The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo both the anti-Helicobacter and the gastric-relaxing effects of AD-lico/Healthy Gut™ in rat models. AD-lico/Healthy Gut™ is a specially prepared commercial formulation of Glycyrrhiza inflata extract that is under clinical development for indications of gastrointestinal disease and inflammatory bowel disease. In the current study, the oral administration of AD-lico/Healthy Gut™ significantly reduced mucosal damage from Helicobacter pylori in rats and decreased the expression of the inflammatory markers iNOS and COX-2 in the test cells. AD-lico/Healthy Gut™ also reduced mucosal damage caused by water immersion stress in rats. The accelerated gastric emptying in normal rats was also seen with AD-lico/Healthy Gut™, providing relief in gastric relaxation in the test animals. The special formulation of AD-lico/Healthy Gut™ with reduced levels of component glycyrrhizin also has benefits in minimizing the potential side effects attributed to glycyrrhizin seen with similar Glycyrrhiza extracts in terms of induction of hypokalemia and muscle weakness. The preparation has a relatively high phenolic compound content relative to other methods of preparation and is indicative of lower glycyrrhizin levels. These results suggest that AD-lico/Healthy Gut™ may provide the necessary relief from a number of stomach discomfort issues faced by a large population of people.
Keywords: Helicobacter pylori; Licorice extract; stomach comfort.