Efficient method for determining the glycyrrhizin content of fresh and dried roots, and root extracts, of Glycyrrhiza species

A reliable and efficient method suitable for the selective analysis of the glycyrrhizin content of fresh and dried roots of Glycyrrhiza species and of root extracts is described. The method was optimised for recovery and anal ysis of glycyrrhizin after conversion to its aglycone, 18 beta -glycyrrheti nic acid. The reversed-phase HPLC system was developed using a sterically p rotected C-8 column that allowed UV detection of the aglycone at 254 mm wit hout interference from co-occurring components. The average recovery throug h the method was determined at 83%, with a range of 65-99%. Analysis of 150 dried root samples gave levels of glycyrrhizin consistent with earlier rep orted values. A comparison of post-harvest treatment conditions showed that the drying of root samples at up to 65 degreesC did not result in any meas urable reduction in glycyrrhizin. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd .