Studies on Trace Elements Distributed in Glycyrrhiza Taxa in Hatay-Turkey

Abstract

Glycyrrhiza is a widely distributed plant used as herbal medicine in Turkey and other parts of the world. The roots and stolons have been used in the traditional herbal treatments for over 4000 years. In this investigation we have tried to determine some trace elements (chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel and zinc) in the plant parts (root, stem and leaves) of Glycyrrhiza glabra var. glandulifera, G. flavescens ssp. flavescens and G. echinata as well as the soil samples supporting these taxa in Hatay region of Turkey. The results of analysis have revealed that the minimum and maximum concentrations measured in the plant parts are chromium (0.0000-0.0590 ppm), copper (0.0465-0.4495 ppm), iron (0.4200-9.2650 ppm), manganese (0.0000-0.6910 ppm), nickel (0.0050-0.8400 ppm), and zinc (0.0000-0.7200 ppm). In the soil the concentrations of chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickle and zinc vary between 0.0000-0.0393, 0.0725-1.9745, 1.1500-13.5400, 0.6700-24.2250, 0.0350-57.1700 and 0.0000-0.9400 ppm respectively. The aim of this study was to draw attention to the use of Glycyrrhiza taxa in traditional medicine. The levels of accumulation of trace elements in different parts of Glycyrrhiza taxa are different and depend on the habitat. The results obtained indicate that the values in the natural liquorice populations in general are less than toxic levels.