Journal of ethnopharmacology
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Licorice (Glycyrrhizae radix), the root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (Leguminosae), is mainly used to moderate the characteristics of toxic herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which could be partly interpreted as detoxification. However, the underlying mechanism is still not fully elucidated. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a key role in the protection against toxic xenobiotics. In our previous research, we have identified that extracts from Glycyrrhiza uralensis induced the expression of Nrf2 nuclear protein and its downstream genes. This research aims to screen the most potent Nrf2 inducer isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis and examine its effect on Nrf2 signaling pathway and detoxification system. ⋯ Isoliquiritigenin, isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, stimulates detoxification system via Nrf2 activation, which could be a potential protective mechanism of licorice.
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Several species from the genus Hippocampus have been widely used as a traditional medicine or invigorant with long history in China. Five species of them have been recorded in Chinese pharmacopoeia with name Hippocampus (Chinese name Haima [symbol: see text]). The ethnopharmacologial history of this genus indicated that they possess anti-tumor, anti-aging, anti-fatigue, anti-prostatic hyperplasia activities and can be used for the treatment of tumor, aging, fatigue, thrombus, inflammatory, hypertension and impotence. This review focuses on the traditional medicinal uses of Hippocampus species, as well as the phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies on this genus. ⋯ Hippocampus is a promising traditional medicine and holds great potential for being exploited as healthy products and drugs. Aquaculture and substitutes of Hippocampus are valid approaches to protect Hippocampus form being endangered species.