Evaluation of the cytotoxic and antioxidant effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extracts on the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line and analysis of their chemical composition

Glycyrrhiza glabra, widely recognized as licorice root, is a perennial herb belonging to the Fabaceae family, well-known for its multifaceted applications in both traditional and modern medicine. This plant has been revered for centuries across various cultures for its extensive therapeutic properties, particularly in treating gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory issues, and inflammatory conditions. The root of Glycyrrhiza glabra is especially esteemed for its bioactive components, which include glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, coumarins, phenolic compounds, and saponins. These bioactive compounds exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and anticarcinogenic effects, thus demonstrating significant therapeutic potential against numerous diseases. Neuroblastoma is recognized as the most common extracranial solid tumor in pediatric patients, arising from the primitive neuroendocrine cells of the sympathetic nervous system. This aggressive tumor predominantly affects infants and young children, presenting formidable challenges in clinical management due to its propensity for metastasis and the development of treatment resistance. The clinical behavior of neuroblastoma is characterized by a wide spectrum of outcomes, ranging from spontaneous regression to aggressive progression, often necessitating intensive multimodal treatment strategies. Current treatment modalities for neuroblastoma include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. However, these approaches frequently yield limited efficacy and are associated with significant adverse effects. The heterogeneity of neuroblastoma makes it particularly challenging to treat, as tumors can exhibit variations in genetic profiles and therapeutic responses. Consequently, there is an urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies that can enhance the efficacy of existing treatments while minimizing toxicity. Recent studies investigating the anticancer properties of Glycyrrhiza glabra have illuminated its potential to combat various malignancies, including neuroblastoma. The bioactive constituents of this plant have been shown to exert cytotoxic effects through multiple mechanisms, such as the induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, regulation of the cell cycle, and reduction of oxidative stress. Glycyrrhizin, a prominent component of licorice root, has garnered particular attention for its ability to modulate apoptosis pathways in cancer cells. Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice root and belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a perennial plant that has held a prominent place in both traditional medicine and modern scientific research. Particularly the root of the plant is notable for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Bioactive compounds found in Glycrrhiza glabra, including glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, coumarins, phenolic compounds, and saponins, exhibit a wide range of biological activities and are considered potential therapeutic agents due to their effects on various cellular mechanisms. Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children and originates from primitive cells of the sympathetic nervous system. The SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line is a widely used in vitro model in studies investigating this aggressive tumor. Due to its high metastatic potential and resistance to existing treatment modalities, neuroblastoma remains a challenging cancer type to treat. Consequently, the investigation of plant-derived bioactive compounds as complementary therapeutic strategies is of considerable importance. Although there are numerous studies exploring the cytotoxic effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra on cancer cells, comparative analyses of the chemical profiles and biological activities of extracts obtained using different solvents are still limited. Since solvent polarity directly influences the yield and composition of extracted bioactive compounds, this remains a significant gap in the literature. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and antioxidant effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra extracts prepared using hexane, dichloromethane, methanol, and 1:1 methanol–water solvents on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The chemical profiles of the extracts were thoroughly analysed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography–High Resolution Mass Spectrometry and the major constituents were identified. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were assessed using four different biochemical assays: ABTS cation radical scavenging activity, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, CUPRAC reducing power, and metal iron chelating capacity. The results from each method were compared with standard antioxidants to evaluate the efficacy of the extracts. The data obtained in this study are expected to provide valuable insights into the potential use of plant-based compounds in the treatment of aggressive tumors such as neuroblastoma; in this regard, the cytotoxic effects of the extracts were quantitatively evaluated via the MTT assay performed on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.