Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra L.

Abstract

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. commonly known as licorice belonging to the family Leguminosae is an ayurvedic medicinal plant having substantial pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Analysed ethnopharmacological studies show phytochemical and biological activities of the plant extract and serve as a resource for studying anti- endometriosis. According to WHO, 176 million women in the world are affected with endometriosis condition and up to 30-50% of women may experience infertility. Our study aims to evaluate in vitro activity of ethanolic extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra in different cell lines, DPPH assay and HPLC studies in order to propose it to be an effective remedy in endometriosis treatment. In vitro cytotoxic assessment of the extract was determined in estrogenic (MCF 7), non-estrogenic (MDAMB 231) and endometrial cancer cell lines (Ishikawa) along with its safety assessment in normal cell lines (L929). The extract of G. glabra exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity with 77.09% inhibition in 100 μg concentration. Cytotoxic activity of extract in MCF 7, MDAMB 231, endometrial cancer cells- Ishikawa and significant cell viability in normal L929 cell line shows promising effect of the extract and suggests it as a possible therapeutic adjuvant for treating endometriosis.