Licorice, a staple in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties and widespread use in various formulations. However, the depletion of wild licorice populations has raised concerns about its sustainability and the need to preserve its genetic diversity. A recent study by the Ningxia Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences aims to address this issue by exploring the biodiversity and medicinal potential of the rare wild Glycyrrhiza squamulose through metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses.
Licorice, particularly Glycyrrhiza uralensis, has been extensively studied for its pharmacological effects, including its ability to enhance the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of other herbal medicines[2]. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, as evidenced by the presence of triterpenes and flavonoids that reduce inflammatory markers such as TNF and PGE2[3]. However, with wild licorice facing depletion, there is an urgent need to identify and protect alternative species that can provide similar medicinal benefits.
The study compared Glycyrrhiza uralensis with Glycyrrhiza squamulose, identifying 182 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and 395 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The chemical components of G. squamulose were found to have molecular weights comparable to those of G. uralensis, suggesting that G. squamulose may also possess significant medicinal value. This is particularly important given the historical significance of licorice in TCM, where it is used to treat a variety of conditions and is a common ingredient in many formulations.
Among the DAMs identified in G. squamulose, flavonoids such as kaempferol-3-O-galactoside, kaempferol-3-O-(6″malonyl) glucoside, and hispidulin-7-O-glucoside were highlighted for their potential vitality. Flavonoids are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which contribute to licorice’s therapeutic effects[3]. The comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed that 69 of the 395 DEGs were enriched in the isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathway, a critical pathway for the production of these bioactive compounds. The study also identified specific genes, such as IF7GT and CYP93C, that play significant roles in flavonoid biosynthesis, indicating that the differences in flavonoid production between G. squamulose and G. uralensis are closely linked to the expression levels of these genes.
This research not only underscores the potential medicinal value of G. squamulose but also provides a theoretical basis for its conservation and further investigation. By identifying key metabolites and genes involved in its bioactive compound production, the study offers insights into how G. squamulose can be cultivated and utilized to supplement or replace G. uralensis in medicinal applications. This is particularly relevant given the decreasing reserves of wild licorice in China and the need for sustainable cultivation practices.
The findings from this study build on previous research by highlighting the importance of genetic and metabolomic diversity in licorice species. Earlier studies have shown that the quality and efficacy of licorice are influenced by environmental and cultivation factors, such as soil conditions and nutrient availability[4]. By focusing on the genetic and metabolic profiles of G. squamulose, the current study provides a comprehensive understanding of how these factors contribute to its medicinal properties and offers a pathway for its sustainable use and conservation.
In conclusion, the research conducted by the Ningxia Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences provides valuable insights into the biodiversity and medicinal potential of Glycyrrhiza squamulose. By leveraging advanced metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses, the study identifies key metabolites and genes that contribute to its therapeutic properties, offering a promising alternative to the increasingly scarce G. uralensis. This research not only enhances our understanding of licorice’s medicinal value but also supports efforts to conserve and sustainably utilize rare licorice species.
The article originally appeared on Natural Science News.