Anti-fibrotic activity of licorice extract in comparison with colchicine on areca nut-induced fibroblasts: An in vitro study

OBJECTIVE: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a debilitating chronic disease of the oral cavity with a high potential for malignant transformation. The main etiological agent attributed to the development of OSMF is the use of smokeless tobacco products like areca nut. There is no known cure for the disease. Current modalities of treatment do not provide a complete cure and often prove invasive for the patient. Herbal preparations using natural compounds and medicinal plant extracts have long since been used in India, as an acceptable, noninvasive and cost-effective method in the treatment of various diseases. Hence, the present study aims to assess the anti-fibrotic effect of licorice in comparison with colchicine on areca nut-induced fibroblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracts of areca nut, licorice and colchicine were prepared in accordance with established protocols. Human fibroblast cell lines were procured from ATCC(®)(PSC-201-018). Fibroblast cultures were established, and upon reaching confluence the cells were subjected to the 25 μg/ml areca nut extract for 24 h to induce fibrosis, with CCl(4) used as control fibrosing agent. The areca nut and CCl(4) induced cells were then subjected to varying concentration of the test antifibrotic agent, licorice extract for the periods of 24 and 48 h, with colchicine used as positive control. Total collagen quantification was done using spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Collagen accumulation decreased with increase in the concentration of licorice extract with maximum reduction seen at 200 μg/ml. Kruskal–Wallis test was done to analyze the difference in collagen accumulation. Analysis revealed that the P < 0.05 for both periods in both the areca and CCl(4) induced cell lines following the addition of licorice extract. The data were found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The current study proves the antifibrotic efficacy of licorice in areca nut induced cell lines and hence, this agent can be used for the therapeutic management of OSMF.