Triterpenoids: licorice root

Plant materials often contain triterpenoid saponin in considerable amounts. With regard to plants with antiulcer activity, licorice root contains about 2 to 12% of glycyrrhizic acid and the seeds of the horse chestnut up to 13% of aescin. Several plants containing high amounts have been shown to possess antiulcer activity in several experimental ulcer models (Table 64.2). 

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Licorice Roots Antiviral effects Triterpenoid saponin (glycyrrhizin)... 

Two isoflavanoids and one triterpenoid (formononetin, isoliquiritigenin, 18-) -glycynfaetinic acid) were used as compliance marker compounds for a patient on an anticancer drug extracted from licorice roots [367]. A C j column (particle beam MS) and a rapid I-min gradient from 40/55/5 to 95/0/5 methanol/water/fOTmic acid (hold 10 min) generated the separation. 

Licorice, the root and rhizome of different varieties of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Leguminosae), has been extensively used in medicine for its antiulcer activity. The principal constituent of licorice is glycyr-rhizinic acid, a triterpenoid saponin. This chemical class is known to offer protection against ulcers. 

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