Protection of Mitochondrial Functions against Oxidative Stresses by Isoflavans from Glycyrrhiza glabra

Abstract

Isoflavan derivatives, glabridin (1), hispaglabridin A (2), hispaglabridin B (3), 4'-Omethylglabridin (4) and 3'-hydroxy-4'-O-methylglabridin (5), isolated from Glycyrrhiza glabra, were investigated for their ability to protect liver mitochondria against oxidative stresses. Mitochondrial lipid peroxidation linked to respiratory electron transport and that induced non-enzymatically were inhibited by these isoflavans. Hispaglabridin A (2) strongly inhibited both peroxidations and 3'-hydroxy-4'-O-methylglabridin (5) was the most effective at preventing NADH-dependent peroxidation. 3'-Hydroxy-4'-O-methylglabridin (5) protected mitochondrial respiratory enzyme activities against NADPH-dependent peroxidation injury. Dihydroxyfumarate-induced mitochondrial peroxidation was also prevented by this isoflavan. Isoflavans from G. glabra were shown to be effective in protecting mitochondrial function against oxidative stresses.

Antioxidant properties of natural compounds used in popular medicine for gastric ulcers

“…Extracts from the plants Momordica charantia (9), Angelica archangelica (35) (36) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (37) are used for the treatment of gastric ulcers and produce a dose-dependent anti-ulcerogenic activity associated with a reduced acid output and increased mucin secretion, an increase in PGE 2 release and a decrease in leukotrienes. The anti-ulcerogenic activity of the extracts of Rhizophora mangle L. indeed was due, at least in part, to the presence of tannins (38).…”

“…Traditional uses include the treatment of peptic ulcers, asthma, pharyngitis, malaria, abdominal pain, and infections. The primary active constituents of G. glabra are the triterpene glycoside glycyrrhizin, flavonoids (liquiritin and isoliquiritin), isoflavonoids (isoflavonol, kumatakenin, licoricone and glabrol), chalcones, coumarins (umbelliferone, herniarin), triterpenoids, and phytosterols (37). Isoflavans from G. glabra have proved to be effective in protecting mitochondrial function against oxidative stresses (37).…”

Suppressive Effects of Genistein on Oxidative Stress and NFκB Activation in RAW 264.7 Macrophages

“…Previous studies also observed the antioxidant activity of genistein. 17,39,40) Furthermore, it has been reported that carnosol, an antioxidant in rosemary, can speciˆcally prevent activation of NFkB by LPS in RAW 264.7 cells. 7) This evidence supports the idea that genistein has a mild antioxidant activity that suppresses intracellular oxidative stress and NFkB activation.…”

Licorice Flavonoid Oil Effects Body Weight Loss by Reduction of Body Fat Mass in Overweight Subjects

“…On the contrary, evidence-based functional foods, in combination with lifestyle modification, tive properties, 5) and its clinical effects in moderately hypercholesterolemic patients have been reported. 6) Glabridin, a major polyphenolic flavonoid of G. glabra, has anti-oxidative, [7][8][9][10][11] antiHelicobacter pylori, 12) as well as anti-nephritic and radical scavenging activities, 13) and inhibits serotonin re-uptake, 14) melanogenesis and inflammation. 15) However, an anti-obese effect of licorice has not previously been reported.…”