Experimental study on investigation of urinary and laxative effects of radix liquiritaes in rats

Licorice root (Radix Liquiritae) is popularly used as a diuretic, liver protector and laxative. In this study, it was aimed to investigate whether licorice syrup prepared by traditional methods actually had diuretic and laxative effects on rats with experimental methods. For this purpose, wistar albino rats of both sexes were kept in metabolic cages as 2 groups, 10 rats in each group, and as one animal for a 7-day protocol. 1. Only tap water was given to the group (control group); The second group (Licorice group) was given licorice sherbet. The fluid intake and urine output of each rat were followed daily. At the end of this protocol, the animals were sacrificed under anesthesia for isolated bladder and ileum tissue studies. Blood and liver tissue samples were taken. Protein, pH, glucose and specific gravity were measured in the urine taken every day. Contractile activities of isolated bladder and ileum tissues in Krebs solution were transferred to the computer by means of a data acquisition system with isometric transducers. Licorice sorbet did not cause a diuretic effect. Urine glucose, protein, pH and specific gravity were not significantly affected creatinine was within normal limits, licorice syrup caused pathological changes in the liver and increased ALT and AST. Licorice sherbet significantly increased isolated bladder neurogenic contractions. Licorice syrup did not have a significant effect on the spontaneous contractile activity of isolated ileum tissues. In conclusion, in this study, licorice sorbet did not cause any uretic effect in rats and did not affect kidney functions. However, it caused significant pathological changes in liver tissue. It increased ALT and AST. For the laxative effect of licorice syrup, further studies are needed to increase the pronounced neurogenic contractions in isolated colon tissues and bladder.