The Effect of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra L.) Extract on Glutathione and Malondialdehyde Concentrations in Mice Liver

Introduction Licorice, or Glycyrrhiza glabra L., is a member of the Fabaceae family and one of the most valuable plants in the world for commerce. Glycyrrhiza species contain around 400 different chemicals, such as flavonoids, phenols, triterpenes, anthraquinones, saponins, and essential oils. Glycyrrhizin is the primary triterpenoid saponin from a medicinal perspective, exhibiting notable antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunoregulatory properties [1]. Aim The aim of the following study was to evaluate the possible antioxidant effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract on glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the livers of BALB/c laboratory mice after aluminium exposure. Methods The study was performed on 6-week-old BALB/c mice (n=40). Mice were divided into four groups. AlCl3 solution was used to induce oxidative stress. Concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver of mice were determined spectrophotometrically after 21 days of administration of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract. Results The results showed that aluminium statistically significant reduced liver GSH concentrations by 11.95% and increased MDA concentration by 17% compared to the control group of mice (p<0,05). Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract after AlCl3 exposure decreased GSH concentration by 10.18% (p>0,05) and statistically significant decreased MDA concentration by 25.18% compared to the control group of mice (p<0,05). Results demonstrated that compared to the aliuminium-treated group, Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract after AlCl3 exposure increased GSH concentration by 2.01% (p>0,05) and statistically significant decreased MDA concentration by 36.05% (p<0,05). Conclusions Administration of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract resulted in a statistically significant decrease in MDA concentrations but did not show any statistically significant increase in GSH concentrations in the liver of mice after aluminium exposure. These findings suggest that Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract may act as an antioxidant in vivo.