The effect of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) extract on glutathione in mice liver and brain

Background. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. is a member of the Fabaceae family and one of the most valuable plants in the world. It contains various phytocomponents such as glycyrrhizin, 18â-glycyrrhizinic acid, glabrin A and B, and isoflavones, which have a wide range of pharmacological activities. Glycyrrhizin is a major triterpene saponin with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties [1]. Aim. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the possible antioxidant effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. root extract on glutathione (GSH) concentrations in livers and brains of BALB/c laboratory mice after aluminium exposure. Methods. The study was performed on six-week-old BALB/c mice (n = 32). Mice were divided into four groups. AlCl3 solution was used to induce oxidative stress. Concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver and brain of mice were determined spectrophotometrically after 21 days of administration of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract. Results. The results showed that aluminium statistically significantly reduced GSH concentration in the liver by 11.95% (p < 0.05) and by 10.48% in brain of mice (p > 0.05) compared to control group. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. root extract, after AlCl3 exposure, decreased GSH concentration by 10.18% in liver (p > 0.05) and statistically significantly increased GSH concentration by 55.24% in brain of mice (p < 0.05) compared to control group. Results demonstrated that Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract after AlCl3 exposure increased GSH concentration in liver of mice by 2.01% (p > 0.05) and statistically significantly increased the concentration by 73.40% in brain (p < 0.05) compared to the aluminium-treated group. Conclusion. Administration of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract resulted in a statistically significant increase in GSH concentration in the brain of mice but did not show any statistically significant increase in the liver after aluminium exposure. Therefore, the extract has limited antioxidant effect. However, the ability of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract to increase GSH concentration in the brain of mice suggest that it may has neuroprotective action.