Component Of Licorice Research Articles

Separation of Liquiritin by Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography

Two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2DLC) is an important technology for the separation and analysis of complex samples. Liquiritin, an important active component in licorice, was chosen as the target compound and it was separated by three kinds of off-line 2DLC, i.e. size exclusion chromatography × reversed phase chromatography, normal phase × reversed phase chromatography and reversed phase chromatography × reversed phase chromatography (SEC×RP, NP×RP and RP×RP). The chromatographic conditions were selected and the 2D systems were combined. The results show that it is feasible to separate Liquiritin from licorice extract using 2DLC. Among the 2D modes mentioned above, the highest purity of Liquiritin was obtained in the RP×RP mode, and the concentration of Liquiritin was increased most significantly in the NP×RP mode.

Analysis of the synergistic effect of glycyrrhizin and other constituents in licorice extract on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production using knock-out extract

The pharmacological evidence for synergism between natural compounds is not fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the synergistic function of one target compound in medicinal plant extract by using knock-out (KO) extract, which is one target compound-eliminated extract from whole crude extract. Licorice is the most important ingredient used in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the Japanese Kampo medicine, and one of the major active components of licorice is glycyrrhizin (GC). To identify the potential role of GC, we prepared GC-removed extract (GC–KO extract) from licorice extract (LE) using immunoaffinity column conjugated with anti-GC monoclonal antibody (MAb), which could eliminate 99.5% of GC from LE. LE inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264 murine macrophage cells. However, treatment of GC alone could not show the suppression of NO production and iNOS expression. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect of GC–KO extract was significantly attenuated compared with LE. Furthermore, the combined treatment with GC–KO extract and GC could improve the attenuated inhibition. Taken together, our results indicate that GC may exert synergistic suppression of iNOS expression when coexisting with the other constituents contained in LE, and KO extract is a useful approach for determination of real pharmacological functions of natural compound in the phytochemical mixture.

RETRACTED: Suppression of pro-inflammatory and proliferative pathways by diferuloylmethane (curcumin) and its analogues dibenzoylmethane, dibenzoylpropane, and dibenzylideneacetone: Role of Michael acceptors and Michael donors

Curcumin, a diferuloylmethane, has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities. Whereas curcumin has both a Michael acceptor and a Michael donor units, its analogues dibenzoylmethane (DBM, a component of licorice) and dibenzoylpropane (DBP) have a Michael donor but not a Michael acceptor unit, and the analogue dibenzylideneacetone (DBA) has a Michael acceptor unit. In the current report, we investigated the potency of DBM, DBP, and DBA in relation to curcumin for their ability to suppress TNF-induced NF-κB activation, NF-κB-regulated gene products, and cell proliferation. We found that all four agents were active in suppressing NF-κB activation; curcumin was most active and DBM was least active. When examined for its ability to inhibit the direct DNA binding activity of p65, a subunit of NF-κB, only DBP inhibited the binding. For inhibition of TNF-induced IKK activation, DBA was most active. For suppression of TNF-induced expression of NF-κB-regulated gene products such as COX-2 (inflammation marker), cyclin D1 (proliferation marker), and VEGF (angiogenesis marker), DBA and curcumin were more active than DBM. Similarly for suppression of proliferation of leukemia (KBM-5), T cell leukemia (Jurkat), prostate (DU145), and breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cells, curcumin and DBA were most active and DBP was least active. Overall, our results indicate that although curcumin and its analogues exhibit activities to suppress inflammatory pathways and cellular proliferation, a lack of Michael acceptor units in DBM and DBP can reduce their activities.

Excretion profile of glycyrrhizin metabolite in human urine

Glycyrrhizin is the main pharmacologically active component in licorice. Long term consumption of higher amounts of glycyrrhizin results in serious side effects (pseudoaldosteronism) caused by the glycyrrhizin metabolite 3β-monoglucuronyl-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (3-MGA). The aim of this study was to determine urine excretion profile of 3-MGA. Six healthy volunteers ingested 600mg of glycyrrhizin. In the first experimental period, glycyrrhizin was ingested in the morning and in the second experimental period, which followed after 2weeks, glycyrrhizin was ingested in the evening. Results showed that the amount of excreted 18-MGA in urine was 1425.9–3147.8μg, which corresponds to 0.31–0.67% of the ingested dose. Maximum elimination rates were 31.52–209.47μg/h. There were no significant differences in the amount of excreted 3-MGA as well as in elimination rates of 3-MGA when glycyrrhizin was ingested in the morning or evening, respectively. These results provide some important clinical data on glycyrrhizin metabolism.

Effect of licorice components on the maturation and activation of mouse dendritic cells

Effect of licorice components on the maturation and activation of mouse dendritic cells

Antimycobacterial and Synergistic Effects of 18β‐Glycyrrhetinic Acid or Glycyrrhetinic acid‐30‐piperazine in Combination with Isoniazid, Rifampicin or Streptomycin against Mycobacterium bovis

18ß-Glycyrrhetinic acid (18ßGA) is a major bioactive component of liquorice with known activity. In this study, we found that both 18ßGA and its derivative glycyrrhetinic acid-30-piperazine (PGA), have potent antimycobacterial properties against the drug-susceptible and drug-resistant Mycobacterium bovis. More importantly, they exhibited synergistic effects with the first-line drugs isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RIF) and streptomycin (SM) against clinical M. bovis isolates, including drug-resistant strains. In combination with a subinhibitory concentration of 18ßGA, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the anti-tuberculosis agents decreased, ranging from 4- to 16-, 4- to 8- and 4- to 8-fold for INH (fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) 0.125-0.375), RIF (FICI 0.118-0.281) and SM (FICI 0.094-0.275), respectively. In the presence of PGA, MICs for the first-line agents resulted in a 4-16-fold decrease for INH (FICI 0.094-0.266, RIF (FICI 0.114-0.313) and SM (FICI 0.094-0.281). Additionally, the MICs of 18ßGA or PGA alone showed significant decreases ranging from 8- to 16-, 8- to 64- and 8- to 128-fold in the presence of INH, RIF and SM, respectively. These findings indicate that 18ßGA and its derivatives might serve as potential therapeutic compounds for future antimycobacterial drug development.

Inhibition of pituitary tumor‐transforming gene‐1 in thyroid cancer cells by drugs that decrease specificity proteins

Methyl 2-cyano-3,11-dioxo-18β-olean-1,12-dien-30-oate (CDODA-Me) and the corresponding 2-trifluoromethyl analog (CF(3)DODA-Me) are derived synthetically from the triterpenoid glycyrrhetinic acid, a major component of licorice. CDODA-Me and CF(3)DODA-Me inhibited growth of highly invasive ARO, DRO, K-18, and HTh-74 thyroid cancer cells and this was due, in part, to decreased expression of specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 that are overexpressed in these cells. CDODA-Me and CF(3)DODA-Me also decreased expression of Sp-dependent genes, such as survivin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and induced apoptosis. In addition, pituitary tumor-transforming gene-1 (PTTG-1) protein and mRNA levels were also decreased in thyroid cancer cells treated with CDODA-Me or CF(3)DODA-Me and this was accompanied by decreased expression of PTTG-1-dependent c-Myc and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) genes. RNA interference studies against Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 proteins showed that in thyroid cancer cells, PTTG-1 was an Sp-dependent gene. This study demonstrates for the first time that drugs, such as CDODA-Me and CF(3)DODA-Me, that decrease Sp protein expression also downregulate PTTG-1 in thyroid cancer cells and therefore have potential for clinical treatment of thyroid cancer and other endocrine neoplasias where PTTG-1 is a major pro-oncogenic factor.

Licorice consumption as a cause of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: a case report

IntroductionA 49-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of thunderclap headache and blurred vision. At the time of presentation, her blood pressure was 219/100 mmHg, her arterial pH was 7.64 and her potassium level was 2.7 mM/l.MethodsThe combination of sequential computed tomography (CT) and the triad of hypertension, hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis in this patient suggested the diagnosis. Supplementary anamnesis and long-term follow-up confirmed it.ResultsBrain computed tomography imaging showed minor bleeding in the left Sylvian fissure and bilateral occipital edema, suggestive of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Repeated brain CT after 10 days showed a complete resolution of radiological signs. The patient informed us that she had quit smoking 2 weeks ago and had started consuming large amounts of licorice instead of smoking. After she abandoned licorice consumption, her blood pressure normalized. Her latest blood pressure reading was 106/60 mmHg without the use of any antihypertensive drugs.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing licorice consumption as a cause of PRES. Glycyrrhizic acid, a component of licorice, inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and subsequently causes mineralocorticoid excess. Mineralocorticoid excess in turn causes high blood pressure and ultimately gives rise to malignant hypertension. Physicians should remember that licorice use is a very easy-to-treat cause of hypertension, hypertensive encephalopathy and PRES.

Solid‐phase extraction of liquiritin and glycyrrhizin from licorice using porous alkyl‐pyridinium polymer sorbent

Liquiritin and glycyrrhizin are valuable components of licorice. An effective separation and determination procedure is needed to separate the liquiritin and glycyrrhizin from the licorice extract. A polymer-confined, ionic liquid sorbent was developed using a process involving polymerisation and modification. The obtained porous particles were used as a sorbent in a solid-phase extraction process to isolate liquiritin and glycyrrhizin from licorice with different washing and elution solvents. The porous alkyl-pyridinium polymer sorbent was compared with the C(18) sorbent. A simple and convenient method was established to the selectively separate and determinate of liquiritin and glycyrrhizin using a porous ionic liquid-based polymer coupled with HPLC. Additionally, this study evaluated the application of this sorbent for the detection of these two compounds in commercial medicines. This method was a viable tool that was compatible with the existing HPLC methods and was used to separate and analyse the content of liquiritin and glycyrrhizin in licorice.

Rapid identification and preparative isolation of antioxidant components in licorice

This study employed the online HPLC-2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate radical cation (ABTS(+*)) bioassay to rapidly determine antioxidant compounds occurring in the licorice extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The negative peaks of the ABTS(+*) radical scavenging detection system, which indicated the presence of antioxidant activity, were monitored by measuring the decrease in absorbance at 734 nm. The ABTS(+)-based antioxidant activity profile showed that three peaks exhibited antioxidant activity, and then the high-speed counter-current chromatography technique of preparative scale was successfully applied to separate the three peaks I-III in one step from the licorice extract. The high-speed counter-current chromatography was performed using a two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane-ethyl acetate-methanol-water (6.5:5.5:6:4, v/v). Yields of the three peaks, dehydroglyasperin C (I, 95.1% purity), dehydroglyasperin D (II, 96.2% purity), and isoangustone A (III, 99.5% purity), obtained were 10.33, 10.43, and 6.7% respectively. Chemical structures of the purified dehydroglyasperin C (I), dehydroglyasperin D (II), and isoangustone A (III) were identified by ESI-MS and (1)H- and (13)C-NMR analysis.

Glycyrrhizin Attenuates Mucus Production by Inhibition of MUC5AC mRNA Expression In Vivo and In Vitro

We have previously indicated that glycyrrhizin (GL), a major component of licorice, has glucocorticoid-like anti-inflammatory effects in cultured airway epithelial cells and suggested its usefulness in the treatment of inflammatory respiratory diseases. On the other hand, mucus hypersecretion in the respiratory tract and goblet cell hyperplasia in the airway epithelium contribute to the morbidity and mortality associated with airway inflammatory diseases. This study, therefore, aimed to examine the effects of GL on airway mucus hyperproduction and define the mechanisms behind these effects. In an in vivo model, GL significantly attenuated goblet cell hyperplasia and MUC5AC mRNA expression in mice treated with lipopolysaccharide or interleukin-4. In addition, GL significantly attenuated MUC5AC protein and mRNA expression by tumor growth factor (TGF)-α in cultured NCI-H292 cells. GL also attenuated TGF-α–stimulated MUC5AC promoter activity in a luciferase reporter gene assay, but did not affect the stability of MUC5AC mRNA. Taken together, we concluded that GL has an inhibitory effect on mucus hyperproduction both in vivo and in vitro and that GL-mediated inhibition may be mediated through the inhibition of MUC5AC gene transcription.[Supplementary Figures: available only at http://dx.doi.org/10.1254/jphs.09344FP]

Antidyslipidaemic activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra in high fructose diet induced dsyslipidaemic Syrian golden hamsters.

The root of Glycyrrhiza glabra is a traditional medicine used mainly for the treatment of peptic ulcer, hepatitis C, pulmonary and skin diseases, although clinical and experimental studies suggest that it has several other useful pharmacological properties such as antiinflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidative, anticancer activities, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective and cardioprotective effects. Glycyrrhizinic acid, a major component of licorice, has antiulcer effect by raising the local concentration of prostaglandins that promote mucous secretion and cell proliferation in the stomach. Glycyrrhizin shows hepatoprotective effect by preventing changes in cell membrane permeability, inhibiting phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) and increasing survival rate of hepatocytes. Glabridin has effect in melanogenesis and inflammation by inhibiting the tyrosinase activity of melanocytes. α-glycyhrritinic acid exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting glucocorticoid metabolism. In present study ethanolic (95%) extract of root of Glycyrrhiza glabra and its fractions were investigated for its antidyslipidaemic activity on HFD induced dyslipidaemic hamsters. Ethanolic extract and its ethyl acetate soluble, water soluble and hexane soluble fractions decreased serum level of total cholesterol by 25.9, 38.0, 39.0 and 26.3%, respectively. On the other hand ethanolic extract, ethyl acetate soluble, water soluble and hexane soluble fraction increased the serum HDL-cholesterol level by 14.8, 34.3, 27.3 and 17.2%, respectively. Ethanolic extract, ethyl acetate fraction, aqueous fraction and hexane fraction decreased triglyceride level by 31.3, 37.2, 41.2 and 28.9%, respectively. The reduction in LDL-cholesterol level by ethanolic extract, ethyl acetate soluble fraction and water soluble fraction were 43.9, 31.0, 33.4 and 24.6%, respectively.

Inhibition of fulminant hepatitis by liquiritigenin, a licorice flavonoid, as a consequence of the induction of hepatic transporters and phase II enzymes

Liquiritigenin (LQ), an active component in licorice, has an inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced iNOS expression. This study investigated the effects of LQ on the expression of hepatic transporters and phase II enzymes, and on galactosamine/LPS‐induced fulminant hepatitis. Immunoblot and RT‐PCR analyses showed that the protein and mRNA levels of MRP2 and BSEP were increased in the liver of rats treated with LQ. Induction of hepatic transporters was verified by their increased localizations in canalicular membrane. In addition, LQ treatment enhanced the expression levels of major hepatic phase II enzymes. LQ treatments attenuated galactosamine/LPS‐induced hepatitis in rats, as supported by decreases in the plasma ALT, liver necrosis and plasma TNF‐alpha. Consistent with these, intravenous administration of LQ elevated bile flow rate and biliary excretion of bile acid, GSH and bilirubin. These results demonstrate that LQ has the ability to induce transporters and phase II enzymes in the liver, which may be associated with a hepatoprotective and choleretic effect. Our findings may provide insight into understanding the action of LQ and the therapeutic use of licorice for liver disease.

Liquiritigenin, a flavonoid aglycone from licorice, has a choleretic effect and the ability to induce hepatic transporters and phase-II enzymes

Liquiritigenin (LQ), an active component of licorice, has an inhibitory effect on LPS-induced inhibitory nitric oxide synthase expression. This study investigated the effects of LQ on choleresis, the expression of hepatic transporters and phase-II enzymes, and fulminant hepatitis. The choleretic effect and the pharmacokinetics of LQ and its glucuronides were monitored in rats. After intravenous administration of LQ, the total area under the plasma concentration-time curve of glucuronyl metabolites was greater than that of LQ in plasma, which accompanied elevations in bile flow rate and biliary excretion of bile acid, glutathione, and bilirubin. The expressions of hepatocellular transporters and phase-II enzymes were assessed by immunoblots, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry. In the livers of rats treated with LQ, the protein and mRNA levels of multidrug resistance protein 2 and bile salt export pump were increased in the liver, which was verified by their increased localizations in canalicular membrane. In addition, LQ treatment enhanced the expression levels of major hepatic phase-II enzymes. Consistent with these results, LQ treatments attenuated galactosamine/LPS-induced hepatitis in rats, as supported by decreases in the plasma alanine aminotransferase, liver necrosis, and plasma TNF-alpha. These results demonstrate that LQ has a choleretic effect and the ability to induce transporters and phase-II enzymes in the liver, which may be associated with a hepatoprotective effect against galactosamine/LPS. Our findings may provide insight into understanding the action of LQ and its therapeutic use for liver disease.

Identification of Escherichia coli enterotoxin inhibitors from traditional medicinal herbs by in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analyses

Ethnopharmacological relevance Glycyrrhiza uralensis has been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea, in several ancient cultures. Glycyrrhizin is the principal component of liquorice and lots of pharmacological effects have been demonstrated. Aim of the study Heat-labile enterotoxin (LT), the virulence factor of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, induces diarrhea by initially binding to the G M1 on the surfaces of intestinal epithelial cells and consequently leading to the massive loss of fluid and ions from cells. Therefore, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of traditional medicinal herbs (TMH) on the B subunit of LT (LTB) and G M1 interaction. Materials and methods The inhibitory effects of TMH on LTB-G M1 interaction were evaluated by G M1-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The likely active phytochemicals of these TMH were then predicted by in silico model (docking) and analyzed by in vitro (G M1-ELISA) and in vivo (patent mouse gut assay) models. Results We found that various TMH, which have been ethnomedically used for the treatment of diarrhea, inhibited the LTB-G M1 interaction. Docking data showed that triterpenoids were the most active phytochemicals and the oleanane-type triterpenoids presented better LTB-binding abilities than other types of triterpenoids. Moreover, by in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrated that glycyrrhizin was the most effective oleanane-type triterpenoid that significantly suppressed both the LTB-binding ability (IC 50 = 3.26 ± 0.17 mM) and the LT-induced fluid accumulation in mice. Conclusions We found an LT inhibitor, glycyrrhizin, from TMH by in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analyses.

Antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of water distillate and its dichloromethane extract from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) and chemical composition of dichloromethane extract

AbstractBACKGROUND:Licorice root is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs and its medicinal properties, such as antibacterial, anti‐ulcer, anti‐tumorigenic and anti‐atherosclerotic activities, have been widely reported. However, there are only a few reports on basic chemical and biological studies of the water distilled components of licorice root.RESULTS:Chinese licorice root was water distilled and the distillate was subsequently extracted with dichloromethane. Residual aqueous solution from the extraction was fractionated using column chromatography. A total of 127 chemicals were identified in the dichloromethane extract, which inhibited hexanal oxidation by over 90% for 45 days at the level of 50 µg mL−1. A fraction eluted from the residual aqueous solution with acetone exhibited potent antioxidant activities both in a thiobarbituric acid assay and in a malonaldehyde/gas chromatography assay. The acetone fraction also exhibited strong anti‐inflammatory activity (77.9% inhibition at the level of 62 µg mL−1) in a lipoxygenenase inhibitor screening anti‐inflammatory assay.CONCLUSION:This study demonstrated the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of the water distillate obtained from Chinese licorice root. Some volatile chemicals among the many components identified in the water distillate exhibited antioxidant activity, suggesting that many medicinal compounds escape with water vapor into the ambient air during the preparation of herbal medicine. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry

Study of Separation Conditions of Active Components in Licorice with Two‐Dimensional Liquid Chromatography

Licorice, an important natural plant, mainly contains triterpenoids and flavonoids. Glycyrrhizic acid (glycyrrhizin), 18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritin, isoliquiritigenin, and licochalcone B are typical active components in the two groups. The combination of the RP‐RP system was constructed for studying the separation conditions of the above five active components. The different retention characteristics of the five components were exhibited in different two dimensional phase systems. The influences of flow rates, injection concentrations, and temperatures on the separation of these components were studied. The results show that a proper decrease of flow rate is good for gaining high purity of the product. The influences of injection concentration on the separation of active components in a two‐dimensional system are not obvious; in the chosen concentration range the nonlinearity of adsorption isotherm for liquiritin is weaker. The study on the influence of temperature and the corresponding thermodynamic analysis show the influence of temperature on the second column is not obvious, but is obvious on the first column; adjusting temperature properly will improve the efficiency of two‐dimensional separation and decrease the consumption of organic solvent.

Inhibitory Effects of Isoliquiritigenin and Licorice Extract on Voltage-Dependent K+ Currents in H9c2 Cells

The effect of isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a component of licorice, on the voltage-dependent, ultra-rapidly activating delayed-rectifier K+ current (IKur) was examined in H9c2 cells, a cell-line derived from rat cardiac myoblasts. IKur was recorded using the whole-cell patch clamp method with a pipette solution containing 140 mM K+. Depolarizing voltage pulses of 200-ms duration were given with 10-mV steps every 10 s from − 40 mV holding potential. ISL inhibited IKur in a concentration-dependent manner. The median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ISL was approximately 0.11 μM and the Hill coefficient was 0.71. Using CHO cells expressing Kv1.5 IKur channels, ISL also inhibited Kv1.5 IKur, but less potently than the IKur current in H9c2 cells. Furthermore, in H9c2 cells, the licorice extract itself inhibited IKur in a manner similar to ISL. We conclude that ISL, one component of licorice, is a potent inhibitor of K+ channels, which specifically in H9c2 cells could be Kv2.1, and that this inhibition may be involved in various pharmacological effects of licorice.

Glabridin, a functional compound of liquorice, attenuates colonic inflammation in mice with dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by detrimental immune reactivity in the gut, and the imbalance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory reactivity. The aims of this study were to determine whether oral administration of glabridin, a functional component of liquorice, could ameliorate dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, as well as to understand the possible underlying mechanisms. Acute experimental colitis was induced in BALB/c mice by treatment with 5% DSS for 7 days. Glabridin (10 or 50 mg/kg/day) was given for 7 days. Treatment with glabridin significantly attenuated mortality, loss of body weight, shortening of the colon and severe clinical symptoms. This was associated with a remarkable amelioration of the disruption of the colonic architecture, a significant reduction in colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and the production of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG) E2, and proinflammatory cytokines. These results suggest that glabridin-mediated anti-inflammatory action on colorectal sites may be a useful therapeutic approach to IBD.

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the growth, nutrient uptake and glycyrrhizin production of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch)

The growth of licorice in arid areas faces nutritional and environmental stresses. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have been shown to increase the abilities of plants to develop. However, little is known regarding the role of AM fungi in licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) growth. In the present study, by inoculation with two AM fungi, Glomus mosseae (Nicolson & Gerdemann) Gerd. & Trappe and Glomus veriforme (P. Karst.), the effects on licorice growth in sand were examined by measuring plant height, number of leaves, shoot and root fresh weight, and by analyzing morphological parameters of the root system in sand. The influence of the two microorganisms on the accumulation of mineral nutritions and bioactive components in licorice were also investigated. The results showed that mycorrhyzae were of the Arum-type and their colonization frequency (F %), colonization intensity (M %) and colonization intensity (m %) of AM fungi inoculation were found to be 80.0–84.6%, 49.4–60.0% and 58.4–71.9%, respectively. The inoculation significantly improved plant growth during early and late growth stages in comparison with the control. Moreover, inoculation of G. mosseae and G. versiforme, alone or in combination, improved plant phosphorus acquisition in the leaf over non-inoculation plants. In addition, mycorrhiza formation enhanced the glycyrrhizin concentration in roots, but resulted in a considerable reduction of the root oxidase activity. The results indicate that the inoculation with AM fungi could be a useful approach to increase the licorice pharmic quality.