Licorice extract, constituents

Protective effect of broccoli, onion, carrot, and licorice extracts against cytotoxity of N-nitrosamines evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. J AgrEoodChem 1998 46(2) 585-589. DCl 17 DC 105 Kiuchi, F. Studies on the nematocidal constituents of natural medicines. Nat Med 1995 49(4) 364-372. 

Hatano, T, T. Fukuda, Y.-Z. Liu, T. Noro, and T. Okuda Phenolic Constituents of Licorice. 4. Correlation of Phenolic Constituents and Licorice Specimens from Various Sources, and Inhibitory Effects of Licorice Extracts on Xanthine Oxidase and Monoamine Oxidase. Yakugaku Zasshi, 111, 311 (1991). 

Extracts of licorice root have also been used as a flavoring agent. Hlraga et al. (4 ) among others have developed an HPLC separation for the constituents in licorice. Because the numerous components in licorice vary considerably 1n polarity, a reverse phase C-18 column with a water/acetonitrlle gradient was employed. Nineteen components were identified. However, a three hour extraction coupled to the 60 m1n. analysis time probably makes this procedure too lengthy for routine use. 

These are constituents that form foams when agitated in water-based solutions. They are thought to have antiinflammatory, hemolytic, and expectorant effects. Saponins are found in extracts of yucca, sarsaparilla, alfalfa, fenugreek, licorice, and ginseng. 

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