Triterpenes licorice root

The basic compound is a triterpene glycoside. It is extracted from the licorice root, of which the principal sources are China, Russia, Spain, Italy, France, Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. The roots, containing 10% moisture, are dned and shredded, after which they are extracted with aqueous ammonia, concentrated in vacuum evaporators, precipitated with sulfuric acid, and crystallized with 95% ethyl alcohol. 

Licorice root For the triterpene glycyrrhizin (extracted from the licorice root Glycyr-rhiza radix) the mode of anti-HIV action may be attributed at least in part to interference with virus-cell binding. 

Most saponins have a bitter taste, but some sweet saponins are known as well. Glycyrrhizic acid from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), a P-amyrine type triterpene linked to two molecules of glucuronic acid (Fig. 33), is 50 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). Licorice extracts are used to prepare candies (licorice) and as a sweetener. They are also used as mild expectorant and as anti-inflammatory agent. The anti-inflammatory effect is caused by inhibition of an enzyme that inactivates cortisol. On the other hand, this may also lead to side effects such as sodium retention, excretion of potassium, water retention and increased blood pressure. 

Kitagawa, L, J.-L. Zhou, M. Sakagami, E. Uchida, and M. Yoshikawa Licorice-saponins F3, G2, H2, J2, and K2, Five New Oleanene-Triterpene Oligoglycosides from the Root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Chem. Pharm. Bull. (Japan), 39, 244 (1991). 

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