The contribution of phenolic composition to the antioxidant potential of Gtycyrrhha glabra L. rhizomes and roots
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abstract
Oxidative stress significantly affects the wellbeing and life expectancy of worldwide
population. Pollution, smoking, certain drugs, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and stress-inducing
agents are among the most important aggressors that promote the production of
free radicals and other reactive species [l]. Moreover, cellular metabolism is also a higher
source of free radicals production. Natural plant matrices contain a wide variety of
phytochemicals with a multitude of potential health benefits, such as antioxidant activity
that might help to neutralize free radicals [2]. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice) is widely
used due to its culinary but also therapeutic effects, namely in respiratory and dermal
affections, as well as antiulcer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory or anti-allergic, among
others [3]. Several reports have also described its antioxidant potential, related with the
phenolic composition, but studies quantifying these phytochemicals are scarce [3].
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of hydromethanolic
extracts (80:20, v/v) of rhizomes and roots of G. glabra, relating that activity with the
phenolic composition, determined by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS. Licorice extract evidenced a
high capacity to inhibit lipid peroxidation, by using TBARS (EC50=0. 24±0.01 μg/mL) and
b-carotene/linoleate (EC50=22.74±2.42 μg/mL) assays. The activity as free radicais
scavenger (EC50=111. 54±6.04 μg/mL) and reducing power were also high
(EC50=128.63±0.21 μg/mL). The observed antioxidant potential seems to be related with
the presence of flavones (mainly apigenin derivatives), flavanones (mainly liquiritin
derivatives), an isoflavone and a chalcone. Among the phenolic compounds detected (total
amount 17 mg/g), liquiritin apioside isomers were the most abundant (12.28 mg/g).
The obtained results pointed to licorice could provide health benefits when included, at
recommended dosages, in daily diet. However, further and more detailed studies are
necessary aiming at the elucidation of the in vivo antioxidant activity and actual
mechanisms of action.
