As abscisic acid(ABA)receptor,the pyrabactin resistance 1-like(PYR/PYL)protein(named PYL for simplicity)plays an important part to unveil the signal transduction of ABA and its regulatory mechanisms.Glycyrrhiza uralensis,a drought-tolerant medicinal plant,is a good model for the mechanism analysis of ABA response and active compound biosynthesis.However,knowledge about PYL family in G.uralensis remains largely unknown.Here,10 PYLs were identified in G.uralensis genome.Characterization analysis indicated that PYLs in G.uralensis(Gu PYLs)are relatively conserved.Phylogenetic analysis showed that Gu PYL1-3 belongs to subfamily I,Gu PYL4-6 and Gu PYL10 belong to subfamily II and Gu PYL7-9 belongs to subfamily III.In addition,transcriptome data presented various expression levels of Gu PYLs under different exogenous ABA stresses.The expression pattern of Gu PYLs was verified by Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR).The study proved that Gu PYL4,Gu PYL5,Gu PYL8 and Gu PYL9 genes are significantly up-regulated by ABA stress and the response process is dynamic.This study paves the way for elucidating the regulation mechanism of ABA signal to secondary metabolites and improving the cultivation and quality of G.uralensis using agricultural strategies.

Enhancing ergosterol production in Pichia pastoris GS115 by overexpressing squalene synthase gene from Glycyrrhiza uralensis

The present study was designed to determine the effects of copy number variations(CNVs) of squalene synthase 1(SQS1) gene on the mevalonate(MVA) pathway.SQS1 gene from G.uralensis(Gu SQS1) was cloned and over-expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115.Six recombinant P.pastoris strains containing different copy number of Gu SQS1 were constructed.HPLC was used to assay the level of ergosterol in all transgenic P.pastoris strains containing Gu SQS1.HPLC analysis showed that the contents of ergosterol in all of the transgenic P.pastoris containing Gu SQS1 were higher than that in the negative control.And with the increase of copy number of Gu SQS1,the content of ergosterol showed an increasing-decreasing-increasing pattern.The contents of ergosterol in 10-copy-Gu SQS1 P.pastoris and 47-copy-Gu SQS1 P.pastoris were significantly higher than that in the rest recombinant P.pastoris strains.In conclusion,the CNVs of Gu SQS1 influence the content of secondary metabolites in the MVA pathway.The present study provides a basis for over-expressing Gu SQS1 and increasing the content of glycyrrhizin in G.uralensis cultivars.

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。

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.

盐、低磷以及干旱胁迫下乌拉尔甘草根转录组分析

对乌拉尔甘草根进行转录组测序分析,挖掘响应盐、低磷和干旱胁迫的相关基因,探讨甘草抵御逆境胁迫的分子机制。以150 mmol/L NaCl模拟盐胁迫、10μmol/L KH_(2)PO_(4)模拟低磷胁迫和15%聚乙二醇(PEG-6000)模拟干旱胁迫处理下的乌拉尔甘草根作为研究材料,应用Illumina HiSeq 2000测序平台对根进行转录组测序,对测序结果进行基因功能注释分析和差异表达基因(DEGs)筛选。分别获得盐、低磷和干旱胁迫处理下甘草根中4 294、3 201和4 719个DEGs。GO富集结果表明,3种逆境胁迫下甘草根中的DEGs均显著富集到细胞过程、代谢过程、刺激响应、细胞、细胞器、催化活性等功能过程中;KEGG途径富集分析表明,3种胁迫处理下的DEGs显著富集的代谢途径主要涉及基因表达调控、生物合成及代谢、信号转导等。转录因子鉴定结果显示3种胁迫处理下差异表达数量最多的转录因子主要来自ERF、bHLH、MYB-related、WRKY、Dof、NAC等转录因子家族;基因表达水平分析显示,参与植物激素代谢及信号转导相关的DEGs在盐胁迫处理下多数表达水平下降,在低磷与干旱胁迫处理下多数DEGs呈上调表达。通过高通量转录组测序,初步获取了乌拉尔甘草根响应盐、低磷和干旱胁迫的基因表达特征,为深入研究甘草抗逆机制提供理论依据。

几种不同种源乌拉尔甘草栽培技术分析

从4个不同种源的乌拉尔甘草(Glycyrrhiza uralensis)中开展对比观测和栽培试验,分析移栽成活率及产量。结果表明:在同样立地条件下,本地种源的乌拉尔甘草无论是苗木成活率(96.7%)、鲜质量(956.0 g)及一级品比率(46.7%)均远远高于其他3个种源,筛选出本地种源相对于其他种源更适宜在吉林西部栽植,而斜栽和秋季移栽则大大提高乌拉尔甘草的成活率和产量。

蒙古甘草与新疆红杆甘草再生植株体系的构建

为了建立蒙古甘草和新疆红杆甘草植株再生体系,本研究采用胚轴、叶片、子叶和茎段做外植体,探究了不同激素配比对二者愈伤组织诱导及再生植株生长情况的影响,筛选出愈伤组织诱导和植株再生的最适外植体及最佳培养基。实验结果显示:MS+2.0 mg/L NAA+2.0 mg/L 6-BA为愈伤组织诱导与植株再生诱导的最佳培养基,其中,胚轴与子叶是最佳诱导外植体,愈伤组织诱导率均高于90%。本研究建立的快繁体系可为甘草优良品种繁育及甘草生产提供理论参考与实践指导。