Physical activity participation and obesity-related risk behaviors among male Saudi adolescents: a social cognitive theory perspective.

The licorice (liquorice) plant boasts a long history of utilization in both Eastern and Western cultures. The genus name Glycyrrhiza is derived from the ancient Greek phrase meaning 'sweet root'. Glycyrrhizin, present in licorice root, is an essential element that has been utilized for ages in traditional medicine and is recognized for its significant levels of Glycyrrhizin, which contribute to its diverse effects (). Glycyrrhizin is made up of a single glycyrrhetinic acid molecule attached to two glucuronic acid molecules. From a structural perspective, Glycyrrhizin, a form of triterpene saponin, is frequently incorporated into food and cosmetic items as a flavoring agent. It has also been proposed for possible medical applications because of its various health benefits. Glycyrrhizin exhibits pharmacological and biological effects that include antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties (). Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), marked by the loss of myelin on nerve fibers, the deterioration of neural structures, and the loss of axons (). The primary characteristics of MS include motor impairment, sensory issues, and cognitive challenges. Cognitive impairment represents a critical aspect of MS, impacting around 43–70% of those affected (). The cognitive areas most significantly impacted by MS are processing speed and working memory. While the precise pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to cognitive deficits in MS are not fully understood, but white matter lesions, grey matter atrophy, and changes in connectivity among grey matter areas like the hippocampus and cerebral cortex (). Cuprizone (CPZ) serves as a copper chelator that is frequently employed to reliably induce demyelination in rodent models. Exposure to CPZ disrupts the energy metabolism within oligodendrocytes, consequently leading to their programmed cell death and instigating neuroinflammatory processes in the cerebral environment by activating microglia and astrocytes (). Moreover, an abundance of behavioral changes can be noted in mice administered with CPZ, which include alterations in motor skills, signs of pain-like symptoms, along with deficits in mental and cognitive functions ().