Ethyl Acetate Extract of Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Enhances Proliferation and ...

In this study, the effects of LE on proliferation of human bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) were investigated using MTT assay. In addition, its effects on the osteogenesis were evaluated using alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), calcium deposition, and bone specific gene expression such as ALP, osteocalcin, Runx2, and BMP-2. The quantitative gene expression was studied by real-time RT-PCR. Our results showed a significant increase in proliferation in presence of LE in concentration 10-50μg/mL. The differentiation of hBM-MSCs increased in doses of LE (10-25μg/mL) compared to the control group. The effects of LE were similar to those of 17β-estradiol (E2) (10-8 M) and were abolished by ICI 182,780 an antagonist of estrogen receptor (ER) (10-7), indicating that the stimulatory effects of LE occur through estrogen receptor-mediated mechanism . Taking these into account, LE may be a potential candidate for prevention of osteoporosis in menopausal women.
Source: Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research