Lack of Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice) Root Extract and Powdered Root on the Skeletal System of Rats with Estrogen Deficiency

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice) root is one of the oldest medicines of natural origin. Licorice has various pharmacological effects, among others: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and phytoestrogenic. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the use of an ethanolic extract of licorice root and the powdered licorice root on the skeletal system in rats with estrogen deficiency induced by bilateral ovariectomy. The experiments were carried out on mature rats divided into seven groups: sham-operated control rats, ovariectomized control rats, and OVX rats treated with: estradiol, Glycyrrhiza glabra L. root extract at doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg p.o. and powdered licorice root at a dose of 90 mg/kg p.o. The tested substances were administered orally for 4 weeks once daily. Bone composition, mineralization, histomorphometric parameters, and mechanical properties were examined. Estrogen deficiency induced osteoporotic changes, including worsening of bone mechanical properties in OVX rats. Administration of licorice extracts or licorice powdered root did not counteract the skeletal changes induced by estrogen deficiency in rats.