Liquorice Overview and Microscopy
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Questions and Answers

What is the method by which glycyrrhizin inhibits the Herpes simplex virus?

  • By blocking viral RNA synthesis
  • By interacting with virus proteins during synthesis (correct)
  • By degrading the viral DNA
  • By enhancing the immune response

    • How does glycyrrhizin contribute to liver health?

  • By increasing liver enzymes
  • By enhancing liver circulation
  • By promoting fat accumulation in the liver
  • By preventing the development of cirrhosis (correct)

    • What effect do glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid have on interferons?

  • They degrade interferon molecules
  • They neutralize interferon activity
  • They induce interferons (correct)
  • They inhibit interferon production

    • In which condition has topical glycyrrhetinic acid shown effects similar to hydrocortisone?

    <p>Psoriasis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What enhancement does Glycyrrhetic Acid Hydrogen Succinate (GAHS) provide in medical applications?

    <p>Increased insulin absorption in the nasal route</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary active constituent of liquorice responsible for its sweet taste?

    <p>Glycyrrhizin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What color is the internal part of the unpeeled liquorice root?

    <p>Bright-yellow</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which microscopic feature is NOT characteristic of liquorice powder?

    <p>Smooth cell walls</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following countries is NOT listed as a source of liquorice?

    <p>Brazil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of glycyramarin found in liquorice?

    <p>It contributes to bitterness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a flavonoid glycoside present in liquorice?

    <p>Isoliquiritin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of liquorice is abundant in the outer tissue and causes bitterness?

    <p>Glycyramarin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the lignified structure characteristic in liquorice microscopical examination?

    <p>Fibres with crystal sheath</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What color is produced when powdered liquorice is mixed with sulphuric acid?

    <p>Orange-red</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which form of liquorice is most commonly used for treating ulcers?

    <p>Deglycyrrhizinized fraction (DGL)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant mechanism through which DGL aids in the treatment of ulcers?

    <p>Stimulating normal defense mechanisms of the digestive tract</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which pharmacological effect is attributed to glycyrrhetic acid?

    <p>Affinity for aldosterone receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition may result from pseudoaldosteronism caused by liquorice consumption?

    <p>Hypernatremia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the anti-inflammatory effect of liquorice compounds, such as glycyrrhizin, occur?

    <p>Through inhibition of prostaglandins and thromboxanes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of glycyrrhizin on histamine release?

    <p>It inhibits histamine release</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended dosage for DGL in treating ulcers?

    <p>380 mg chewable tablets between meals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Liquorice

    • Liquorice is the dried root and rhizome of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant
    • Liquorice is a member of the legume family (Fabaceae)
    • The plant is found in regions like Spain, France, England, Italy, Germany, USA, Southern Russia & Iran
    • Liquorice has a faint, characteristic odour and a very sweet taste which is due to the presence of glycyrrhizin
    • Glycyrrhizin is a triterpenoidal oleanane saponin, 50 times sweeter than sugar.
    • Glycyrrhizin is the sodium and calcium salts of glycyrrhizinic acid.
    • Upon hydrolysis, glycyrrhizin loses its sweet taste and is converted to the aglycone glycyrrhetic acid (glycyrrhetin) plus 2 molecules of glucuronic acid.
    • Liquorice is an important TCM herb used for a variety of conditions

    Microscopy

    • The powder form of Liquorice is light-yellow in colour if peeled or brownish-yellow if unpeeled
    • The powdered form of Liquorice is comprised of the following fragments
      • Fibres with a crystal sheath
        • Fibres are characterized by a lignified thick wall, a narrow lumen & an acute apex
      • Fragments of xylem vessels
      • Prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, free or in cells
      • Numerous starch granules, free or in parenchyma cells
      • Cork may be present- consisting of polygonal thin-walled cells with brown contents

    Active Constituents

    • In addition to glycyrrhizin, the major active constituent of Liquorice includes:
      • Flavonoid glycosides: liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritoside, rhamnoliquiritin & rhamnoisoliquiritin
      • Coumarin derivatives: hermiarin and umbelliferone
      • Free sugars: glucose and sucrose
      • Polysaccharides
      • Bitter principle: glycyramarin
        • Glycyramarin is abundant in the outer tissue of the root, and is responsible for its bitterness
      • Asparagine (amino acid)
      • Proteins, fats and starch (29%)

    Tests for Identity

    • Mix a little of powdered Liquorice with 1-2 drops of sulphuric acid (66% v/v) an orange-red colour is produced.
    • Shake the aqueous decoction of Liquorice, a persistent froth is produced.

    Uses and Pharmacological Effects

    • Treatment of peptic and duodenal ulcers

      • Glycyrrhizin containing extract showed significant effect in the healing of ulcers
      • The deglycyrrhizinized fraction (DGL) showed a bit less effect
      • Glycyrrhizin alone didn't exhibit any effect
      • The antiulcer effect is very obvious when glycyrrhizin is combined with other compounds (synergistic effect).
      • However, DGL is the most common form used for ulcers.

    • Mechanism of Ulcer Treatment

      • DGL stimulates normal defense mechanisms (mucosal lining of the digestive tract) slightly than reducing acidity (H2-antagonists)
      • DGL shown to be as effective as H-2 antagonists/antacids in healing ulcers with fewer or no significant side effects.
      • DGL strongly indicated for the prevention of gastric ulcers in patients taking ulcerogenic drugs (aspirin, corticosteroids)
      • dose for DGL is 380 mg chewable tablets between or 20 minutes before meals (2-4 times daily)

    • Mineralocorticoid like action:

      • This effect is attributed to:
        • Glycyrrhetic acid's affinity for kidney aldosterone receptors
        • Glycyrrhetic acid inhibits 5-b-reductase and 11-b-hydroxydehydrogenase leading to accumulation of cortisol and aldosterone and consequently prolongation of their action
      • Pseudoaldosteronism leads to Na+ retention (hypernatremia) and K+ loss (hypokalemia) in addition to hypertension

    • Causes of hypertension by Liquorice

      • Prolongation of aldosterone action increases the sensitivity of blood capillaries to catecholamines leading to hypertension.
      • Na+ retention leads to retention of water and an increase in blood volume resulting in severe hypertension.

    • Anti-inflammatory effect:

      • This effect is attributed to glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetic acid, chalcones and flavonoids (especially in case of gastritis) by inhibition of prostaglandins & thromboxanes (aspirin-like)

    • Anti-allergic effect of glycyrrhizin:

      • The mechanism of this effect is:
        • Inhibition of histamine release from antigen stimulated cells
        • It intensifies the inhibitory action induced by dexamethasone.

    • Antiviral activity:

      • Glycyrrhizin inactivates certain types of virus such as Herpes simplex (irreversibly).
      • It’s action based on the interaction with sensitive virus proteins when these proteins are synthesized in host cells.

    • Effect on liver (Hepatoprotective):

      • Glycyrrhizin and its aglycone are able to prevent the development of cirrhosis
      • Glycyrrhizin, cysteine, glycine in normal saline, improved liver function in Hepatitis B, HIV “AIDS”

    • Immunostimulant effects:

      • Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid induce interferons
        • Interferons bind to cell surfaces and stimulate synthesis of intracellular proteins that block viral DNA.
        • Interferons also activate macrophages and increase natural killer cell activity.
      • IV glycyrrhizin daily causes improvement of immune function

    • Other uses and effects:

      • Topically used in certain skin diseases such as allergic inflammation and dermatitis.
      • Treatment of rheumatic arthritis and Addison’s disease (hypofunction of adrenal gland).
      • Demulcent and expectorant.
      • Eczema and Psoriasis: Topical glycyrrhetinic acid exerted an effect similar to hydrocortisone and may even be better.
      • Glycyrrhetic Acid Hydrogen Succinate (GAHS) as a disodium salt is used for oral and orofacial herpes infection.
      • The nasal absorption of insulin in 1% GAHS is highly enhanced!!

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    Description

    Explore the fascinating world of Liquorice, its botanical characteristics, and the microscopy aspects of its powdered form. Understand the importance of Glycyrrhiza glabra in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its sweet compound, glycyrrhizin. This quiz will test your knowledge on its properties and applications.

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