Solubilization characteristics of licorice based on supramolecular “imprinted template” theory

To investigate the effect of the ingredient group of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with different "imprinted template" on the supramolecular solubilization ability of licorice, in order to lay a theoretical foundation for explaining the solubilization phenomenon of the components of TCM. Based on the independent supramolecular "imprinted template" rules, molecular connectivity index (MCI) and the correlation of n-octanol-water partition coefficient (logP) were used to indicate hydrophilic lipophilic capacity of TCM, and the extractum rate was used to indicate the solubilization effect of licoriceon single TCM herbs or compounds. The solubilization ability of licorice was evaluated based on MCI, logP and the extractum rate. According to the results, the correlation coefficient between MCI and logP for single herbs was 0.942, and that for single herb adding licorice was 0.916. The extractum rate of most herbs was increased after adding licorice. The correlation coefficient among the extractum rate as well as MCI and logP change values before and after adding licorice were respectively 0.837, 0.405. The correlation coefficient between MCI and logP for eight compounds was 0.937. Meanwhile, licorice had a solubilization effect on the remaining 7 compound except for Huangqi decoction. Therefore, licorice shows the solubilization effect through the independent supramolecular "imprinted template", so as to improve the hydrophilic lipophilic ability. There was a high positive correlation between the MCI and logP in ingredients for TCM, which could be used as important parameters to indicate the "imprinted template" feature for components of TCM. The study on the solubilizing effect of TCM with the supramolecular "imprinted template" theory was feasible, and will lay a foundation for the reform of single-herb dosage form.