In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of Extractum liquiritiae, glycyrrhizin and its metabolites.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the in vitro activity of Extractum liquiritiae (EL), glycyrrhizic acid (GL), glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) and a novel lipophilic derivative of glycyrrhetinic acid monoglucuronide (GAMG), acetylated GAMG (aGAMG), against 29 Helicobacter pylori strains.


METHODS
The MIC of each compound was determined by the agar dilution method, and the killing kinetics were monitored in brain heart infusion broth ( approximately 10(6)-10(7) cfu/mL) at 0, 4, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h.


RESULTS
GA was the most potent compound (MIC(50 /90), 50/100 mg/L), inhibiting 79.3% of the strains at MIC < or =50 mg/L. Clarithromycin-resistant strains were susceptible at 12.5 and 25 mg/L, and metronidazole-resistant strains at 25-50 and at 200 mg/L. The MIC distribution (mg/L) of aGAMG was < or =6.25 (29.2%), 50 (4.2%), 100-200 (12.5%) and > or =400 (54.1%). EL and GL were less active (MICs >400 mg/L). GA exhibited rapid, concentration and strain-dependent bactericidal activity.


CONCLUSIONS
The potent in vitro activity of GA against H. pylori provides a further explanation for its beneficial effect on peptic ulcers. Its effectiveness against clarithromycin-resistant strains provides hope that it can form the basis for an alternative therapeutic agent against H. pylori.
Krausse
Rea
R
Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Brunswiker Str. 4, 24105 Kiel, Germany. r.krausse@medmicrobio.uni-kiel.de
Bielenberg
Jens
J
Blaschek
Wolfgang
W
Ullmann
Uwe
U
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006035:Glycyrrhiza / Q000737:chemistry*; D019695:Glycyrrhizic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000187:drug effects*; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D013997:Time Factors
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D019695:Glycyrrhizic Acid