Development and stability evaluation of vaginal suppository containing glycyrrhiza glabra L. For the treatment of Candida albicans infection

Abstract

Objective: The present study assessed the antioxidant activity, phytochemical content, and anti-Candida albicans property of ethanolic extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice). In addition, suppository formula (SF) was developed with licorice extract (LE), and the stability of SF was evaluated. Methods: The total phenolic and flavonoid content was measured by colorimetric methods. 2, 2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), and superoxide (SO) radical scavenging assays were performed to evaluate antioxidant property. Antimicrobial activity was determined by plating method. The active principle was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography method. Results: The licorice sample was extracted with 95% ethanol, and 26.91±1.35% of yield was observed. The LE contains phenolic acids (167.70±3.18 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract), flavonoids (162.53±9.95 mg quercetin equivalent/g extract), and glabridin (3.90±0.05 mg/g extract). LE exhibited the scavenging activity in terms of 810.53±25.37 µM of Trolox equivalent/mg of extract, 165.04±5.10 µM of FeSO4 equivalent/mg of extract, and 3750.35±1.25, 68.25±0.07, and 511±0.80 µM of Trolox equivalent/mg of extract in ABTS, FRAP, LPO, NO, and SO assays, respectively. About ≥62.50, ≥125, and ≥250 µg/mL of LE was recorded as minimal inhibitory concentration against C. albicans, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus acidophilus, respectively. The SF was formulated and the stability was evaluated. The activity and color of SFs did not differ on storage. Moreover, no spot formation was observed. Conclusion: The SF with LE could be the safe therapeutic strategy for the treatment of candida infection in vaginal region.