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Abstract
Aqueous extracts from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae) are widely used
for treatment of stomach ulcer. The clinical proven effects are related to the presence
of anti-inflammatory 12-keto-triterpensaponins in the extracts. Apart from that the
influence of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract on the bacterial adhesion of Helicobacter
pylori to stomach tissue was to be investigated. Additionally the influence of Glycyrrhiza
glabra secondary compounds on the bacterial adhesion of Porphyromonas gingivalis,
a major pathogen for induction of periodontal inflammations was to be investigated.
In vitro cytotoxicity against Helicobacter pylori was investigated by agar diffusion
assay; antiadhesive properties of aqueous extract, raw polysaccharides and purified
polysaccharide fractions was investigated by means of an in situ adhesion assay with
FITC-labelled bacteria on tissue slides of human stomach resectates.
Aqueous extract (1mg/mL) of Glycyrrhiza glabra significantly inhibited the adhesion
of Helicobacter pylori to human stomach tissue. This effect was related to the polysaccharides
isolated from the extract, with one purified acidic fraction (0.25 SPB) as main active
polymer. Purified polysaccharides did not exhibit direct cytotoxic effects against
Helicobacter pylori and did not influence hemagglutination. Additionally raw polysaccharides
from Glycyrrhiza glabra were shown to have strong antiadhesive effects against Porphyromonas
gingivalis.
Aqueous extracts and polysaccharides from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are strong
antiadhesive systems, which may be used as potent tools for a further development
of cytoprotective preparations with anti-infectious potential.