Pharmacological Effects and Underlying Mechanisms of Licorice-Derived Flavonoids

Wu, Yufan; Wang, Zhuxian; Du, Qunqun; Zhu, Zhaoming; Chen, Tingting; Xue, Yaqi; Wang, Yuan; Zeng, Quanfu; Shen, Chunyan; Jiang, Cuiping; Liu, Li; Zhu, Hongxia; Liu, Qiang

doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9523071

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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Review Article | Open Access

Volume 2022 | Article ID 9523071 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9523071

Pharmacological Effects and Underlying Mechanisms of Licorice-Derived Flavonoids

Yufan Wu,¹Zhuxian Wang,¹Qunqun Du,¹Zhaoming Zhu,¹Tingting Chen,¹Yaqi Xue,¹Yuan Wang,¹Quanfu Zeng,¹Chunyan Shen,¹Cuiping Jiang,¹Li Liu,¹and Hongxia Zhu² et al.

Academic Editor: Jianping Chen

Received21 Aug 2021

Accepted17 Dec 2021

Published17 Jan 2022

Abstract

Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is the most frequently prescribed natural medicine in China and has been used for more than 2,000 years. The flavonoids of licorice have garnered considerable attention in recent decades due to their structural diversity and myriad pharmacological effects, especially as novel therapeutic agents against inflammation and cancer. Although many articles have been published to summarize different pharmacological activities of licorice in recent years, the systematic summary for flavonoid components is not comprehensive. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the pharmacological and mechanistic data from recent researches on licorice flavonoids and their bioactive components.

1. Introduction

Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is the most frequently prescribed natural medicine in China and has been widely used for more than 2,000 years. The genus Glycyrrhiza is composed of approximately 30 species [1], of which G. inflate Bat., G. uralensis Fisch., and G. glabra L. are the origins of licorice according to the pharmacopeia of the People’s Republic of China [2]. As it does not represent a hazard to the public, it is widely used in food, tobacco, and cosmetics as condiments and ingredients [3]. As a herbal medicine, G. Radix et Rhizoma is mainly used to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms and to quench thirst during fasting [4]. Furthermore, it is also prescribed as part of both holistic and mainstream medicine for various diseases, which can be attributed to its extensive pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiulcer, antiallergy, and antiviral effects [5, 6].

Over 400 compounds have been identified in licorice, including triterpene saponins, flavonoids [7], coumarins, phenolics, pterocarpan, and others [8]. In addition, 300 flavonoids with a basic C₆-C₃-C₆ skeleton derived from licorice are currently known, including flavanones, flavones, flavonols, chalcones, isoflavones, isoflavanones, isoflavans, and isoflavenes [9–11], which have considerable structural diversity [5] and exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant [12], antitumor [13], antibacterial, antiviral [14–16], gastroprotective [17], and other effects (shown in Figure 1). For instance, licochalcone A inhibits the growth and metastasis of colonic tumors by downregulating inflammatory mediators and modifying the tumor microenvironment [18]. The chemical structures and main components of licorice flavonoids are summarized in Figure 2.

(a)

(b)

There is a substantial body of research on the biological activities, molecular and cellular mechanisms, and the active components of licorice flavonoids. Although many articles have been published to summarize different pharmacological activities of licorice in recent years, most of them tended to focus on triterpenoid components or one aspect of the effect, and the systematic summary for flavonoid components is not comprehensive. The purpose of this review is to summarize the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action from recent researches on licorice flavonoids and their bioactive components.

2. Anti-Inflammation

Inflammation is the protective response to harmful stimuli such as mechanical injury, pathogens, damaged cells, or other irritants and involves local blood vessels, immune cells, and molecular factors. The inflammatory response restricts and eliminates invading pathogens, removes and/or absorbs necrotic tissues and cells, and repairs injured tissues. Based on the clinical course and predominant cell types, it can be classified as acute or chronic. Acute inflammation is mediated by the rapid infiltration of granulocytes into the affected tissues and has a finite duration, whereas chronic inflammation is a prolonged condition induced by the direct infiltration of mononuclear immune cells like macrophages, monocytes, lymphocytes, and so forth [19]. At the molecular level, the inflammatory response is mediated by cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG), and leukotriene (LT) [20–22], along with the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) [23, 24], Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) [25], Nrf2/Keap1/ARE [19], and toll-like receptors (TLRs) pathways [26].

2.1. Effect on Inflammatory Diseases

The flavonoid structure is endowed with excellent anti-inflammatory property; for instance, viscosine, a flavonoid from Dodonaea viscosa showed anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties as it reduced the concentration of PGE2 in brain through its mPGES-1 inhibitory action [27]. In the same way, licorice flavonoids display favorable anti-inflammatory effect and have shown therapeutic effects in pneumonia, hepatitis, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, and other inflammatory diseases [28]. Total flavonoids (TFF) from G. uralensis alleviated localized inflammation in the carrageenan-stimulated rat paw edema model and dimethylbenzene (DMB) induced ear vasodilatation assay in a dose-dependent manner [29]. Likewise, licorice flavonoids mitigated the acute pulmonary inflammation induced by intratracheal administration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) at the doses of 3, 10, and 300 mg/kg, as indicated by reduced infiltration of macrophages, lymphocytes, and especially neutrophils in the accumulated bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) [30].

The main anti-inflammatory active flavonoids of licorice include the chalcones like licochalcone A and licochalcone B, and isoliquiritigenin, isoflavones such as isoangustone A, and isoflavans such as glabridin and licoricidin [31]. Licochalcone A, licochalcone B, 5-(1,1-dimethylallyl)-3,4,40-trihydroxy-2-methoxychalcone, and echinatin suppressed the LPS-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner and downregulated the levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), IL-6, and NO in LPS-stimulated macrophages [32]. Moreover, isoliquiritigenin mitigated high-fat-diet-induced inflammation in a mouse model by significantly reducing the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the white adipose tissue of epididymis (eWAT) [33]. Glabridin also exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect against diabetes-related vascular dysfunction by downregulating LPS-induced NO production, as well as the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene under high-glucose conditions [34].

In vitro and in vivo studies on the anti-inflammatory effects of licorice flavonoids are summarized in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.

2.2. Mechanism Underlying Anti-Inflammatory Effect

The inflammatory process is highly synchronized and progresses sequentially through cell migration and infiltration, enzyme activation, fluid extravasation, inflammatory mediator release, tissue breakdown, and repair [55]. The mechanisms, factors, and pathways that induce and exacerbate inflammation are highly complex, and licorice flavonoids restrain the inflammatory mediators and cytokines by targeting multiple immune-related pathways (Figure 3).

2.2.1. NF-κB Signaling Pathway

The NF-κB axis is the representative proinflammatory signaling pathway, and the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB culminates in the expression of genes encoding proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1 [24], adhesion molecules, chemokines, COX-2, MMPs, and iNOS [56]. Given the crucial role of NF-κB in the pathogenesis of inflammation, its blockade is a rational therapeutic strategy against various chronic inflammatory conditions.

Isoliquiritigenin exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing NF-κB activity, consequently leading to a decrease in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8 and other proinflammatory factors [57, 58]. Another study showed that isoliquiritigenin inhibited NF-κB and the downstream iNOS, TNF-α, COX-2, and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 cells via downregulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), nuclear factor kappa B kinase (IKK), and p38 phosphorylation [59]. Likewise, licochalcone A, licochalcone D, and licochalcone B significantly inhibited LPS-induced transcriptional activation of NF-κB and phosphorylation at serine 276 by suppressing protein kinase A (PKA) [60]. In addition, licochalcone E inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and decreased the levels of its multiple downstream targets such as iNOS, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in LPS-stimulated H9c2 cells [61]. Licochalcone E also ameliorated chronic allergic contact dermatitis and inhibited the production of IL-12p40 in a dose-dependent manner by downregulating NF-κB, indicating its therapeutic potential in skin inflammatory disorders [62].

2.2.2. Nuclear Factor-Erythroid 2 Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) Signaling Pathway

A recent study showed that licochalcone A alleviated the symptoms of arthritis by suppressing the proliferation of the inflammatory cells. Mechanistically, licochalcone A slowed cell cycle transition and enhanced apoptosis, inhibited proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and upregulated antioxidant enzyme expression by activating the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway. It promoted Nrf2 accumulation and nuclear translocation and increased p62 phosphorylation [63]. Isoliquiritigenin protected against cigarette-smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) via suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress by targeting the Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways [64]. In addition, isoliquiritigenin also downregulated NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) and NOX4 levels, promoted the dissociation of Keap1 and Nrf2, and activated the NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCLC), and GCLM genes [65]. Another study showed that isoliquiritin can activate Nrf2 signaling in murine macrophages by suppressing Keap1 and increasing Nrf2 translocation and increasing the expression levels of UGT1A1, HO-1, and NQO1, eventually suppressing the inflammatory responses [66]. Taken together, licorice flavonoids exert a potent anti-inflammatory effect through Nrf2 pathway activation.

2.2.3. Other Signaling Pathways

As discussed in Section 2.2.2, the anti-inflammatory effects of licorice flavonoids are driven by complex mechanisms and multiple signaling pathways. Isoliquiritigenin mitigated DSS-induced colitis in a mouse model by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway via suppression of ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation. Likewise, liquiritin also targeted the MAPK pathway in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by downregulating the B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) ratio, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 phosphorylation, as well as VEGF expression [67, 68]. Moreover, isoliquiritigenin significantly decreased the levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) protein and its downstream targets including myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88), a phosphorylated inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (p-IκBα), and p-NF-κB. Isoliquiritigenin-mediated blockade of the TLR4/MYD88 pathway had neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in a kainic acid (KA) stimulated model of epileptogenesis [69]. Zhu et al. found that isoliquiritigenin inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) stimulated osteoclastogenesis and inflammatory bone loss by inhibiting receptor activator of IκBα/NF-κB, MAPK, nuclear factor-κB-TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (RANK-TRAF6), and activator protein-1(AP-1) signaling pathways [70]. Licochalcone A blocked the induction of caspase-1 and IL-1β in human SZ95 sebocytes and primary mouse macrophages infected with Propionibacterium acnes and controlled P. acnes-induced skin inflammation by targeting NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin-domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome [71]. Total flavonoids of Radix Glycyrrhiza inhibited the LPS/IFN-γ-induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 macrophages by inhibiting iNOS expression via the ERK/NF-κB/miR-155 pathway [72].

3. Anticancer

3.1. Anticancer Effect

Cancer results from human cells that slip from reining, having been recruited and to some extent transformed into pathological organisms or building the block of tumor [73]. Licorice flavonoids have established anticancer effects, and the underlying mechanisms are diverse. For instance, 70% ethanol-extracted total flavonoids markedly reduced tumor mass of breast cancer cell MDA-MB-231 xenografts by suppressing iNOS expression [72]. In addition, licochalcone A inhibited the growth and proliferation of HepG2 cells by blocking the MAPK signaling pathway [74]. Furthermore, several licorice flavonoids have exhibited proapoptotic [75–77] and antimetastatic [18, 78] effects in diverse cancer cell lines and animal models. In this section, we have summarized the effects and underlying mechanisms of licorice flavonoids on solid tumors and cancer cells.

3.1.1. Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Studies have demonstrated the anti-liver-cancer effects of glabridin [79], licochalcone A [80], licochalcone B [81], and isoliquiritigenin [78]. Glabridin significantly blocked cell proliferation in Huh7 human hepatoma cells and induced apoptosis through poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 activation and increased microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II) and Beclin-1 protein expression [76]. Moreover, it restrained the migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and effectively prevented the formation of hepatoma xenografts in a mouse model [79]. Recent studies showed that isoliquiritigenin inhibited the proliferation, migration, and metastasis of Hep3B human liver cancer cells and exhibited cytotoxic effects on HepG2 and Hep3B cells, indicating that it can block hepatocellular carcinoma genesis and metastasis [78, 82]. The antihepatocellular carcinoma effect of liquiritigenin was embodied in enhancing apoptotic rate, inhibiting cell viability, and inducing overrelease of lactate dehydrogenase and up-regulated intracellular ROS level and caspase 3 activity in HepG2 and PLC/PRL/5 cells [83]. Both licochalcone A and licochalcone B blocked the growth of HepG2 cells via terminating cell cycle at G2/M phase and induced apoptosis by modulating the expression of genes involved in cell cycles [80, 81].

3.1.2. Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies and is associated with a poor prognosis. Despite advances in chemotherapy over the past two decades, the survival rates of patients are still dismal. Studies show that flavonoids isolated from Glycyrrhiza, such as liquiritin, isoliquiritigenin [84], and licochalcones [85], can effectively control lung cancer progression. Licochalcone A induced apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells by promoting autophagy and simultaneously enhancing the expression of the endoplasmic reticulum stress-related mediator C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), which is known to clear damaged cells by triggering both apoptotic and autophagic pathways [85]. In addition, it suppressed cell growth and induced apoptosis in A549 and H460 NSCLC cell lines [86]. Licochalcone B and licochalcone D displayed proapoptotic and antiproliferative effects in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant NSCLC cell line HCC827 via caspases activation, PARP cleavage, and relevant proteins modulation [13, 87]. Furthermore, glabridin exhibited suppression of cell metastasis by deterring migration and invasion of A549 cells and decreasing A549-mediated angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo [88]. Echinatin restrained gefitinib-sensitive/resistant NSCLC cells by inhibiting cell multiplication and inducing ROS production in EGFR mutant NSCLC cell line HCC827 and human lung epithelial cell line NL20 [89]. Finally, the combination of liquiritin, isoliquiritigenin, and isoliquiritin induced apoptosis in the A549 NSCLC cell line by inhibiting the p53-dependent pathway and also affecting the downstream targets of Akt [84].

3.1.3. Gastric Cancer

Several licorice flavonoids including licochalcone A [90], liquiritin [91], and liquiritigenin [92] have shown therapeutic effects against gastric cancer, of which licochalcone A shows the highest cytotoxicity in gastric cancer cells [90]. In normal cells, glucose is metabolized into H₂O and CO₂ that generate ATP to meet the energy requirements. However, tumor cells largely depend on aerobic glycolysis, wherein glucose is converted to pyruvate and lactate, for their energy needs. This phenomenon is known as the Warburg effect and results in the accumulation of lactate which creates a highly acidic tumor microenvironment, leading to enhanced chemoresistance, migration, and metastasis of the tumor cells [93, 94]. Licochalcone A suppressed hexokinase 2 (HK2) induced glycolysis in the human gastric BGC-823 cells, which not only inhibited proliferation and clonogenic survival [95] but also induced apoptosis in the tumor cells [96]. Furthermore, liquiritin monotherapy moderately inhibited the proliferation and migration of cisplatin (DDP) resistant [91] or TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) resistant [97] gastric cancer cells and induced apoptosis. The combination therapy of liquiritin and DPP significantly increased apoptosis and autophagy rates in vitro and in vivo by enhancing cleavage of caspase-8/-9/-3 and PARP and upregulating LC3B and Beclin-1 [91]. The combined application of liquiritin and TRAIL synergistically impeded the growth and proliferation of gastric cancer cells in vitro and the xenograft growth in nude mice through caspase activation [97]. Thus, liquiritin can significantly augment the therapeutic effects of other anticancer drugs and should be considered as an adjuvant in the treatment of human gastric cancer.

3.1.4. Breast Cancer

Breast carcinoma is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in women worldwide and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The majority of breast-cancer-related deaths have been attributed to the metastasis of tumor cells to distant tissues, such as the brain or bone [98]. Licorice flavonoids including isoliquiritigenin [99], licochalcone A [100], and licochalcone E [101] can deter breast cancer progression through different mechanisms and signaling networks. Isoliquiritigenin inhibited the transcription and enzymatic activity of aromatase CYP19 that is involved in the synthesis of estrogen, which increases the risk of breast cancer [99]. It also inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells by blocking the arachidonic acid (AA) metabolic network, which plays a crucial role in the growth of breast tumors [102]. In addition, isoliquiritigenin also inhibits key mediators and enzymes involved in breast carcinoma invasion and metastasis, such as VEGF, MMP-9, MMP-2, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) [103]. Glabridin attenuated the cancer stem cells (CSCs) like properties of breast carcinoma cells, which is likely the major underlying cause of breast cancer metastasis and recurrence, by inhibiting the miR-148a/transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic protein 2 (SMAD2) pathway both in vitro and in vivo [104]. Finally, licochalcone A displays proapoptotic and antiproliferative effects in breast cancer cells via modulation of transcription factor Sp1 (Sp1) and apoptosis-related proteins [100]. It also suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cells by increasing ROS production that triggered apoptosis and by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition factors like E-cadherin and vimentin [105].

3.1.5. Other Tumors

The antitumor properties of licorice flavonoids have also been reported for the cancers of the colon [75], oral/esophageal squamous epithelium [106, 107], prostate [108], bladder [109], ovary [110], cervix, uterus [111], glioma [112], melanoma [113], uterine leiomyoma [114], and pleural mesothelioma [115]. The effects of flavonoid compounds against these tumors are summarized in Table 3.

3.2. Mechanism Underlying Anticancer Effect

Phytochemicals and other natural products can effectively inhibit the growth of tumor cells, augment the antitumor immune responses, and alleviate the side effects of radiotherapy. Several studies have shown that plant-derived bioactive compounds target pathways involved in tumor cell proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis, induce apoptosis, inhibit extracellular matrix enzymes, modulate the expression of transcription factors, and inhibit neoangiogenesis. In addition, several phytochemicals can promote the survival and expansion of antitumor immune cells and reverse the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment [130]. Licorice flavonoids typically target the MAPK/JNK and PI3K/AKT pathways and also directly regulate the expression of genes involved in metastasis and apoptosis, as shown in Figure 4.

3.2.1. MAPK/JNK Signaling Pathway

ERK, p38, and JNK are the key mediators of the MAPK signaling pathway in mammalian cells [131]. JNK contains a dual phosphorylated functional region that can bind to the N-terminal activation region of c-Jun and phosphorylate the serine residues at positions 63 and 73 [132]. It is activated by different stress-related stimuli and relays the signals through multiple pathways that regulate cancer genesis and progression [133]. Glabridin inhibited the proliferation of human liver cancer and oral cancer cells and induced apoptosis via the p38 MAPK and JNK1/2 pathways [76, 121]. Licochalcone A inhibited hepatocellular cell migration and invasion by downregulating uPA expression and activity through the inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation and transcription of its downstream targets and that of the MKK4/JNK signaling pathway as well [134]. The antihepatocellular carcinoma effect of liquiritigenin has been attributed to MAPK inactivation, increased phosphorylation of JNK and p38, reduced expression of B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL) and Bcl-2, suppression of ERK, and decreased nuclear translocation of phosphorylated ERKs [83]. Licochalcone C induced apoptosis in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells via ER stress response and ROS generation, which triggered mitochondrial dysfunction via JNK/p38 MAPK pathway activation [120].

3.2.2. PI3K/AKT Pathway

The PI3K/AKT pathway is frequently dysregulated in multiple tumor cells [135]. It consists of several bifurcating and converging kinase cascades and is therefore a highly attractive therapeutic target [135, 136]. Several studies have shown that licorice flavonoids exert their antitumor effects by suppressing the PI3K/AKT pathway. Isoliquiritigenin not only inhibited cell cycle transition, proliferation, and migration of Hep3B cells but also inactivated the PI3K/AKT pathway in human breast tumor cells that resulted in growth retardation and apoptosis [78, 102]. Licochalcone A suppressed glycolysis and induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells by inhibiting hexokinase 2 (HK2) and the AKT signaling pathway [95]. It also induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells and mitigated their migration and invasion by inhibiting Akt phosphorylation [105] and exhibited a proapoptotic effect in the BCC-823 gastric cancer cells through the PI3K/AKT-mediated pathway [109]. Liquiritigenin exerted significant inhibitory effects on the invasiveness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colorectal cancer cells by downregulating runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and inactivating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway [117].

3.2.3. Induction of Apoptosis in Tumor Cells

Apoptosis is a form of genetically programmed cell death characterized by membrane blebbing, cell shrinkage, and chromosomal DNA fragmentation. Most chemotherapeutic drugs and phytochemicals inhibit tumor growth by inducing the apoptotic cascade in cancer cells by targeting the enzymes, genes, and cytokines [137]. There are two major apoptotic pathways in the eukaryotic cell: the intrinsic mitochondrial-dependent pathway and the extrinsic death receptor-mediated pathway involving caspase activation [138]. Bax and Bak are members of the Bcl-2 family and the core regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. They are activated and oligomerized in the outer mitochondrial membrane and induce membrane depolarization under apoptotic stimuli [139]. Cysteine aspartic proteases or caspases are involved in inflammation, programmed cell death, and immune disorders [138].

Licochalcone A can induce apoptosis in the human hepatoma [80], lung cancer [86], osteosarcoma [129], bladder cancer [125], and prostate cancer [123] cells. It triggered the apoptotic cascade in HepG2 cells and human bladder cancer cells by upregulating Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-8. It also decreased the expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL in lung cancer cell lines, resulting in apoptosis. The cytotoxic effects of licochalcone A against human osteosarcoma cells and LNCaP prostate cancer cells are also mediated through the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and caspase-dependent cell death. Liquiritin triggered apoptosis in gastric cancer cells via both the intrinsic Bcl-2/Bax and extrinsic Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD) regulated pathways, which culminated in cleavage of caspase-8 and caspase-9 [111]. It also induced apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells when used in combination with cisplatin by enhancing caspase-8/-9/-3 and PARP cleavage [91].

4. Antioxidation

4.1. Antioxidant Effect

The antioxidant capacity of flavonoids is related to the molecular structure, associating with the position and the total number of -OH groups, conjugation and resonance effects, modification of the surrounding environment of thermodynamically favorable antioxidant sites, and the particular antioxidant mechanism of the compound [140].

Phenolic compounds derived from the roots and stolons of G. glabra exhibited considerable antioxidant action, as measured by the peroxynitrite assay, of which isoliquiritigenin, hispaglabridin B, and paratocarpin were the most potent antioxidants [141]. Liu et al. have reported that licorice extract (20, 40, and 60 mg/kg) containing licochalcone A, licoisoflavone, isolicocflavonol, and glycyrol reduced paraquat-induced oxidative stress in lung tissues by downregulating MDA level and increasing the SOD activity [142]. Polyphenols extracted from Glycyrrhiza also reduced the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and very-LDL-C by directly suppressing cholesterol biosynthesis and by indirectly eliminating free radicals and lowering LDL oxidation [143]. Additionally, flavonoid fraction from G. glabra showed remarkable antioxidant activity manifested by assays of low IC₅₀ values in DPPH (20.9 mg/mL), NO radical scavenging (195.2 mg/mL), and hydrogen peroxide scavenging capacity (3.4 mg/mL) [144].

Furthermore, licochalcone B and licochalcone A significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes and restrained LPS-induced ROS production in RAW 264.7 cells [32]. Glabridin reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation in vitro and in vivo [145]. Isoliquiritin exhibited a protective effect on neurodegenerative disorders through oxidative stress downregulation, intracellular [Ca²⁺]i overloading inhibition, and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathways suppression [146]. In addition, liquiritin alleviated cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice, as indicated by decreased infarct volume and less neurological deficit, through antioxidant and antiapoptosis mechanisms. It reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl, increased the ratio of glutathione (GSH/GSSG), and significantly decreased the percentage of apoptotic cells in the infarct region [147].

Other relevant reports with regard to antioxidation of licorice flavonoids and the specific structures are listed in Table 4.

4.2. Antioxidant Mechanism

Nrf2 controls the expression of antioxidant enzymes in management of oxidant stress [154]. Flavonoids derived from licorice exhibited reliable antioxidant activity through the regulation of Nrf2 protein expression. Isoliquiritigenin exerted its antioxidant effects by upregulating the transcription factors SKN-1/Nrf2 and DAF-16/FOXO, which activated genes involved in the antioxidant responses [151]. It also inhibited cigarette-smoke-induced oxidative stress in COPD by reversing MPO activity and decreasing MDA levels, upregulating Nrf2, and downregulating NF-κB [64]. Isoliquiritigenin notably activated AMPK/Nrf2/ARE signaling and exhibited ROS producing inhibition in peritoneal macrophages of wild-type mice but not in Nrf2^−/− mice, illustrating that the antioxidative capacity of isoliquiritigenin relied on Nrf2 activation [148]. In addition, licochalcone A prevented ROS-driven oxidative stress in primary human fibroblasts in vitro by activating the cytoprotective phase II enzymes and stimulating the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2 [156]. Glabridin displayed the antioxidant defense mechanism of liver via upregulating Nrf2 protein expression to lower the ROS formation and ameliorate oxidative stress exerting the hepatoprotective effect against MTX [154].

Furthermore, ultraweak photon emission analysis revealed significantly lower ultraviolet A (UV-A) stimulated luminescence in vivo following treatment with licochalcone A-rich licorice extract, which is indicative of lower oxidation [156]. Liquiritin abrogated oxidative injury in B65 neuroblastoma cells by increasing the expression of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in a dose-dependent manner [157]. Liquiritigenin, as an AMPK activator, protected hepatocytes against oxidant hepatic injury and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by nutrition deficiency which was attributed to LKB1-AMPK pathway activation and FXR induction [152]. Glabridin inhibits LDL oxidation by its direct antioxidant activity as well as by the removal of oxidized LDL through its paraoxonase activity [158]. Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms, as well as the structure-bioactivity relationship of licorice flavonoids to expand their applications as antioxidants.

5. Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antiprotozoan Activity

Viral and other microbial infections play a critical role in many prevalent diseases, especially in developing countries [6]. Natural bioactive flavonoids derived from medicinal herbs and plants have been widely demonstrated to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antiprotozoan activity and can enhance the protective immune systems of human [159]. It is important to develop safe and effective antibacterial or antiviral agents, and licorice flavonoids have attracted much attention due to their excellent activity [6].

5.1. Effect on Diverse Microorganisms

Isoflavonoids such as 6,8-diisoprenyl-5,7,4′-thrihhydroxyisoflavone effectively inhibited the Gram-positive bacteria Streptococcus mutans, while gancaonin G displayed moderate antimicrobial activity [160]. Flavonoids from licorice, including glabrol, licochalcone A, licochalcone C, and licochalcone E, showed a favorable potential on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with low cytotoxicity for mammalian cells [161]. The flavonoid-rich fraction of the aqueous Glycyrrhiza extract has a potent anti-herpes-simplex-virus (HSV) activity; in addition, liquiritin, apioside, isoliquiritin apioside, lucurzid, and isoliquiritin have also been reported to be effective against HSV [162]. Licochalcone A displayed in vitro schistosomicidal effect on Schistosoma mansoni adult worms by affording lethal concentration for LC₅₀ of 9.52 ± 0.9 and 9.12 ± 1.1 μM against male and female adult worms, respectively, and it reduced the total number of S. mansoni eggs and impeded eggs produced by S. mansoni adult worms [163].

The studies associated with the effects of licorice flavonoids and their active constituents on bacteria, viruses, and protozoa are summarized in Table 5.

5.2. Mechanism Underlying Antimicrobial Action

In terms of mechanism, glabrol rapidly disrupted the proton movie force and membrane permeability of S. aureus possibly through binding to peptidoglycan, phosphatidylglycerol, and cardiolipin [161]. The flavonoid-rich extract of G. glabra inhibited Helicobacter pylori by downregulating DNA gyrase, dihydrofolate reductase, and protein synthesis [167]. The virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii was attenuated by the flavonoid-rich quorum quenching fraction of G. glabra via downregulation of autoinducer synthase and abaI expression [168]. Besides, liquiritin induced autophagy, apoptosis, and reduction of intracellular Ca²⁺ content of Phytophthora capsici and inhibited P. capsici pathogenicity via reducing PcCRN4 and Pc76RTF expressions as well as stimulating the plant defense which was reflected in the activated transcriptional expression of defense-related genes CaPR1, CaDEF1, and CaSAR82 and the increased antioxidant enzyme activity [175].

The G. inflata-derived chalcones inactivated the influenza A virus by inhibiting neuraminidase A [176]. Licocoumarone, licoflavonol, glyasperin D, and 2′-methoxyisoliquiritigenin exhibited antirotavirus activity, especially against G5P [7] and G8P [7] by suppressing both viral absorption and replication [177]. HSV-1 infection was suppressed by the quercetins extracted from G. uralensis via the inhibition of TLR-3, the inflammatory transcriptional factor NF-κB, and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) [178].

Additionally, licochalcone A induced the death of adult Schistosoma mansoni by blocking superoxide dismutase activity, which increased the production of superoxide and other free radicals that directly damaged the worm tegument and membranes [163].

6. Antidiabetic Effect

6.1. Effect on Diabetes and Its Complications

Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. Clinical studies show that diabetes increases the risk of several complications such as renal damage, cataract, glaucoma, neuropathy, ischemic stroke, and gangrene among others. Many researchers have turned to discovering new drugs from natural products or traditional Chinese medicine owing to the specific toxic side effects of medications and insulin resistance [9].

Licorice flavonoids have shown significant antidiabetic effects. For instance, the ethanol extract of G. glabra can alleviate chronic hyperglycemia and diabetic nephropathy; in addition, the ethanol extract of G. uralensis inhibited the activity of liver microsomal diacylglycerol acyltransferase in obese and diabetic rats, and that of G. inflata was effective against diabetic nephropathy and diabetes-related vascular complications and endothelial dysfunction [182]. The flavonoid oil and ethanol extracts of licorice showed hypoglycemic and abdominal lipid-lowering effects in obese diabetic KK-A^y mice, which is clinically significant, since type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia, obesity, and abdominal adiposity always develop simultaneously [183]. Moreover, licorice flavonoid oil exhibited therapeutic effects against diabetes and hyperglycemia in the KK-A^y mice by regulating glucose metabolism through AMPK pathway and the insulin levels in skeletal muscle [184]. In addition, licochalcone E promoted blood glucose elimination in hyperglycemic zebrafish, which restored calcium metabolism and impeded the generation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) [185]. Other studies on the antidiabetic effects of licorice flavonoids and their active components are summarized in Table 6.

6.2. Antidiabetic Mechanism

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), a major negative regulator of the insulin-signaling cascade, is a promising therapeutic target for diabetes. Licorice flavonoids, including glycybenzofuran, licocoumarone, glycyrrhisoflavone, glisoflavone, isoliquiritigenin, licoflavone A, apigenin, glycycoumarin, and isoglycycoumarin [190], inhibited PTP1B activity with varying affinities and activated the insulin-signaling pathway [191]. Isoliquiritigenin blocked mesangial proliferation and matrix deposition during diabetic nephropathy by inactivating TGF-β RI and TGF-β RII and inhibiting the downstream SMAD signaling pathway [187]. STZ-induced diabetes was also alleviated by isoliquiritigenin via attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial damage, downregulation of miR-195, restoration of retinal SIRT-1 levels, and tissue structure [150]. In addition, liquiritigenin significantly decreased high-fructose-diet-stimulated cardiac injury by mitigating tissue inflammation and fibrosis via suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway [189].

7. Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases

7.1. Gastrointestinal Protective Effect

The gastrointestinal tract of almost 50% of the global population is colonized by H. pylori, which is one of the most frequent causes of peptic ulcers [192]. Flavonoids of Glycyrrhiza, including licochalcone A (G. inflata), glabridin and glabrene (G. glabra), licoricidin, and licoisoflavone B (G. uralensis), inhibited the growth of H. pylori in vitro [193]. GutGard®, a flavonoid-rich fraction of G. glabra, inhibited H. pylori growth as per the microbroth dilution and agar dilution methods, with glabridin exhibiting the potent antibacterial effect [167]. Another study showed a special licorice extract (s-lico) that lowered the content of glycyrrhizin while enhancing the ratio of licochalcone A significantly inhibited H. pylori-induced gastritis as well tumorigenesis in vivo [194]. Apart from H. pylori infection, nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) abuse, irregular diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking may also induce gastric or duodenal ulcers [192]. The hydroalcoholic extract of G. glabra significantly ameliorated HCL/ethanol-induced ulcer and also exerted a therapeutic effect on ulcers caused by indomethacin [195]. Isoliquiritigenin inhibited the occurrence of indomethacin-stimulated gastric ulcers through a favorable stomach distribution, ameliorated the gastric and hemorrhagic lesion sizes, and increased gastric mucus secretion as indicated by stronger Alcian blue staining intensity [196].

Both glabridin and licochalcone A have demonstrated therapeutic effects against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Gladridin mitigated the inflammation and colon damage in DSS-induced ulcerative colitis and improved hypertrophy and edema in the serosa and muscularis with lymphoid follicles hyperplasia [53]. Moreover, licochalcone A effectively alleviated colitis induced by DSS by reducing colon length, MPO activity, proinflammatory cytokine levels, and oxidative stress [197].

7.2. Gastrointestinal Protective Mechanism

The therapeutic effects of licorice flavonoids against gastric ulcer or gastritis induced by H. pylori may relate to restrain ³⁵S methionine incorporating into H. pylori ATCC 700392 strain and inhibition of DNA gyrase and dihydrofolate reductase [167]. In addition, licorice flavonoids reversed the expressions of iNOS, COX-2, IL-8, and VEGF increased by H. pylori infection and significantly improved H. pylori- or hypoxia-induced angiogenesis [194]. Licorice flavonoids also alleviated NSAIDs- or chemical-induced gastric damage by regulating the content of small molecules metabolites like arachidonic acid, histamine, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), tryptophan, and so forth, which mitigated inflammation and amino acid metabolism and increased gastric mucosal defensive factors [17, 195, 196]. Furthermore, glabridin reduced TNF-α levels and the expressions of iNOS and MPO genes in the colon tissues in a rat model of colitis, which was accompanied by a decrease in NO and an increase in cAMP levels [53]. Licochalcone A alleviated DSS-induced ulcerative colitis by restoring the expression levels of IκB kinase α (IKKα), p65 NF-κB, and p-IκB, upregulating γ-glutamyl cysteine ligase (GCL), Nrf2, and HO-1, and downregulating Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) in the colonic tissues [197].

8. Effect on Skin Disorders

8.1. Skin Protective Effect

Cho et al. found that topical application of licochalcone E decreased ear edema and thickness, epidermal detachment, and focal microabscesses in the oxazolone-induced chronic dermatitis mouse model in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, licochalcone E decreased the expression of IL-12p40 and IFN-γ in the affected mice, which mitigated other symptoms of inflammation as well [62]. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder that is currently treated with steroids, which have severe side effects in most of the patients. Isoliquiritigenin ameliorated AD-like symptoms in a mouse model, reduced scratching behavior and the severity of skin lesions [40], and can be considered as a safer alternative to steroid therapy. Furthermore, Wu et al. have reported that isoliquiritigenin ameliorated the inflammatory process in various psoriasis models, including VEGF transgenic mouse, the imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse, and the human keratinocytes HaCaT and NHEK cell [57].

The therapeutic effects of topically applied licorice flavonoids on sensitive skin or inflammatory dermatosis have been demonstrated in recent clinical trials [198, 199]. The incorporation of licochalcone A in the skin care regimens was well tolerated by the sensitive skin of rosacea patients. After 8 weeks of treatment, redness was significantly reduced and other signs of rosacea were also neutralized. A randomized, prospective, investigator-blinded study showed that a moisturizer formulation containing licochalcone A improved facial dermatitis, erythema, and skin hydration compared to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide [200].

Tyrosinase is a kind of oxidase, which is the rate-limiting enzyme that controls the production of melanin in human body. Once melanin overproduces, it will lead to a variety of skin diseases [201]. Licorice flavonoid is a natural skin-lighting agent, especially the component glabridin which is regarded as the “whitening gold,” and it exhibited reversibly inhibition of tyrosinase in a noncompetitive manner by a multiphase kinetic process with IC₅₀ of 0.43 μmol/L; besides, it bound to tyrosinase with a static process and a stable complex of glabridin-tyrosinase may be generated [201]. In general, glabridin is consumed as a constituent of licorice extract; for instance, glabridin-40, one of glabridin-rich licorice extracts, is widely applied in cosmetic products as a skin-whitening and is used as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent [202].

8.2. Skin Protective Mechanism

Licochalcone E improved inflammatory skin disorders by inhibiting NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation through IκBα dephosphorylation [62]. Furthermore, licochalcone E exhibited anti-inflammatory effects on mouse skin and murine macrophages by suppressing AP-1 and NF-κB transcriptional activity, inactivation of AKT and MAPK, and downregulation of iNOS, COX-2, and proinflammatory cytokines [203]. Isoliquiritigenin ameliorated DNCB-stimulated atopic dermatitis through decreasing Th2 and IgE cytokines, inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines, eliminating p38-α and ERK activation, and upregulating CD54 and CD86 in human monocyte model THP-1 [40]. Isoliquiritigenin suppressed psoriasis-like symptoms through the inhibition of NF-κB activity which consequently led to the less expressions of proinflammation cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 [57]. The skin-lighting mechanism of glabridin has been deduced by molecular docking experiment where glabridin may interact between the hydroxyl group of glabridin and the active site residues (mainly His-85) attributing to a type of stereospecific blockade effect or deformation of the catalytic core domain, which resulted in suppressing the oxidant activity of tyrosinase to substrate L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) [201].

9. Effect on Obesity

9.1. Antiobesity Effect

Obesity is characterized by the excess accumulation of lipid metabolites in adipose and nonadipose tissues [204] and is currently a pressing health issue worldwide due to its association with a high risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cancer [205]. Glabridin reduced the body weight of obese mice by decreasing food intake and increasing energy expenditure [206]. In addition, licorice flavonoid oil prevented and regulated diet-induced obesity and total body fat in human subjects by restoring the expression levels of the related lipid metabolism [207]. White adipose tissues are energy depots, whereas brown adipose tissues convert energy to heat via thermogenesis and improve triglyceride clearance and glucose metabolism [208, 209]. Inducible brown adipocytes can be developed in white adipose tissues through the browning process, which is a viable strategy for treating obesity and its complications [210]. Licochalcone E has demonstrated an inhibitory effect in early adipogenesis, as indicated by enhanced adipocyte differentiation, reduction in adipocyte size, and increased population of small adipocytes in white adipose tissues [211].

9.2. Antiobesity Mechanism

Glabridin inhibited the expression of lipogenic genes such as fatty acid synthase (FAS), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) in the white adipose tissues and liver of several animal models of obesity and upregulated fatty acid oxidation genes in the muscle, eventually leading to a decrease in body weight and fat cell size through AMPK activation [206]. Licochalcone E upregulated PPARγ by activating the AKT pathway and facilitated adipocyte differentiation and increased the number of small adipocytes, thereby ameliorating hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia under diabetic conditions [211]. Licochalcone A activated the sirt-1/AMPK pathway to enhance lipolysis and β-oxidation and reduce fatty acid chain synthesis [210]. Moreover, it upregulated the expression of brown fat markers including PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), and PPARγ coactivator-1 (PGC-1α), which reduced obesity and restored metabolic homeostasis by altering brown fat phenotype [212].

10. Conclusion

Licorice is the most frequently prescribed herbal medicine in China, and it consists of abundant flavonoid components with a multitude of pharmacological effects. In recent years, licorice flavonoids have been isolated and characterized, and the mechanisms underlying their pharmacological effects have been elucidated. The therapeutic effects of licorice flavonoids against gastrointestinal and skin diseases have even been clinically tested. Other biological properties of licorice flavonoids including the antiviral, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiasthma, and anticancer effects have been demonstrated at the cellular and animal level and need to be validated in clinical trials. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pharmacological action of licorice flavonoids need to be lucubrated due to the complex interaction between diverse components and organisms. In this review, the pharmacological properties of licorice flavonoids in various pathological conditions and the possible mechanisms of action were detailly summarized. The article expands the application of licorice flavonoids, which provides a preference for further research on material basis, bioactivity, and mechanism of licorice flavonoids in the future.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

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