Liquiritigenin isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis stimulates osteoblast function in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Liquiritigenin is one of the flavonoids present in Glycyrrhizae radix. In the present study, the effects of liquiritigenin on the function of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were studied. Liquiritigenin caused a significant elevation of cell growth, alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, mineralization, and glutathione content in the cells (P < 0.05). Moreover, liquiritigenin significantly decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and osteoclast differentiation inducing factors such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in the presence of antimycin A, which inhibits mitochondrial electron transport and has been used as a ROS generator. These results demonstrate that liquiritigenin may have positive effects on skeletal structure.

► Liquiritigenin caused a significant elevation of osteoblast functions. ► Liquiritigenin increased glutathione content in osteoblasts. ► Liquiritigenin decreased the production of reactive oxygen species. ► Liquiritigenin decreased the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and RANKL.