Work

Glabridin pharmacodynamic activity toward Gram-positive bacterial infections

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Glabridin , a bioactive compound derived from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra , was evaluated in this study for its in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and its in vivo efficacy in treating Staphylococcus aureus ( S.aureus ) and methicillin-resistant S.aureus (MRSA) infections using a mouse skin wound model. The antibacterial mechanisms of glabridin against S.aureus were investigated through advanced techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fluorescence staining , and transcriptomic analysis . The results demonstrated that glabridin exhibits potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 4 to 16 μg/mL. In vivo experiments further confirmed the therapeutic potential of glabridin in a mouse skin infection model, where it promoted wound healing and accelerated skin regeneration at the infection site. Mechanistic studies revealed that glabridin disrupts bacterial cell membrane integrity, leading to increased permeability and subsequent leakage of intracellular components such as nucleic acids , proteins, and other macromolecules , ultimately resulting in cell death. In conclusion, glabridin shows significant promise as a therapeutic agent for preventing and treating infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. Its dual efficacy, demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo , highlights its potential for development as a novel antimicrobial agent.

Source: Food Bioscience

DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2025.106661