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AbstractThe antidepressant-like effects of five herbal essential oils (EOs), Jasminum sambac(Linn.) Aiton essential oil (JSEOs), Magnolia denudataDesr. essential oil (MDEOs), Rosa rugosaThunb. essential oil (RREOs), Aloysia citriodoraOrtega ex Pers. essential oil (ACEOs) and Abies balsamea(L.) Mill. essential oil (ABEOs) were evaluated. By virtue of a reserpine-induced depression mouse model, the antidepression activities and mechanisms of these EOs were explored. The results indicated that the inhalation of EOs significantly ameliorated depression-like behaviors in reserpine-induced depression mice, including a decrease in anxiety and immobility time. JSEOs and ABEOs significantly attenuated reserpine-induced depression-like behaviors, particularly the decreased body weight and immobility time, as determined by tail suspension and forced swimming tests. Furthermore, RT-qPCR and western blotting analyses indicated that the EOs influenced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), serotonin1A(5-HT1A), and inflammatory cytokine levels. ACEOs attenuated reserpine-induced hippocampal and neuronal damage, significantly increased glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and 5-HT1Alevels, and suppressed the inflammatory response. These results provide new insights into the antidepressant effects of herbal EOs and suggest that the five EOs evaluated in this study are potential nutraceuticals for the treatment of depression.

Background Glabridin is one of the main components of the isoflavonoids in Glycyrrhiza glabraand possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer effects.Objectives Herein, the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of the glabridin liposome (GL) complex were studied in mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis.Materials and Methods After treatment with GLs, their effectiveness was assessed using parameters, such as Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score, histopathology, inflammatory cytokines, and psoriasis-associated proteins.Results The results demonstrated that GLs could significantly improve psoriatic symptoms, downregulate mast cell infiltration, and significantly reduce the PASI score of psoriatic mice. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results showed that GLs significantly decreased IL-23and STAT3mRNA expression. The results of immunohistochemistry and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicated that GLs decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-17, and IL-22.Conclusion GLs can alleviate psoriasis by inhibiting the expression of keratinocyte-activating proteins. These results suggest that GLs have great potential for the clinical treatment of psoriasis.

Background:One of the primary flavonoids found in the Glycyrrhiza glabrais called glabridin, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antineoplastic effects. However, the insolubility of glabridin in water limits its application. Liposomes can increase the solubility of insoluble drugs and improve their bioavailability.Objective:We examined the potential for the treatment of glabridin liposomes on histamine-induced atopic dermatitis.Materials and Methods:After GL treatment, histopathology, inflammatory cytokines, and atopic dermatitis-related proteins were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of GL.Results:Glabridin liposomes alleviated histamine-induced scratching behavior; reduced mast cell proliferation, infiltration, and degranulation; and restrained the expression of associated pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, glabridin liposomes restored nerve growth factor to normal levels and enhanced the expression of filaggrin to promote cuticle growth and repair skin damage caused by atopic dermatitis.Conclusion:Glabridin liposomes may relieve histamine-induced skin hypersensitivity and cortical hyperplasia by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines, demonstrating their potential for the clinical treatment of atopic dermatitis.