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Yam gel and licorice compound repair worn-out spinal discs in goats

PubMed · 2026-04-28

Scientists built an artificial spinal disc using a yam-derived gel and a licorice plant compound that calms inflammation and aging in cells, and it successfully repaired degenerated discs in goats, a close model for human backs.

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The isoliquiritigenin-loaded nanoparticle treatment cut inflammatory markers (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta) and degradation enzymes (MMP9, MMP13) while lowering senescence markers P16 and P21 in disc cells

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Treatment boosted matrix-building proteins ACAN and COL-II and reduced the number of aging (SA-beta-gal-positive) cells and apoptosis

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In goats, a large-animal model with high mechanical stress on the spine, the yam-hydrogel disc preserved disc height and suppressed matrix-degrading enzymes over time

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