Phytochemical analysis of Glycyrrhiza glabra mother tincture and evaluation of its efficacy in patients of acute upper respiratory tract infections

Background: Glycyrrhiza glabra, has been used widely used as an anti-inflammatory due to its protective action on mucus membrane. Phytochemical studies on various extracts of Glycyrrhiza with varying alcoholic strength have been performed to determine the active principles present. However, clinical trials with homoeopathic Mother tincture of Glycyrrhiza on Quality of Life of patients with Acute upper respiratory tract infections needs to be undertaken. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to perform a qualitative phytochemical analysis on Glycyrrhiza glabra Mother tincture and to evaluate the efficacy of its mother tincture on Quality of Life in patients with Acute upper respiratory tract infections. Materials and Methods: Glycyrrhiza glabra Mother tincture was procured from a GMP certified company and it was subjected to different qualitative phytochemical tests and HR-LCMS. Also, a single-arm observational study was conducted at Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal on 30 patients (male 16, female 14) suffering from different types of Acute upper respiratory tract infections (fulfilling the inclusion criteria) and treated by Glycyrrhiza glabra Q for six/seven days. The outcome measures were assessed by quality-of-life score using WURSS-11 (Wisconsin upper respiratory symptom survey). WURSS scores were measured at the baseline and after six/seven days to assess the improvement during the intervention. Results: The qualitative phytochemical analysis of Glycyrrhiza glabra Mother tincture revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, phenolic compounds, saponins, phytosterols, fixed oils & fats, steroids and flavonoids. Quality of Life score of the patients improved significantly after the treatment. Conclusion: Glycyrrhiza glabra Mother tincture contains alkaloids, tannins, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, phenolic compounds, saponins, phytosterols, fixed oils & fats, steroids and flavonoids. Glycyrrhiza glabra Mother tincture has a positive effect on Quality of Life of patients suffering from Acute upper respiratory tract infection.