Licorice Root Extract

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Licorice root (Glycyrriza glabra) has a long history of use in Chinese medicine and is known as the "great harmonizer." It is frequently added to mixed botanical preparations to balance other herbs and to promote digestion and vitality. Licorice root extract may be helpful for treating symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Studies have shown that the extract has estrogenic activity and may help to regulate the estrogen-progesterone ratio.1,2 Licorice root extract has also been studied for its anti-cancer activity3 , anti-viral activity 4,5 and its ability to promote the healing of gastric ulcers.6 Recent clinical data suggests that many of the phenolic compounds isolated from licorice root may also help to protect low density lipoprotein (LDL) and red blood cells from oxidative damage.7,8,9,10 Licorice root extract has been used in Japan for more than twenty years as a treatment for chronic hepatitis. Results from randomized clinical trials using licorice root have shown a significant reduction of serum amino-transferase and a significant improvement in liver histology.11,12 Licorice root is fifty times as sweet as sugar and is used in many types of products as a flavoring agent. Licorice candy contains little or no licorice extract and instead derives its flavor from anise.13 Sources and Recommended Intake No Recommended Dietary allowance (RDA) has been established for Licorice root. Licorice root is not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.6 Abstracts Vaya J, Belinky PA, Aviram M. Antioxidant constituents from licorice roots: isolation, structure elucidation and antioxidative capacity toward LDL oxidation. Free Radic Biol Med 1997; 23(2): 302-13.The present study analyzed the antioxidative properties of natural compounds from the root of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) toward LDL oxidation. Seven constituents, with antioxidant capacity were isolated from Glycyrrhiza glabra. The isolated compounds were identified as the isoflavans Hispaglabridin A (1), Hispaglabridin B (4), Glabridin (3), and 4'-O-Methylglabridin (2), the two chalcones, isoprenylchalcone derivative (5) and Isoliquiritigenin (6), and the isoflavone, Formononetin (7). Among these compounds, Glabridin constituted the major amount in the crude extract (11.6%, w/w) as detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The antioxidative capacities of the isolated compounds (1-7) were tested against beta-carotene destruction and LDL oxidation. The isoflavans (1-4) at a concentration of 50 microM inhibited beta-carotene consumption, following 90 min of incubation at 50 degrees C, similar to the inhibitory effect of the whole licorice crude extract (at 16 mg/1). The chalcones (5 and 6) exhibited moderate inhibition and the isoflavone 7 was almost inactive, whereas vitamin E (50 microM) completely inhibited beta-carotene consumption. The inhibitory effect of the constituents 1-7, at a concentration of 30 microM on 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced LDL oxidation was determined by measuring the amount of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and the amount of lipid peroxides. While compounds 1-6 exhibited high inhibitory activity, compound 7 and vitamin E were not active. A dose-dependent inhibitory effect of Glabridin, on the formation of cholesteryl linoleate hydroperoxide (CLOOH), in an AAPH-induced LDL oxidation system was also shown. Glabridin, at 5 or 40-60 microM concentration, inhibited the CLOOH formation by 62% and 90%, respectively. These results suggest that constituents 1-6 are very potent antioxidants toward LDL oxidation with Glabridin being the most abundant and potent antioxidant. As LDL oxidation is a key event in the formation of the early atherosclerotic lesion, the use of these natural antioxidants may be proven beneficial to attenuate atherosclerosis.

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Changsha Organic Herb Inc.

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