Preliminary phytochemical screening and in vitro free radical scavenging activity of root extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra L

Abstract

Objective: Obesity is an international health problem caused by various environmental and genetic factors. Herbal supplements have proved to be active against obesity. Glycyrrhiza glabra belongs to the family of Fabaceae. G. glabra was used traditionally to treat various diseases. Hence, the current study was planned to investigate the phytochemicals and antioxidants present in G. glabra. Methods: The preliminary qualitative, quantitative phytochemicals, and antioxidants were investigated from the root extracts of G. glabra. Results: The preliminary qualitative analysis of various extracts of G. glabra showed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and quinones. Quantitative analysis of G. glabra showed elevated amounts of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins in ethanolic extracts. Aqueous, ethanol, hydro-alcoholic extracts of G. glabra showed 211±2.64, 281.66±1.57, 263±14.2 mg of phenols, 152.66±3.05, 187.33±1.52, 183.33±3.05 mg of flavonoids, 21.33±0.57, 41±3.46, 34.3±1.15 mg of Tannins, and 42.33±2.05, 63.33±1.52, 36.33±1.57 mg of terpenoids. The antioxidant properties of the ethanolic extract of G. glabra were evaluated with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide radical (NO), superoxide radical (SO), hydrogen peroxide radical (H2O2), and hydroxyl radical (HO) scavenging activity. The inhibitory concentration 50% value of G. glabra is 120 µg/ml for DPPH, 208 µg/ml for (NO), 196 µg/ml for (SO), 148 µg/ml for (H2O2), and 252 µg/ml for (OH). In vitro method suggests that G. glabra is more powerful against nitric oxide and hydroxyl radicals. Conclusion: This preliminary study shows that G. glabra is a promising herb with many phytochemicals and antioxidants and it can be further investigated for its anti-obesity potential.