How Different Processing Methods Affect Licorice's Active Ingredients

Greg Howard
12th July, 2024

How Different Processing Methods Affect Licorice's Active Ingredients

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine compared traditional and fresh processing methods of licorice
  • Fresh processing methods significantly improve the preservation of bioactive compounds in licorice
  • The study identified 38 differential compounds between the two methods, highlighting the chemical changes during processing
Licorice, derived from the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., is a cornerstone in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Its significance is highlighted by its inclusion in numerous formulations aimed at enhancing medicinal efficacy and reducing toxicity[2]. Despite its extensive use, traditional processing methods have posed challenges in quality assurance, prompting recent research to explore fresh processing methods to improve both efficiency and quality. A recent study by Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine[1] aimed to identify the differential compounds between traditional and fresh processing methods, providing a scientific basis for these newer techniques. The study employed a sophisticated methodology integrating ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry, combined with multivariate statistical analysis. This approach allowed for the precise characterization of differential compounds present in licorice between the two processing methods. The results were illuminating. Principal component analysis and heat map analyses revealed significant differences in the content of bioactive compounds between traditional and fresh processing methods. Specifically, 38 differential compounds were identified using conditions of VIP > 1.5 and p < 0.05. The study also illustrated the transformation mechanisms of select compounds, providing deeper insights into how processing methods impact the chemical composition of licorice. These findings align with previous studies that have highlighted the diverse pharmacological activities of licorice. For instance, licorice contains over 20 triterpenoids and 300 flavonoids, which are known for their antitumor, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory activities[3]. The enhanced preservation of these bioactive compounds through fresh processing methods could potentially amplify these beneficial effects, making licorice even more effective in medicinal applications. Moreover, the study's results are consistent with earlier research that has underscored the ethnopharmacological relevance of licorice. It has been used for centuries not only as a medicinal herb but also as a health food product and natural sweetener[2]. The improved quality and efficiency of fresh processing methods could make licorice more reliable for both medicinal and dietary uses, addressing some of the quality control issues identified in traditional methods. The research also offers a rapid and efficient analytical method for identifying differential compounds in licorice. This is particularly important for future studies aimed at exploring the therapeutic potential and safety of licorice. Previous reviews have pointed out that while licorice has numerous health benefits, there are also some toxicological concerns[4]. The ability to precisely identify and quantify bioactive compounds can help mitigate these risks by ensuring that only the most beneficial compounds are preserved and utilized. In conclusion, the adoption of fresh processing techniques for licorice not only improves processing efficiency but also significantly enhances the preservation of bioactive compounds. This advancement holds promise for both the medicinal and dietary applications of licorice, providing a more reliable and effective product. The study by Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine has thus established a crucial scientific basis for the fresh processing of licorice, paving the way for further research and development in this field.

MedicineBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Effects of different post-harvest processing methods on changes in the active ingredients of licorice based on LC-MS and plant metabolomics.

Published 11th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1002/pca.3419

Related Studies

2) An "essential herbal medicine"-licorice: A review of phytochemicals and its effects in combination preparations.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112439

3) The Pharmacological Activities of Licorice.

https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1557893

4) Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): A phytochemical and pharmacological review.

https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6178


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