ABSTRACTBackground: The present study is an attempt to evaluate and standardize three samples of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots from different geographical areas.
Material and methods: The preliminary physico-chemical, qualitative, quantitative phytochemical investigation of the roots of G. glabra from different locations was done as per the procedures specified in standard literature. The three samples were also subjected to chromatographic fingerprinting by HPTLC and HPLC using glycyrrhizin ammonical hydrate as standard. The dried roots were extracted successively with various solvents with increasing polarity and all the extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening for the identification of phytoconstituents.
Results: The presence of carbohydrates, proteins & amino acids, glycosides, saponins, phytosterols, fixed oils, gums & mucilage, flavonoids and resins was revealed by qualitative examination of the various extracts of G. glabra roots. The quantitative analyses further substantiated the findings that saponins are present in significant amounts and alkaloids are absent in the drug. The chromatographic fingerprinting data conformed to the bands and peaks in HPTLC and HPLC analyses respectively in comparison to the glycyrrhizin ammonical hydrate values.
Conclusion: The results in this study can be used for the genuine identification of the plant from its adulterants and subsequent screening for potent bioactivity.