Pharmacopeia analysis of glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice) and used in phytotherapy

Glycyrrhiza genus belonging to Fabaceae family is spread over the world with 12 species. Among these, Glycyrrhiza glabra L. is growing completely natural in Russia , China and Our country. In this study, some scientific studies about botanical characteristics, chemical structure and biological activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots have been reviewed from literature. In addition, some samples purchased from bazaars which are located seven provinces at Southeastern part of Anatolia were investigated in terms of European Pharmacopoeia (6.0)'s criteria. Samples were analyzed including microscopic, macroscopic properties, drying losses, all ash content, hydrochloric acid insoluble ash content, thin layer chromatography and high pressure liquid chromatography tests.Based on our experimental study, it was concluded that all samples purchased from some herbal shops in Southeastern Anatolia were belong to roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra by macroscobic and microscopic tests. It was observed that in the all samples, bark of roots did not peeled. Besides this, the roots are abundant in soil and soil remains. G8 (Mardin) sample is not suitable to the European pharmacopoeia in terms of drying loss test. Quantification of total ash and ash insoluble in hydrochloric acid were not found no suitable for European Pharmacopoeia in all samples. Quantification performed by HPLC showed that glycyrrhizic acid amount was found less than 4 % in all samples except G6 sample. Due to low glycyrrhizic acid amount, none of the samples was not suitable for European Pharmacopoeia Key Words: licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra, pharmacopeia analysis