Integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics reveals the mechanism of Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma extract inhibiting CCL5 in the treatment of acute pharyngitis.

Background: Acute pharyngitis (AP) is a common condition marked by inflammation of the oropharynx, which can lead to severe throat swelling, breathing difficulties, and even suffocation, significantly impacting quality of life. Despite the beneficial anti-inflammatory activity of Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma (GRER) and Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), their pharmacological mechanisms against AP remain unclear.

Purpose: This study explores the mechanisms by which GRER treats AP, utilizing both transcriptomics and metabolomics approaches.

Methods: We identified the chemical components of GRER and those that enter the bloodstream using UPLC-MS/MS. Based on15 % ammonia-induced AP model, this study integrates transcriptomics and metabolomics to investigate the mechanism of GRER and ISL in the AP treatment.

Results: The results indicated that GRER has significantly protective and anti-inflammatory effects against AP. Our analysis identified 144 components of GRER in vitro and 17 components in vivo. Network pharmacology and quantitative analysis highlighted ISL as a key active ingredient responsible for GRER's anti-AP effects. Transcriptomics and metabolomics results indicate that GRER and its active ingredient ISL exert therapeutic effects on AP by inhibiting the expression of CCL5 in pharyngeal tissue, thereby downregulating the levels of pro-inflammatory metabolites malic acid and fumaric acid in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle pathway.

Conclusion: The data in this article demonstrated that GRER and ISL has significantly anti-inflammatory effects and protective effects for AP by regulating CCL5 expression to reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory metabolites within TCA cycle pathway. It provides a scientific basis for prevention and treatment of AP.