Effect of Glabridin from Glycyrrhiza glabra on Learning and Memory in Mice

Abstract

Glabridin was isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra and its effects on cognitive functions and cholinesterase activity were investigated in mice. Glabridin (1, 2 and 4 mg kg (-1), P. O.) and piracetam (400 mg kg (-1), i. p.), a clinically used nootropic agent, were administered daily for 3 successive days to different groups of mice. The higher doses (2 and 4 mg kg (-1), P. O.) of glabridin and piracetam significantly antagonized the amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.5 mg kg (-1), I. P.) in both the elevated plus maze test and passive avoidance test. Furthermore, glabridin (2 and 4 mg kg (-1), P. O.) and metrifonate (50 mg kg (-1), I. P.), used as a standard drug, both remarkably reduced the brain cholinesterase activity in mice compared to the control group. Therefore, glabridin appears to be a promising candidate for memory improvement and it will be worthwhile to explore the potential of glabridin in the management of Alzheimer patients.

Preventive role of PD‐1 on MPTP‐induced dopamine depletion in mice

“…20 C. cassia and U. sinensis have been shown to exert neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced neuronal death. 28,29 Similarly, G. glabra and its major active component, glabridin, have been found to enhance learning and memory in the ischemic brains of mice, 30,31 and Zingerone isolated from Z. officinale has been shown to prevent 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) induced dopamine reduction in mouse striatum. 32 Additionally, Puerarin from P. thunbergiana has been found to exert a neuroprotective effect against beta-amyloid-induced cell death in PC-12 cells.…”

Phytochemistry and biological properties of glabridin

“…After L/L partition of the crude extract, Vaya et al [28] isolated Glab from the organic layer, following one step of aluminum oxide chromatography and two steps of silica gel flash chromatography. Like Mitscher et al [31], Cui et al [30] have reported a procedure involving only two steps of silica gel chromatography from the CHCl 3 fraction obtained by L/L partition, and one final step of crystallization. A method that combined SPE, to obtain an enriched fraction, and preparative HPLC has been developed by Jiao et al [33].…”

Natural products as a source of Alzheimer's drug leads

“…144 The isoflavan glabridin ( 82 ) from the roots of Glycyrrhiza species (Leguminosae) antagonised scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice, an effect associated with a reduction of brain ChE activity. 145 …”