Review of Constituents and Biological Activities of Triterpene Saponins from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Its Solubilization Characteristics

Abstract

Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is regarded as one of the most popular and commonly used herbal medicines and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions for over 2000 years. Pentacyclic triterpene saponins are common secondary metabolites in these plants, which are synthesized via the isoprenoid pathway to produce a hydrophobic triterpenoid aglycone containing a hydrophilic sugar chain. This paper systematically summarizes the chemical structures of triterpene saponins in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and reviews and updates their main biological activities studies. Furthermore, the solubilization characteristics, influences, and mechanisms of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are elaborated. Solubilization of the triterpene saponins from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma occurs because they contain the nonpolar sapogenin and water-soluble sidechain. The possible factors affecting the solubilization of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are mainly other crude drugs and the pH of the decoction. Triterpene saponins represented by glycyrrhizin from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma characteristically form micelles due to amphiphilicity, which makes solubilization possible. This overview provides guidance regarding a better understanding of GlycyrrhizaeRadix et Rhizoma and its TCM compatibility, alongside a theoretical basis for the further development and utilization of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.

Interaction of selected terpenoids with two SARS-CoV-2 key therapeutic targets: An in silico study through molecular docking and dynamics simulations

“…The other triterpenoids reported in Table 1 and Fig. 2 are five pentacyclic triterpenoids: oleanolic acid, oleanolic aldehyde, betulinic acid, β-amyrin and glycyrrhizin, the last one more precisely structurally defined as a saponin [ 36 ]. All the aforesaid compounds are widely distributed in foods and plants, occurring as free acids, as aglycones or as glucosides.…”

A system for reporting and evaluating adverse drug reactions of herbal medicine in Taiwan from 1998 to 2016

“…Its function in TCM is to fortify the spleen, dispel phlegm to suppress cough and moisten the lung, relax tension and relieve pain, clear heat and detoxify, and harmonize the nature of medical formulas to reduce their strengths or side effects. It is extensively used in TCM to treat hepatitis, influenza, cough, and gastric ulcers 43 . In our analysis of ADR data involving Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, suspected AEs mainly involved the kidneys, characterized by edema and hypokalemia, as well as allergic reactions of the immune system (urticaria).…”

Characteristic profiling of Aconiti Lateralis Radix for distinguishing it from compatible herbal pair using UPLC–Q‐TOF–MS coupled with chemometrics

“…The chemical constituents of Gancao are complex, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, lignin, proteins, trace elements, etc. (Jiang et al, 2020; Li et al, 2020). These chemical constituents contribute a variety of pharmacological activities, such as antitussive, anti‐asthmatic, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic, immunoregulatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant and other effects (Lam et al, 2016; Li et al, 2020; Wang et al, 2013).…”

“…(Jiang et al, 2020; Li et al, 2020). These chemical constituents contribute a variety of pharmacological activities, such as antitussive, anti‐asthmatic, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic, immunoregulatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant and other effects (Lam et al, 2016; Li et al, 2020; Wang et al, 2013). Gancao, based on its natural properties and sweet taste, has the functions in TCM of strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi, relieving spasms and pain, and regulating the properties of other herbal ingredients (Lv et al, 2018).…”